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14 Performer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various performer interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Performer Interview Questions

What drives you to perform?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to know what motivates the performer to do their best work. Second, they may be trying to gauge how committed the performer is to their craft. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of what drives the performer to achieve their goals.

It is important for the interviewer to understand what motivates the performer because it can help them understand how best to support the performer. Additionally, understanding the performer's motivation can help the interviewer assess whether or not the performer is likely to be a good fit for the company.

Example: “There are a few things that drive me to perform. First and foremost, I love music and I love sharing that passion with others. Performing is a great way to connect with people and to create something beautiful together. I also enjoy the challenge of performing, pushing myself to be better and to grow as a musician. Finally, I simply enjoy the feeling of performing and the joy it brings me.”

What is your favorite thing about performing?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite thing about performing?" to a/an Performer in order to get a sense of what motivates them and what they enjoy about their job. This can be important in understanding what makes them tick and what drives their passion for performing. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer gauge whether the performer is likely to be a good fit for the specific performance being interviewed for.

Example: “There are many things that I enjoy about performing. I love the feeling of being on stage and the adrenaline that comes with it. I also enjoy the challenge of performing and the opportunity to show off my skills. Additionally, I enjoy the opportunity to connect with an audience and to create a shared experience.”

What motivates you to keep performing?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to see if the performer is passionate about their work and if they have any sort of drive to keep improving. Second, the interviewer wants to know what motivates the performer to keep working hard and putting on great performances. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the performer's level of commitment and dedication to their craft. Finally, the interviewer may be looking for signs that the performer is motivated by something other than money or fame. If the performer is motivated by a love of the art form or a desire to perfect their craft, this will be seen as a positive sign.

Example: “I love performing because it is a way for me to connect with people and share my passion for music. I also enjoy the challenge of trying to improve my skills and perfect my craft. Performing is also a great way to relieve stress and escape from the everyday grind. It is a fun and rewarding experience that I am always happy to be a part of.”

What is your biggest challenge when performing?

An interviewer might ask this question to get a sense of what challenges the performer faces when trying to give a good performance. This can be important because it can help the interviewer understand what the performer is up against and whether they are likely to be able to overcome those challenges. It can also give the interviewer some insight into the performer's process and how they approach performing.

Example: “There are a few challenges that I face when performing. One is making sure that I am properly prepared mentally and emotionally for the performance. This means having the right mindset going into it, and being able to focus and be in the moment. Another challenge is staying physically relaxed while performing. This can be difficult when you are feeling nervous or under pressure. It is important to remember to breathe and stay loose in order to avoid getting tense and making mistakes. Finally, another challenge is dealing with distractions or unexpected changes during a performance. This could be anything from a technical issue with your equipment to someone in the audience making noise. It is important to stay calm and focused in these situations in order to maintain your performance quality.”

How do you manage nerves when performing?

An interviewer might ask "How do you manage nerves when performing?" to a performer in order to get a sense of how the performer deals with stress and pressure. This is important because it can give the interviewer a glimpse into the performer's mindset and how they approach difficult situations. It can also give the interviewer an idea of how the performer handles nerves and whether or not they are able to maintain a level of composure under pressure.

Example: “There are a few things that I do in order to manage my nerves when performing. First, I make sure that I have adequately prepared for the performance. This means practicing my material until I have it down cold and doing any research that is necessary to ensure that I am knowledgeable about what I am performing. Second, I try to relax and focus on my breathing. Taking slow, deep breaths helps me to calm down and focus on the task at hand. Finally, I remind myself that the audience is there to enjoy the performance, not to judge me. This helps me to relax and enjoy the experience of performing.”

What is your process for preparing for a performance?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to know if the performer is someone who takes their craft seriously and puts in the work to prepare for a performance. This shows that the performer is dedicated to their art and is willing to put in the extra effort to make sure they give a great performance. Second, the interviewer wants to know if the performer has a process for preparing for a performance. This helps to show if the performer is organized and has a plan for how they will approach their performance. It also shows if the performer is able to think critically about their craft and how they can improve their performance. Finally, the interviewer wants to know if the performer is able to take direction and feedback. This shows that the performer is open to criticism and is willing to work with others to improve their performance.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every performer has their own unique process for preparing for a performance. However, some tips on how to prepare for a performance may include:

1. Getting enough rest and sleep before the performance. This will help ensure that you are well-rested and have the energy to give a great performance.

2. Eating healthy foods and staying hydrated. This will help your body and mind be in peak condition for the performance.

3. Practicing and rehearsing your material. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when it comes time to perform.

4. Visualizing yourself giving a great performance. This can help increase your confidence and focus leading up to the performance.”

What are your thoughts on stage fright?

