FACTSHEET - Variety Artist
Variety Artist
Variety encompasses a very wide field, involving many kinds of artists working across a wide range of venues and media. Variety Artists include Singers; Dancers of all kinds, from belly dancers to dancing troupes; Circus performers, such as clowns and acrobats; Magicians and Illusionists; Children's entertainers; Comedians; Look-alike artists and Tribute acts; Ventriloquists; Musicians; Street Artists; and Speciality performers, such as Sword Swallowers. Most of their work is performed live, or on occasional specialist television productions such as the Royal Variety Performance or Cirque du Soleil, or Stand Up comedy shows, or when a performer with a specific skill is required for a particular project, e.g., for a television commercial, or for cameo roles in film productions. Variety acts on radio are mainly Comedians. Please note that as Variety covers a broad sweep of work, other relevant information is provided in the Dancers' and Singers', Stand Up Comedians' and Puppeteers' factsheets.
What is the job?
Variety Artists entertain people of all ages and backgrounds, working all over the UK and in other countries. They usually write their own material, devise their own acts, and run their careers as small businesses. Many make their own props, or source specialist suppliers. As they have a range of performance skills, Variety Artists are also often employed as professional Walk-on artists on television and film productions. Variety Artists must maintain and develop their skills by regularly rehearsing their acts, updating their repertoire, undertaking any required training, keeping up to date with technology, working on their entrances and exits, as well as on the core of the performance, trying out different looks and keeping them up to date or authentic, e.g., if they are involved in a Seventies band or tribute act. They should keep up with changing trends so that their material remains fresh. Most Variety Artists are "self-contained"; they maintain and transport their own costumes and props, PA systems, backing tracks on mini-disk, or music for a band. The work involves a great deal of travelling, and very long hours. Variety Artists are usually self-employed, and may occasionally employ other performers in their act.
Typical career routes
Variety Artists come from all backgrounds and work areas. They usually discover their talents when they are young and work independently to develop their acts. There are no standard career routes, but they may begin by taking part in talent competitions, or by working at holiday parks as part of the entertainment team, or they may try to get slots at local clubs. They usually progress to supporting more well-known acts or to working in better-known or bigger venues. They may try to attract the interest of an agent or promoter, or try to get bookings for themselves by contacting bookers, broadcasters, and production companies, visiting venues, talking to other artists, putting their details into directories, and self-promotion. Those who work in the audio visual sector are usually employed because their act is known from their live performance work. Employers occasionally advertise for specific types of Variety Artists, e.g. clowns or ventriloquists for commercials' campaigns, acrobats for reality television projects, etc.
Essential knowledge and skills
Talent and a love of performing are essential. A knowledge of good business practices is as essential as creative talent. Variety Artists must be technically competent, and aware of the relevant legislation regarding Health and Safety, noise levels, electronic equipment testing, copyright and working with children. They should know how to prepare for and perform at auditions, and showcases. They must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working live or on film and television sets and locations, and of the importance of interacting at appropriate times, and with the relevant people. They should be prepared to accept direction, and to respond to requests quickly and without fuss. They also need to be aware of how their performance may be affected by: the types and positions of microphones, cameras and cables; different lighting techniques; and the requirements of different venues, sets and locations.
Key skills include:
- Stamina and good fitness levels (depending on the type of act)
- The ability to communicate and cooperate with people at all levels
- A current driving licence
- Networking and entrepreneurial skills
- Good time management and administrative skills
- An understanding and appreciation of the creative production process
Training and qualifications
There are no courses specifically for Variety Artists although there are training centres for circus performers. Some Variety Artists undertake performing arts courses, either part time at weekends or full-time in colleges, e.g., BTEC Performing Arts courses, or degree courses. Very few Variety Artists attend Drama Schools, and most train on the job, building up their skills through experience. Dancers usually go to dance classes from a very young age, and singers take singing lessons to maintain their voices, however, the majority of Variety Artists are self-taught, e.g., magicians, ventriloquists, etc.
Where to go for more information
Equity is the trade union representing performers across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Live and Recorded Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk
The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. www.thestage.co.uk. The Stage also has a directory of Variety Artists and Agents - www.showcall.co.uk and runs two Showcase events annually.
Circus Space, London www.thecircusspace.co.uk; Circomedia, Bristol, www.circomedia.com
The Circus Arts Forum, www.circusarts.org.uk
Comedy school, London, www.thecomedyschool.com
Magic Circle, www.themagiccircle.co.uk
NEAC: National Entertainment Agencies Council (association of entertainment agents) www.neac.org.uk
The Agents' Association (Great Britain) www.agents-uk.com
BBC www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/talent
CC Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries. For information about training and professional qualifications, visit the website www.ccskills.org.uk T. 020 7089 5866
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. For information about training, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database, visit the website www.skillset.org. Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit the website www.skillset.org/careers