Party and private event entertainer

Parents, families and hosts planning private events, plus small companies hosting staff parties.

A flat fee per booking, usually priced by show length. You can add paid extras like longer sets, extra performers or travel outside your local area.

• A polished act you can repeat reliably
• Confidence in front of a crowd
• Friendly, easy communication with hosts
• Basic self-promotion and booking

• General liability insurance, since many venues and hosts ask for proof of coverage
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license for entertainers
• Music licensing, since playing recorded or covered music at events can have rules, so check what applies to you
• If you work with children, check whether you need background checks or whether venues require them
• Bookings can be seasonal and uneven, so plan your income accordingly

Startup costs are typically around $200 to $2,000, depending on your act, any props or equipment, and insurance. These are estimates, so start with what your chosen act really needs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many bookings you win and what you charge. Estimates start at about 6 hours a week. Bookings can be seasonal and uneven, so plan your income accordingly.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license for entertainers. Also check general liability insurance, since hosts and venues often ask for proof, music licensing rules for recorded or covered music, and background check requirements if you work with children.