How to become an Entertainer or Variety Performer
Entertains by performing a variety of acts using a mix of acting, singing, dance and movement skills.
Main tasks
- Creates and performs individual performance routines that can include acting, singing, dancing and speaking
- Collaborates with other entertainers and artists to create joint performances
- Creates and maintains costumes, props and sets for performances
- Adapts performances to suit different venues and audiences
- Promotes performances through marketing and advertising efforts
- Attends auditions and casting calls to secure performance opportunities
- Manages and maintains personal brand and image
Ways in
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Music (CUA60520); Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events (CUA30220); Certificate III in Dance (CUA30120); Certificate II in Dance (CUA20120); Certificate II in Music (CUA20620); Certificate IV in Community Culture (CUA40220); Certificate IV in Musical Theatre (CUA40520); Diploma of Musical Theatre (CUA50220)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $87,984 a year
- About 7,900 people work in this job group now, and about 8,800 are projected by 2035. (+11.7%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Entertainer or Variety Performer?
Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Advanced Diploma of Music; Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events.
How much does an Entertainer or Variety Performer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $87,984 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Entertainer or Variety Performer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 7,900 to about 8,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Entertainer or Variety Performer?
Not always. 31% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Advanced Diploma of Music; Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events.
Will AI change the work of an Entertainer or Variety Performer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04