Finding the right entertainment staff makes a big difference to your venue. Whether you run a holiday park, hotel, or leisure centre, your entertainment team creates the experiences that bring guests back. But how do you find good performers and activity leaders?
This guide shows you everything you need to know about hiring entertainment staff.
Why Good Entertainment Staff Matter
Your entertainment staff are the people your guests see most. They create memories, run activities, and keep everyone happy. A great entertainment team turns a good visit into something special.
But hiring entertainers is tricky. You need people who can perform well, talk to guests easily, work evenings and weekends, and stay energetic all season.
What Makes a Good Entertainer
Good entertainment staff need several skills. They must be able to perform, whether that’s singing, dancing, or running games. They need confidence to talk to people of all ages. Customer service skills matter because they spend all day with your guests.
They also need to be flexible. Entertainment schedules change fast because of weather, guest numbers, or special events.
Look for team players too. Entertainers work together, and a supportive team creates better experiences.
Writing Job Descriptions
A clear job description helps you find the right people. It tells applicants what you need and helps them decide if the job suits them.
Include the job title, what entertainment or activities they’ll do, working hours, needed skills and experience, any qualifications required, and what makes your venue good to work at.
Be honest about the hard parts. If the job means working evenings and weekends, say so. If it’s outdoors, mention that. This saves time for everyone.
Many venues work with specialist recruitment services to find good candidates.
Where to Find Entertainment Staff
| Recruitment Method | Good Points | Best For |
| Online job boards | Lots of people see it | Entry-level jobs |
| Specialist agencies | Already checked, know the industry | Seasonal staff |
| Social media | See their skills, talk directly | Creative jobs |
| Universities | Young, keen to learn | New graduates |
| Staff recommendations | Good fit, trusted | All levels |
Different places work better for different jobs. Job boards like Indeed reach lots of people and work well for starter positions.
Entertainment agencies know what to look for in performers and check people before sending them to you. This saves you time.
Instagram and TikTok let you see how people perform. Many entertainers post videos of their work online.
Universities with performing arts courses have keen, trained students. Working with them gives you a steady group of people to hire.
Ask your current staff too. They often know good performers who would fit in well.
Interviewing Entertainment Staff
Interviewing entertainers is different from normal job interviews. You need to see their skills and personality.
Always ask them to show you what they can do. Get singers to perform a song, or ask activity leaders to show you a game. This tells you much more than just talking.
Ask questions about real situations. For example, “What would you do if a guest didn’t want to join in?” or “What if your equipment broke just before a show?”
Watch how they talk to your team during the interview. Are they friendly? Can they read the room?
Acas guidance on recruitment says employers must keep interviews fair. This means asking everyone the same main questions and focusing on job skills.
Checks You Must Do
Before you hire anyone, you must do several checks. These keep your venue and guests safe.
Right to work checks prove people can legally work in the UK. You can get in serious trouble if you don’t do these.
For jobs with children or vulnerable people, you need DBS checks. Most entertainment jobs at family venues need these.
Reference checks tell you how someone worked before. Always contact at least two previous employers.
Check qualifications for specialist jobs like lifeguards or sports coaches.
Training Your Staff
Hiring is just the start. Good training helps your entertainment staff do their best work.
A good training programme should cover your venue’s entertainment style, health and safety rules, customer service, emergency procedures, and how to use equipment.
Training cuts staff turnover and makes guests happier. Well-trained staff feel more confident and perform better.
Getting Help with Recruitment
Many venue owners find that professional recruitment services help a lot. These companies know the entertainment industry and where to find good performers.
They handle the time-consuming parts like advertising jobs, reading applications, doing first interviews, and checking references. This lets you focus on running your venue.
They also help you avoid bad hires. Their checks help find people who will do well in entertainment jobs.
Many also provide HR and payroll support, taking admin work off your hands.
Keeping Good Staff
Hiring good people matters, but keeping them matters just as much. A happy team stays longer and works better.
Hold regular team meetings where staff can share ideas. Celebrate good performances. Give people chances to learn new skills and move up to better jobs.
Try to be fair with rotas and think about what staff prefer when you can. Small things like providing meals and rest areas show you care.
Common Hiring Mistakes
Even experienced venue owners make hiring errors sometimes. Here are some to avoid.
Rushing because you need someone quickly usually means bad hires. It’s better to have a gap than the wrong person.
Focusing only on performance skills whilst ignoring personality creates problems. Someone might be very talented but unable to work with your team.
Unclear job descriptions waste everyone’s time. Be clear about what you need.
Always check references. They tell you important things about how someone works.
Remember to sell your venue during interviews. Good candidates have choices, so show them why your venue is great.
Final Thoughts
Finding good entertainment staff takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Your entertainment team creates the experiences guests remember.
Good recruitment means clear job descriptions, looking in the right places, fair interviews, proper checks, and good training. Whether you do it yourself or work with recruitment agencies, a good process helps you find the right people.
Your entertainment staff are what make your venue special. Getting hiring right means happier guests, better reviews, and more bookings.
