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Performer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Performer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$30

$64

How much do performer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for performer in Chicago, IL is $31.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.52 and $50.83 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Performer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Performer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Performer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Performer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Performer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,477 per year, or $31 per hour.

Entertainment Performer

Santa's Village LLC

East Dundee, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Santas Village rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 57 rated amusements

Job description

Mascot Performer (Seasonal)
Job Description:
The Mascot Performer at SV are responsible for:
  • Portraying character to support the tie into the park.
  • Adhering to dialogue and prop usage as directed.
  • Continuously focusing energy to provide fresh appearances.
  • Focusing connectivity with the audience while in costume.
  • Being quick and accurate with creativity and judgment calls.
  • Understanding and actively participating in Environmental, Health amp; Safety responsibilities by following established SVAP policies, procedures, and training.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
To perform the role of the Mascot Performer successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Consistent attendance is a job requirement.
  • On Track for a High school degree or GED highly preferred.
  • Performing experience preferred.
  • Ability to read a limited number of two- and three- syllable words and to recognize similarities and differences between words and between series of numbers.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.
  • Ability to respond to common inquiries from guests, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the Mascot Performer job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, or hear, and climb or balance. The individual is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms.
  • For certain roles, individuals must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and support this weight on the neck and shoulders.
  • For certain roles, individuals must have the ability to work with limited visibility, movement and within the confines of character costume which can weigh as much as 20-50 pounds.
  • Performers must be able to operate in outdoor conditions.
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of the Mascot Performer job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions; frequently exposed to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), occasionally exposed to extreme cold (non-weather).
  • While performing this job, the noise level in the work environment is loud.
  • Works in tight, dark spaces.
Benefits:
Benefits listed below apply to all employees. Free admission and tickets for family and friends are for employees in good standing.
  • Accrued PTO
  • 25% Off General Merchandise
  • 50% Off Apparel
  • 50% Off on All Food Purchases While Working
  • Free Carbonated Drinks in Employee Lounge While Working
  • Free Admissions for Employees
  • Up to 4 Free Monthly Tickets for Family and Friends
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you are interested in this position and you have what it takes to be a part of SV, click on “Apply for this position”. We regret that due to the volume of responses, only applicants of interest will be contacted.

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