Impersonator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of entertainment and media, the focus on impersonators has never been greater.

As the entertainment industry evolves, the demand for versatile talents who can mimic, entertain and captivate audiences continues to grow.

But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s truly expected from an impersonator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
• A casting director outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of impersonation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable impersonator job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or casting websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Impersonator Duties and Responsibilities

Impersonators replicate the appearance, voice, and mannerisms of a specific person, usually a celebrity or public figure, for entertainment purposes.

They perform in various venues such as theaters, comedy clubs, television shows, conventions, and private events.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Study and research the person they will impersonate, including their speech, gestures, body language, and other personal characteristics
• Apply makeup, dress in costumes, and possibly use prosthetics to resemble the person they are impersonating
• Perform songs, monologues, or routines that showcase the personality and talent of the person they’re impersonating
• Interact with audience members in character, keeping the illusion consistent
• Collaborate with event organizers, directors, and other performers to ensure a successful performance
• Regularly practice and rehearse performances to maintain high-quality impersonation skills
• Keep updated with the latest news, trends, and events related to the person they are impersonating
• May also be required to write their own scripts or comedy routines

 

Impersonator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a talented and experienced Impersonator to captivate and entertain our audience.

An impersonator’s responsibilities include studying the person they are to imitate, rehearsing performances, and providing entertainment during performances.

Our ideal candidate is creative, has excellent presentation skills, and can convincingly adopt the mannerisms, voice, and appearance of the person they are impersonating.

Ultimately, the role of the impersonator is to provide high-quality, engaging and exciting performances that thrill and entertain our audiences.

 

Responsibilities

• Study and research the person to be impersonated, including their tone of voice, body language, facial expressions, and other key traits
• Rehearse performances to perfect imitation skills
• Provide entertainment during performances, events, or other special occasions
• Respond to audience reactions and adapt performance accordingly
• Develop new impersonations and routines
• Collaborate with the production team for costume, make-up, and other performance needs
• Attend promotional events and media interviews as required

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an impersonator, actor, or in a similar role
• Exceptional ability to mimic voices, accents, and mannerisms
• Strong stage presence and ability to engage with an audience
• Knowledge of performance techniques and the ability to apply them in performances
• Ability to adapt quickly to audience responses
• Physical stamina and good health to perform on stage

 

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• Travel opportunities
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Impersonator
• Work Environment: Varies based on performances. May include night and weekend work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Performance Manager or Entertainment Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if travel is required)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio or showreel, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Impersonator Do?

An Impersonator is a professional performer who mimics the mannerisms, voice, and physical characteristics of a specific individual, usually a celebrity, political figure, or historical personality.

They could also impersonate characters from movies, shows, or plays.

Their job often involves research and practice to accurately portray the individual they are impersonating.

This could mean studying the individual’s speech patterns, body language, catchphrases, and any other distinctive traits.

Impersonators perform in various settings such as live stage shows, television programs, corporate events, parties, and comedy clubs.

They may also be hired to perform voiceovers in cartoons, video games, and other media that require character voices.

Impersonators may also be involved in creating content for social media or online platforms, where they perform skits or parody videos as the person they are impersonating.

Some impersonators even work in the film industry, standing in for actors when needed.

In addition to performance skills, an impersonator needs to have excellent observational skills, a good ear for accents and speech patterns, and a knack for comedy or drama, depending on the type of impersonation they specialize in.

It’s also crucial for impersonators to keep up with any changes in the appearance or behavior of the people they impersonate, especially if these individuals are current celebrities or public figures.

They may need to update their wardrobe, makeup, or performance style to reflect these changes.

 

Impersonator Qualifications and Skills

An impersonator should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications that will allow them to excel at mimicking another person’s voice, appearance, and mannerisms.

These include:

• Performance skills to convincingly embody the character or individual they are impersonating, often in a live setting such as stage performances and events.
• Vocal agility to mimic a variety of voices, accents, and speech patterns, often switching between them rapidly.
• Physical dexterity to adopt the mannerisms, body language, and expressions of the individuals they are impersonating.
• A keen observational eye to study and replicate the subtle details that make each individual unique.
• Improvisational skills to react in character to unexpected situations or audience interactions.
• Research skills to study the individual they are impersonating, including their speech, behavior, appearance, and background.
• Makeup and costume skills to recreate the physical appearance of the person being impersonated, often down to minute details.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with audiences, clients, and other performers.
• Creativity and originality, as they may need to interpret the character’s actions or reactions in scenarios not previously depicted.

