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Performer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Music Performer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Attention performers! Whether you strum, sing, or swing to the beat, our residents would love to see you shine! Volunteer your time to perform music or dance and create moments of laughter, rhythm ...

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Performer information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$61

How much do performer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for performer in California is $29.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.71 and $48.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a performer?

Performers are individuals who entertain an audience by acting, singing, dancing, or using other artistic talents on stage, in film, on television, or at live events. They bring stories and characters to life through their skills and creativity. Performers can work in a variety of settings, including theaters, concert halls, television studios, and more. Their work often requires rehearsal, collaboration with others, and adapting to different roles or performances.

What does a performer do?

There are many types of performer positions, and depending on what you do, your responsibilities can include singing, dancing, or acting in front of an audience or in a pre-recorded setting. There are positions available as a musician playing an instrument or conducting, as a comedian performing comedy, and as an actor in live theater. As an actor, you can get a job working on TV or film or on the radio as a voice actor. As a dancer or singer, there are many live performance opportunities with professional theater, on cruise ships, in hotels, in nightclubs, and more. As a stunt performer, you perform various stunts for a movie actor that does not have the expertise to do so safely. General duties as a performer include entertaining guests, ensuring audiences enjoy each show, and interacting with them afterward to take pictures or sign autographs on occasion.

What skills and qualifications do I need to be a performer?

To thrive as a Performer, you need talent in your chosen discipline (such as acting, singing, or dancing), along with formal training or relevant experience. Familiarity with stage equipment, sound systems, and industry-standard audition processes is common, and some roles may require union membership. Confidence, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills help performers connect with audiences and work collaboratively with directors and castmates. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering compelling performances, building a professional reputation, and navigating the competitive entertainment industry.

What are some common challenges performers face when working in live productions, and how can they overcome them?

Performers in live productions often encounter challenges such as stage fright, unpredictable audience reactions, and technical issues like sound or lighting problems. To overcome these, many performers rely on thorough rehearsal, strong communication with stage crew and directors, and developing techniques to manage nerves, such as breathing exercises or visualization. Building resilience and adaptability is key, as live environments can change quickly and require performers to adjust on the spot. Regular feedback from peers and directors also helps in continuous improvement and confidence building.

What is the difference between Performer vs Dancer?

AspectPerformerDancer
CredentialsVaries; often includes acting, singing, or specialized trainingDance training, certifications, or dance school experience
Work EnvironmentStage, film, television, live eventsDance studios, theaters, stage performances
Industry UsageBroadly used across entertainment sectorsPrimarily in dance and performing arts

Performers encompass a wide range of entertainment roles, including singing, acting, and dancing, often requiring diverse skills and credentials. Dancers specifically focus on dance skills and training. While all dancers are performers, not all performers are dancers. The choice depends on the specific skills and industry focus.

More about Performer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Performer jobs in California?

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For Performer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Performer jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Performer job openings:

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For Performer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Performer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,512 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Specialty Performer

Long Beach, CA • On-site

THIRTEENTH FLOOR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about THIRTEENTH FLOOR ENTERTAINMENT GROUPexternal

$21 - $22/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Specialty Performer – Seasonal

Long Beach CA  | Seasonal | Sept - Nov

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group is the nation's leading creator of immersive, story-driven entertainment—and proudly the world's largest operator of Halloween attractions. With eighteen markets spanning Florida to California and millions of guests thrilled each year, we don't just produce events. We redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Denver and powered by a team of fearless creators, we've built a culture where curiosity, collaboration, and a relentless drive to go beyond expectations are the standard—not the exception. When you join Thirteenth Floor, you're not just taking a job. You're stepping into the magic behind the screams.

Returning Applicants: If you have worked for Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group in a prior season, please contact your location manager directly regarding rehire status. Do not submit a new application through the online system.

Job Summary

Dark Harbor is seeking talented, energetic, and immersive specialty performers to help bring the world of Dark Harbor to life aboard the Queen Mary. We are looking for performers with strong movement, physical performance, interactive entertainment, stunt, circus, theatrical, musical, or atmospheric experience to create memorable guest experiences throughout the event.

Specialty performers may work in mazes, themed zones, live entertainment spaces, roaming streetmosphere, stage productions, atmospheric activations, or specialty performance installations throughout the event.

What we are looking for

Stilt Walkers, Dancers, Ground-Based Aerialists (Lyra/Chains), Contortionists, Tumblers, Sliders, Jugglers, Breakdancers, Parkour / Freerunning Performers, Martial Artists, Stage Combat Performers, Stunt Performers, Fire Performers, Knife Throwers, Strongman / Strongwoman Acts, Escape Artists, Sword Swallowers, Magicians / Illusionists, Balloon Artists, Unicyclists, Puppeteers, Mime Artists, Clowns / Physical Comedians, Sideshow Performers, Fortune Tellers, Hypnotists, Street Musicians / Drummers, Mascot Performers, Interactive Improv Performers, Streetmosphere Performers, LED / Projection-Reactive Performers, Pyrotechnic / Special Effects Performers

What we’re looking for

  • Age 18 or older at time of hire.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Prior experience in live performance, circus arts, immersive entertainment, or other specialty performing is strongly preferred.
  • Comfortable working in dark, loud environments with strobe lights, fog, themed décor, and close guest interaction.
  • Able to stand and perform for extended periods and work evenings, weekends, and holidays during the event season.

Application requirements
To be considered, applicants must submit:

  • Applicants may be asked to submit a video reel, portfolio, or other examples of past work that clearly demonstrate their unique performance skills and stage presence.

Compensation and classification

  • This is a seasonal, non-exempt position; employees are paid hourly and are eligible for applicable overtime, meal/rest breaks, and other protections under California law.
  • Seasonal employees have the same basic rights to minimum wage and other core protections as non-seasonal employees in California.

Safety and insurance requirements for certain acts

  • Due to the increased risk associated with certain types of performances (including but not limited to fire, pyrotechnic, aerial, stunt, or similar highrisk acts), performers offering these acts may be required to carry their own general liability insurance and provide a valid certificate of insurance naming Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group and the event venue as additional insureds. Final approval of any highrisk act is subject to our safety policies, venue requirements, and proof of appropriate insurance coverage.
Compensation & Employment Details

Hourly Rate: $21.00 to 22.00 hr based on skill and experience 
Employment Type: Seasonal/Temporary
Expected Season Duration: Late September – Early November 2026
Work Schedule: Evenings, weekends, and holidays required during operational season

This is a seasonal/temporary position with an anticipated end date. Employment beyond the stated season is not guaranteed.

Pursuant to California SB 1162, the hourly pay rate for this position is listed above. Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group will not request or consider salary history in making compensation decisions.

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group participates in E-Verify. As required by federal law, we will verify the identity and employment eligibility of all hired individuals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act (AB 1008). You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the hiring process by contacting hr@thirteenthfloor.com

Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), applicants are entitled to know what personal information is collected during the hiring process and how it is used. To review our Applicant Privacy Notice, visit [link] or contact HR at the email above.

Applicant Privacy Notice – California Residents

In connection with your application for employment, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group ("TFEG") collects personal information about applicants as permitted and required by law. The categories of personal information we may collect include: identifiers (such as name, address, email, and phone number); professional and employment-related information (such as work history, references, and qualifications); education information; and background check information where applicable and permitted. This information is collected for the purpose of evaluating your candidacy, processing your application, and fulfilling our legal obligations as an employer. We do not sell applicants' personal information. Personal information collected during the hiring process is retained in accordance with applicable law and our internal data retention policies. If you have questions about how your personal information is collected or used, please contact Human Resources at hr@thirteenthfloor.com.

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