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NOC 53121: Actors, comedians and circus performers
NOC 53121 is a TEER 3 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW and CEC. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
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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.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- acrobat
- acting teacher - private or studio
- actor/actress
- circus performer
- clown
- comedian
- drama teacher - private or studio
- narrator
Also included: standardized patient
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
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
Not in a Federal Skilled Trades group.
CRS points from November 3, 2026
NOC 53121 is not on IRCC's high-wage occupations list. From November 3, 2026, Canadian work in it earns only the work-length points, and a job offer in it adds no CRS points (it can still count for program eligibility).
IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules
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Employment requirements
- Demonstrated ability, based on an audition or previous acting or circus roles, is an important hiring criteria.
- Circus performers and acrobats may require a period of study at a circus school.
- Acting programs are offered at universities, colleges and private acting schools.
- Acting teachers usually require experience as actors.
- Membership in a guild or union may be required.