 

Impersonator Experience Requirements

To become a skilled impersonator, experience is typically gained in the field of performing arts, with many impersonators having backgrounds in acting, comedy, singing, or voice-over work.

For beginners, taking drama classes, participating in school or community theater, or enrolling in improvisation workshops can provide a fundamental understanding of performance techniques.

This experience can help aspiring impersonators learn how to embody different characters, mimic mannerisms and accents, and understand comedic timing.

To further develop their skills, impersonators may seek out open mic nights, comedy clubs, or talent shows to get practical performance experience.

Often, impersonators will start by mastering the impersonation of one or two public figures before expanding their repertoire.

Some impersonators gain experience and exposure through digital platforms, like YouTube or TikTok, where they can showcase their impressions to a wider audience.

In the professional realm, impersonators may have experience in entertainment venues such as cruise ships, casinos, or theme parks.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a wide range of characters they can impersonate and might also have experience in script writing, staging performances, or even managing their own shows.

Advanced impersonators may also have experience in television, film, or radio, and may be able to handle high-pressure situations such as live performances.

 

Impersonator Education and Training Requirements

Impersonators, also known as tribute artists or look-alikes, don’t have specific education requirements.

However, a background in performing arts, theatre, or drama can be beneficial.

While not a mandatory requirement, many impersonators find that attending a performing arts school or taking acting classes provides them with the necessary skills in voice modulation, body language, and stage presence.

Courses in comedy or improvisation can also be helpful.

Being an impersonator also requires a deep understanding and study of the character or personality one chooses to impersonate.

This might involve researching about their behavior, speech patterns, mannerisms, and personality traits.

Impersonators may also benefit from dance and singing lessons, depending on the nature of their performances.

For example, if they are impersonating a singer, they may need to have good vocal skills.

In addition to these, an impersonator must have excellent observation skills and the ability to capture the essence of the personality they are mimicking.

Finally, some professional impersonators may opt to participate in workshops or conferences geared towards their profession, as this can offer networking opportunities and the chance to learn from more experienced impersonators.

There are no specific licensing requirements for impersonators, but they may need to join a union such as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) depending on their work circumstances.

 

Impersonator Salary Expectations

The average income for an impersonator is approximately $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can significantly vary depending on the individual’s level of talent, the demand for the specific person they are impersonating, location, and the platform on which they perform.

Successful impersonators working in large entertainment industries or high-profile events may earn substantially more.

 

Impersonator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an impersonator need?

Impersonators need to have a keen sense of observation and excellent mimicry skills.

This involves imitating voices, accents, gestures, and facial expressions.

It also helps if they are good listeners and have a good memory for retaining details about the person they are impersonating.

Acting skills are also a must to convincingly portray another person.

 

Do impersonators need a degree?

Impersonators do not necessarily need a degree, but many have studied drama or performing arts.

Training in voice, dance, and acting can be beneficial.

However, the most important aspect is the ability to convincingly mimic the mannerisms, voice, and behavior of the person they are impersonating.

 

What should you look for in an impersonator resume?

Experience is a crucial part of an impersonator’s resume.

Look for previous roles they have taken on and the type of performances they have done.

Additional skills like singing, dancing, or comedy can also be an asset.

A good impersonator should also be adaptable and versatile, capable of taking on a range of characters.

 

What qualities make a good impersonator?

A good impersonator is one who can convincingly portray another person, down to the smallest details.

They need a keen sense of observation, the ability to mimic speech and movement, and the acting skills to bring their impersonations to life.

Versatility is also a valuable quality, as it allows them to take on a wide range of characters.

Lastly, a good impersonator should be a good performer, engaging and entertaining their audience.

 

What is the work environment of an impersonator?

Impersonators typically work in entertainment venues like theaters, clubs, and even on film sets.

Some might perform on the streets or at special events.

Their work hours can be irregular, and they often work evenings and weekends.

It can be a physically demanding job, with standing, moving, and sometimes dancing part of the performances.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what it truly means to be an impersonator.

Guess what?

It’s not just about mimicking others.

It’s about bringing characters to life, one performance at a time.

Armed with our go-to impersonator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the spotlight.

But why not take it a step further?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your tool for creating meticulously crafted job descriptions or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every performance is a part of a larger narrative.

Let’s create that story. Together.

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