53121 - Actors, Comedians, and Circus Performers
Broad Occupation Category
5 - Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport.
TEER
3 - Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years, or significant on-the-job training.
Major Group
53 - Occupations in art, culture, and sport.
Sub-major Group
531 - Occupations in art and culture.
Minor Group
5312 - Occupations in creative and performing art.
Main Duties
Actors, Comedians, and Circus Performers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Study and rehearse scripts, gestures, and expressions to perform roles
- Portray characters in films, television programs, theatre productions, radio dramas, and commercials
- Perform narration for documentaries, voiceovers, or other productions
- Sing, dance, or perform physical acts when required by specific roles
- Perform comedy routines individually or as part of a troupe
- Improvise roles and develop original performances
- Train students in acting techniques, voice control, movement, and dramatic interpretation
- Prepare students for auditions and stage performances
- Perform acrobatic, aerial, and physical acts in circus productions
- Design and choreograph original performance routines
- Practice specialized techniques such as juggling, aerial acts, or acrobatics
- Collaborate with directors, choreographers, and production teams
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and benefits associated with this occupation in Canada:
- Demonstrated performance ability through auditions or prior roles is a key hiring requirement.
- Training in acting, performing arts, or circus arts from universities, colleges, or private schools may be required.
- Circus performers may require specialized training at circus schools or academies.
- Acting teachers generally require prior professional acting experience.
- Membership in professional unions or guilds may be required for certain roles.
- Strong portfolio, reputation, and industry experience are critical for career advancement.
- Many roles are freelance or contract-based, offering flexible work opportunities.
Actors, Comedians, and Circus Performers Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)14.00
Median ($/hour)18.75
High ($/hour)37.00
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)16.75
Median ($/hour)18.00
High ($/hour)45.00
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)15.50
Median ($/hour)19.00
High ($/hour)37.50
Community/AreaQuebec
Low ($/hour)15.25
Median ($/hour)20.00
High ($/hour)36.33
