Working as an entertainer abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as an entertainer abroad like?

• While others end their vacation with a drink, for an entertainer the real work begins. Working as an entertainer abroad revolves around performing, presenting, and performing in an international environment.
• Entertainers provide the show: from singing, dancing, and theater to comedy, acrobatics, presentations, or interactive performances.
• The work is often found in places where entertainment is part of the experience: resorts, hotels, cruise ships, holiday parks, festivals, nightclubs, or international events.
• Sometimes on a large stage with lighting and sound, sometimes in an intimate setting, but always with an audience eager for the show.
• Duties: Depending on your specialization and employer, your duties may include:
  • Performing shows, acts, or performances (solo or in a group).
  • Singing, dancing, acting, presenting, or other forms of performance.
  • Rehearsals, sound checks, and show preparations.
  • Collaborating with choreographers, technicians, directors, and other performers. Sometimes: improvising, responding to audience demands, or making last-minute program changes.
  • Being presentable off-stage (for example, at meet-and-greets).
• Working conditions:
  • Contracts are often temporary or seasonal, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
  • Compensation may include salary, wages, tips, and room and board.
  • Working days are often in the evenings and at night; rehearsals or rest are held during the day.
  • The bar is higher than in animation work: quality, presentation, and discipline are paramount.
• Competition can be fierce; auditions or demos are often part of the selection process.

What are the reasons for working as an entertainer abroad?

• To develop self-confidence: performing for international audiences teaches you to stand your ground, even when things get nerve-wracking.
• To utilize creativity: you work daily with expression, form, and presentation.
• To be authentic: in a world full of entertainers you learn to be authentic and develop your own style.
• To develop perseverance: rehearsals, long evenings, and performance pressure are all part of the experience, and they make you stronger.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as an entertainer abroad?

• Self-confidence: you're literally in the spotlight.
• Creativity: every show requires expression and adaptation.
• To be stress resistant: performing is fun, but also hard work.
• Communication skills: with audiences, colleagues, and crew.
• Collaboration skills: you hardly ever do a show alone.

What are the best countries and locations to work as an entertainer abroad?

• Countries with large resort and show industries: Spain, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Dominican Republic.
• Countries with cruises, shows, and events: the US, Bahamas, Italy, France.
• Countries with entertainment, festivals, and nightlife: Thailand, Bali, Japan, South Africa, the UK.

What are the risks of working as an entertainer abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as an entertainer abroad?
  • It often happens that:
  • physical strain occurs: dancing, singing, or acrobatics can lead to muscle, voice, or joint problems.
  • performances take place under pressure: mental stress and fatigue are common.
  • you are dependent on local healthcare: medical costs can be high and the quality can vary.
  • work is performed at height or with technical equipment: falls, hearing damage, or accidents with light and sound are real risks.
  • you are held liable: for example, in the event of damage during a performance.
• Are you insured while working as an entertainer abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.