Overview
Actors, comedians and circus performers perform roles and circus skills in circuses, motion picture, television, theatre and radio productions to entertain a variety of audiences. They are employed by motion picture, television, circuses, theatre and other production companies. This unit group includes acting teachers employed by private acting schools.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Actors and comedians
Study and rehearse lines, gestures and expressions to interpret a role
Portray roles in video or motion picture productions, television shows, theatre productions, radio dramas, commercials and other productions or perform the narration
Sing or dance as required by specific roles
Perform comedy acts in nightclubs alone or as members of comedy troupes
Improvise a role.
Acting teachers
Train students in interpretation of scripts, speech, movement, and dramatic theory
Prepare acting students for specific auditions and performances.
Circus performers
Perform a variety of acts intended to amaze, thrill, and engage audiences
Conceptualize and choreograph original performances
Study and perform acrobatic and aerial skills required by specific circus shows.
May participate in the development of a director or ringmaster's vision
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$34,934
$45,883
$89,347
Job openings
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British Columbia
688expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Demonstrated ability, based on an audition or previous acting or circus roles, is an important hiring criteria.
Circus performers and acrobats may require a period of study at a circus school.
Acting programs are offered at universities, colleges and private acting schools.
Certification requirements
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.