53121

Actors, comedians and circus performers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Art, culture, recreation & sport

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Definition

Actors, comedians and circus performers perform roles and circus skills in circuses, motion picture, television, theatre and radio productions to entertain a variety of audiences. They are employed by motion picture, television, circuses, theatre and other production companies. This unit group includes acting teachers employed by private acting schools.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Actors and comedians
Study and rehearse lines, gestures and expressions to interpret a role
Portray roles in video or motion picture productions, television shows, theatre productions, radio dramas, commercials and other productions or perform the narration
Sing or dance as required by specific roles
Perform comedy acts in nightclubs alone or as members of comedy troupes
Improvise a role.
Acting teachers
Train students in interpretation of scripts, speech, movement, and dramatic theory
Prepare acting students for specific auditions and performances.
Circus performers
Perform a variety of acts intended to amaze, thrill, and engage audiences
Conceptualize and choreograph original performances
Study and perform acrobatic and aerial skills required by specific circus shows.
May participate in the development of a director or ringmaster's vision

Example job titles

•acrobat
•acting teacher - private or studio
•actor/actress
•circus performer
•clown
•comedian
•drama teacher - private or studio
•narrator

Overview

Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 53121 encompasses actors, comedians, and circus performers. These professionals portray roles in motion pictures, television, theatre, commercials, or perform stand-up comedy, circus, or variety acts. Classified under TEER 3, individuals in this group are typically employed by motion picture, television, and theatre production companies, or they may operate as self-employed professionals. Main duties include studying scripts, rehearsing lines, portraying characters, and performing physical feats such as acrobatics or juggling.

To meet the requirements for NOC 53121, candidates must demonstrate acting, comedic, or circus performing ability, typically shown through auditions, portfolios, or past performances. While formal training at an acting school or theatre program is highly common, it is not strictly mandatory for all roles. Depending on their employment structure and experience, eligible performers may explore Canadian immigration pathways such as the Self-Employed Persons Program or relevant Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and up-to-date guidance, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.