Professional Stunt Performer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the high-octane world of action entertainment, the demand for professional stunt performers has never been greater.

As the film and television industry evolves, with each leap, the cry for skilled individuals who can create, execute, and ensure the safety of our thrilling on-screen moments escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional stunt performer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A casting director detailing the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the adrenaline-fueled domain of stunt performance,

You’re at the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive professional stunt performer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or casting sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Stunt Performer Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Stunt Performers have the thrilling and challenging job of performing the risky physical feats required in motion picture and television productions.

They must have specialized skills and a high level of physical fitness to safely execute stunts that simulate dangerous situations.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Reading and understanding scripts to identify stunt requirements
• Collaborating with directors and stunt coordinators to develop the best way to execute stunts safely and realistically
• Rehearsing stunts to ensure they can be carried out accurately and safely
• Performing a variety of physical feats such as fights, falls, car crashes, and other action sequences
• Wearing appropriate safety gear, and ensuring that all equipment used is safe and properly maintained
• Helping with the setting up of safety systems such as crash pads, harnesses, and wire works
• Studying and mimicking the movements and actions of the actors they are standing in for
• Participating in ongoing physical training and specialized skill development
• Maintaining a high level of physical fitness and flexibility to perform stunts
• Following all safety procedures and regulations to prevent accidents or injuries on set

 

Professional Stunt Performer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a highly skilled and physically fit individual to join our team as a Professional Stunt Performer.

As a Professional Stunt Performer, your role will include performing high-risk actions for cinematic productions, coordinating with stunt coordinators and directors, maintaining safety equipment, and training rigorously to ensure optimum physical condition.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in performing stunts, be physically fit, and possess a keen awareness of safety procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Performing stunts as directed by the stunt coordinator or director
• Ensuring that all safety equipment and procedures are in place
• Practicing and rehearsing stunts before performing
• Maintaining excellent physical condition
• Studying scripts and working with directors to understand character movements and actions
• Assisting in the setup of safety systems and stunt equipment
• Communicating effectively with the production team

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a stunt performer or similar role
• Excellent physical fitness and agility
• Strong understanding of safety procedures and regulations
• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging conditions
• Excellent coordination and reflexes
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus
• Experience in martial arts, gymnastics, or related disciplines is highly desirable

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Training and development opportunities
• Travel opportunities
• Access to professional networks and events

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Stunt Performer
• Work Environment: This job typically involves working on movie sets and may require travel. It may involve working in challenging conditions and irregular hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Stunt Coordinator or 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 remote)
• Employment Type: Contractual/Project-based
• 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Stunt Performer Do?

Professional Stunt Performers, also known as Stuntmen or Stuntwomen, predominantly work in the film and television industry, but can also find employment in live shows and themed attractions.

Their main task is to perform highly skilled, controlled physical feats that are too dangerous for the main actors.

These stunts can range from fight scenes, falls, car chases, explosions or even extreme weather conditions.

Stunt performers often specialize in certain types of stunts, such as high falls, fire burns, or car crashes.

They work closely with the Stunt Coordinator to choreograph and execute these scenes safely and realistically.

A key part of their role involves understanding the script, the director’s vision and the character they are portraying, to ensure that the stunt fits seamlessly into the narrative.

They are also responsible for maintaining high levels of physical fitness, undergoing regular training and mastering new skills.

Safety is paramount in this profession, so professional stunt performers must always check their equipment, study the environment in which they are performing, and ensure that all safety protocols are strictly adhered to.

In addition to performing stunts, they may also double for actors in non-stunt scenes, requiring them to mimic the actor’s movements, expressions and overall demeanor.

 

Professional Stunt Performer Qualifications and Skills

A professional stunt performer must possess a unique set of skills and qualifications to perform dangerous and physically demanding tasks for film, television, and stage productions, including:

• Physical fitness and agility to perform high-risk movements, falls, fights, and other physically demanding stunts.
• Advanced skills in a variety of activities such as martial arts, acrobatics, horse riding, swimming, and driving, to perform different types of stunts.
• Exceptional timing and precision to perform and coordinate stunts that align with the timing of the scene and the actions of other performers.
• Ability to take direction and follow choreography to execute stunts safely and effectively, while still achieving the desired visual impact.
• Strong communication skills to discuss, understand and execute stunt coordinators’ instructions accurately.
• Resilience and mental toughness to cope with the physical and psychological demands of the job, including potential injuries and the need to repeat stunts multiple times.
• Knowledge and understanding of safety procedures and protocols to minimize risk during stunt performance.
• Willingness to update skills and learn new ones, such as new fighting styles or driving techniques.
• Teamwork and cooperation skills, as stunts are often performed in conjunction with other stunt performers, actors, and crew members.
• Problem-solving and improvisational skills to adapt to unexpected situations or changes in stunt sequences.

