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What does a performer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Frank Martignetti Ph.D.

A performer is responsible for entertaining guests by expressing their talents through different arts and expertise while earning. Performers must have excellent communication skills, especially that they regularly interact with people to showcase their capabilities for the audience's enjoyment. They work with various production and stage professionals to ensure smooth transitions and developments of live programs and exhibitions. A performer also handles costumes and props, assists on stage designs, and participates in run-throughs for the audience's optimal experience.

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Performer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real performer resumes:

  • Set up and run bounce houses.
  • Perform squib hits, falls, fights, ratchets, etc.
  • Host for dance shows and improv shows.
  • Foster strong Chick-fil-a brand recognition and image.
  • Maintain ability to improv while interacting with guests.
  • Preform all office functions for a small business.
  • Maintain all business records, contracts, invoices and collections.
  • Develop and implement a new, adult theme comedic karaoke show.
  • Analyze karaoke trends and compile market research data to inform planning and strategy.
  • Book shows and events, including bars, weddings, and children s shows.
  • Maintain a precise time schedule to ensure daily operations run smoothly with minimal supervision.
  • Greet guests from around the world onto the boat with leis and a hula dance.
  • Provide technical support by creating props, building sets, sewing costumes, styling wigs, and assisting in set change-overs/strike.
  • Provide high-energy musical entertainment while hosting interactive bars and lounges.
  • Experience with using most dj relate audio as well as the setup and breaking down of it.

Performer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 35% of Performers are proficient in Guest Service, Safety Procedures, and Costumes.

We break down the percentage of Performers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Guest Service, 35%

    Delivered exceptional guest service skills daily to ensure superior quality experiences as a performer.

  • Safety Procedures, 20%

    Make sure to follow all safety procedures.

  • Costumes, 12%

    Provided technical support by creating props, building sets, sewing costumes, styling wigs, and assisting in set change-overs/strike.

  • Character Integrity, 6%

    Balanced the visitors experience with corporate vision by conversing as the character while maintaining character integrity.

  • Public Speaking, 5%

    Demonstrated strong public speaking and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to manage guests with efficiency and courtesy.

  • Guest Interaction, 5%

    Utilize time management skills in order to maximize efficiency within guest interactions.

Common skills that a performer uses to do their job include "guest service," "safety procedures," and "costumes." You can find details on the most important performer responsibilities below.

Most common performer skills

The three companies that hire the most performers are:

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Compare different performers

Performer vs. Magician

A mascot is part of a company's strategy to build identity, define its objectives, and uplift its morale. Applying as a mascot requires dedication and commitment as it is not simple to wear a hot and heavy costume for extended periods of time. A mascot ensures that the personality of the company and the mascot are expressed visibly. For other purposes, mascots are often used to invoke joy and laughter, especially for children during birthdays and holidays.

If we compare the average performer annual salary with that of a magician, we find that magicians typically earn a $1 lower salary than performers make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between performers and magicians are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like costumes, repeat business, and corporate events.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between performers and magician. For instance, performer responsibilities require skills such as "guest service," "excellent guest," "safety procedures," and "character integrity." Whereas a magician is skilled in "private parties," "trade shows," "outbound calls," and "html." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Magicians tend to reach similar levels of education than performers. In fact, magicians are 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Performer vs. Mascot

A career as a mascot brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a performer. In fact, mascots salary is $1 lower than the salary of performers per year.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that performer responsibilities requires skills like "guest service," "excellent guest," "safety procedures," and "character integrity." But a mascot might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "community appearances," "animation," "giveaways," and "local community."

Average education levels between the two professions vary. Mascots tend to reach similar levels of education than performers. In fact, they're 3.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for performers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank Martignetti Ph.D.Frank Martignetti Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Chair, Assistant Professor of Music, University of Bridgeport

For music educators, current and emerging technologies for communication, collaboration, recording, and editing have become more critical than ever before. This trend will continue.

For performers and content creators, methods of disseminating performances over the internet through live streaming paid video platforms allowing subscriptions and ticket sales, and other ways to share their art with an audience will become ever more critical. Upgrades in HVAC related to COVID and other illnesses are vital for the live performing arts to return.

Performer vs. Clown

On average, clowns earn lower salaries than performers, with a $0 difference per year.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from performer resumes include skills like "guest service," "excellent guest," "safety procedures," and "character integrity," whereas a clown is more likely to list skills in "comedy," "private parties," "sketch," and "body movements. "

When it comes to education, clowns tend to earn similar degree levels compared to performers. In fact, they're 4.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Performer vs. Continuity director

Continuity directors average a lower salary than the annual salary of performers. The difference is about $3 per year.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "guest service," "excellent guest," "safety procedures," and "costumes" are skills that commonly show up on performer resumes. On the other hand, continuity directors use skills like lean six sigma, sigma, lean manufacturing, and account executives on their resumes.In general, continuity directors hold higher degree levels compared to performers. Continuity directors are 6.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of performer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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