 

Professional Stunt Performer Experience Requirements

Professional stunt performers are usually expected to have extensive training and several years of experience.

This could range from 3 to 5 years in a related field, such as martial arts, gymnastics, parkour, or other extreme sports.

Entry-level stunt performers may gain experience through apprenticeships or trainee positions, often working under the guidance of an experienced stunt coordinator.

This allows them to learn practical stunt skills, safety procedures, and industry standards in a controlled environment.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually worked on a variety of projects, ranging from TV shows to movies, and have developed a wide repertoire of stunts.

These professionals can be expected to perform complex stunts with minimal supervision and are often skilled in choreographing their own stunts.

More experienced stunt performers, with over 5 years in the industry, are often well-versed in a range of specialities such as high falls, fire burns, vehicle stunts, wire work or fight sequences.

They may also have experience working as stunt coordinators, overseeing the planning, execution, and safety of stunts performed on set.

Training and certifications in safety procedures, first aid, CPR, and other relevant areas are highly valued in this profession.

Additionally, due to the risky nature of the job, stunt performers are expected to maintain peak physical fitness and regularly update their skills.

 

Professional Stunt Performer Education and Training Requirements

Professional Stunt Performers often come from a background in sports, gymnastics, martial arts, or other physical disciplines.

While there is no specific educational requirement to become a stunt performer, many professionals in the field have completed a bachelor’s degree in fields like drama, physical education, or film studies.

Additionally, there are specific schools and training programs that offer courses in stunt performing.

These programs provide training in areas like gymnastics, martial arts, stage combat, high falls, fire burns, and vehicle stunts.

They also provide instruction on safety procedures and how to use various stunt equipment.

Certification from a reputable stunt training school can make candidates more appealing to potential employers.

This requires completing a specified amount of training hours and successfully demonstrating proficiency in a range of stunts.

Professional stunt performers should also be in excellent physical condition, and they often cross-train in a variety of physical disciplines to keep their skills sharp and versatile.

Some stunt performers also pursue certification as a personal trainer or in first aid and CPR, as these credentials can be useful in the field.

Stunt performers must also have a strong understanding of safety protocols and be able to assess the potential risks of a stunt.

Many professionals in the field pursue additional training in this area throughout their careers.

Lastly, membership in a professional association like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or the United Stuntmen’s Association can provide additional training opportunities and prove beneficial in finding work.

 

Professional Stunt Performer Salary Expectations

A Professional Stunt Performer can expect to earn an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

This can greatly vary depending on the industry, the performer’s level of experience, and the geographical location.

Some high-level stunt performers working on big-budget movies can earn well over $100,000 per year.

It’s also important to note that these figures do not include additional earning potential from residuals.

 

Professional Stunt Performer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Stunt Performer need?

Professional Stunt Performers need a wide range of physical skills such as strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination.

They must have a high level of proficiency in activities like martial arts, acrobatics, horse riding, swimming, rock climbing, and more.

Additionally, they should possess the ability to perform under pressure, quick reaction times, and excellent communication skills to understand and execute complicated stunts safely.

 

Do Professional Stunt Performers need a degree?

Professional Stunt Performers don’t necessarily need a degree, but they do require extensive training in a variety of physical disciplines.

Many stunt performers come from backgrounds in gymnastics, martial arts, or other physically demanding sports.

Some may also choose to attend specialized stunt training schools.

Additionally, a First Aid certificate and training in health and safety procedures are usually required.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Stunt Performer’s resume?

Experience is key when hiring a Professional Stunt Performer.

Look for a resume that lists extensive training and experience in a variety of physical activities.

It’s also important to check for any previous work in TV, film, or theater.

Certifications in health and safety, as well as a strong understanding of risk management, are also important.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Stunt Performer?

A good Professional Stunt Performer is highly disciplined, with a strong work ethic and dedication to physical fitness.

They should be fearless, but not reckless, with a strong understanding of safety procedures and risk assessment.

They should be team players, able to work closely with directors, actors, and other crew members.

A good stunt performer is also adaptable, able to learn new skills quickly and perform in a variety of challenging environments.

 

Is it difficult to hire Professional Stunt Performers?

Hiring Professional Stunt Performers can be challenging due to the unique skills and experience required for the job.

There is a smaller pool of qualified candidates compared to other professions.

Additionally, the physical demands and risks associated with stunt work can make it more difficult to find candidates who are willing and able to perform the required tasks.

However, there are agencies and training schools that can help connect employers with qualified stunt performers.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just pulled back the layers to reveal the thrills and challenges of being a professional stunt performer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing daring stunts.

It’s about weaving stories of suspense, excitement, and awe, one stunt at a time.

With our handy professional stunt performer job description template and relatable examples, you’re ready to make your leap.

But why stop at just ready?

Take the leap with our job description generator. It’s your next move to achieving meticulously created listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every stunt is a piece of a larger narrative.

Let’s create those stories. Together.