An interviewer asking a performer about their thoughts on stage fright is important because stage fright is a very real phenomenon that can affect anyone, even the most experienced performers. For some people, stage fright can be so debilitating that it prevents them from ever being able to perform in front of an audience. For others, it may only be a minor annoyance. Either way, it is important to know how the performer feels about it and how they deal with it, if at all.

Example: “There are a variety of ways to deal with stage fright, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people find that visualization techniques help them to calm their nerves and focus on their performance. Others find that deep breathing exercises help to relax their body and mind. And still others find that listening to music or reading positive affirmations before a performance helps to boost their confidence. Whatever technique you choose, it's important to find something that works for you and practice it regularly so that you can be as prepared as possible when it comes time to perform.”

How do you deal with pre-performance jitters?

Performers often experience pre-performance jitters, which can negatively impact their performance. Asking how the performer deals with pre-performance jitters allows the interviewer to gauge how the performer will handle this type of stress. It is important to know how the performer deals with pre-performance jitters because it can give insight into their ability to perform under pressure.

Example: “There are a few things that I do in order to deal with pre-performance jitters. First, I make sure that I am well-prepared for the performance. This means that I have rehearsed as much as possible and that I am confident in my abilities. Second, I try to relax and focus on my breath. I take a few deep breaths and remind myself that I can do this. Finally, I visualise myself giving a great performance. This helps me to focus on the positive and to believe in myself.”

What is your go-to performance outfit?

An interviewer may ask "What is your go-to performance outfit?" to a performer in order to gauge what type of clothing the performer is comfortable wearing during a performance. This is important because the interviewer wants to ensure that the performer is comfortable and able to move freely in their clothing, which will in turn help them give the best performance possible.

Example: “My go-to performance outfit is a black tank top and leggings. I feel comfortable and confident in this outfit, and it allows me to move freely.”

How do you create a setlist for your performances?

An interviewer might ask "How do you create a setlist for your performances?" to a performer in order to gauge the performer's level of experience and professionalism. It is important for performers to have a well-planned setlist in order to keep their audience engaged and to ensure that the show runs smoothly.

Example: “There are a few things to consider when creating a setlist for a performance. The first is the overall flow of the show. You want to create a setlist that has a good mix of fast and slow songs, as well as a variety of different genres. This will keep the audience engaged and ensure that they have a good time.

Another thing to consider is the order of the songs. You want to start off with a bang and end with a bang. In between, you can mix things up a bit, but you don't want to lose the audience's attention. Make sure to put your best songs towards the beginning and end of the setlist.

Finally, you need to consider the logistics of your performance. Make sure you have all the equipment you need for each song, and that you know how to operate it. You also need to make sure you have enough time to set up and break down between songs. This is especially important if you are playing with a band.

Creating a setlist can be tricky, but it's important to take your time and plan it out carefully. By following these tips, you can be sure that your performance will be one to remember!”

What are your thoughts on improvisation during a performance?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a performer about their thoughts on improvisation during a performance. First, the interviewer may be interested in the performer's approach to improvisation and whether they feel it is an important part of their performance. Second, the interviewer may want to know how the performer copes with improvisation during a live performance, and whether they feel it enhances or detracts from the overall performance. Finally, the interviewer may simply be curious about the performer's thoughts on the subject, and whether they have any advice or insight to share with other performers.

Example: “I believe that improvisation is a crucial part of any performance. It allows the performer to connect with the audience in a more personal way, and it also allows the performer to be more in the moment and present with their performance. I think that improvisation can really help to elevate a performance and make it more memorable for both the performer and the audience.”

What do you do to connect with your audience during a performance?

The interviewer is asking this question to find out what methods the performer uses to connect with their audience during a performance. It is important for the interviewer to know this because it will give them a better understanding of the performer's stage presence and how they interact with their audience. Additionally, it will allow the interviewer to gauge the performer's level of experience and professionalism.

Example: “There are a few things I do to connect with my audience during a performance. First, I make sure to smile and make eye contact as much as possible. This helps to create a friendly and approachable atmosphere. Second, I try to vary my vocal delivery and use different inflections to keep the performance interesting. Finally, I make sure to move around the stage and interact with the audience as much as possible. This helps to create a more dynamic and engaging performance.”

What are your thoughts on audience interaction during a performance?

As a performer, it is important to be aware of your audience and how they are reacting to your performance. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your awareness and understanding of the role of the audience in a performance. It also allows the interviewer to see how you interact with the audience and whether you are able to engage them in a positive way.

Example: “I believe that audience interaction is a great way to enhance a performance. It can help to create a more intimate and personal experience for the audience, and can also help to keep them engaged and involved in the performance. Additionally, audience interaction can also help to create a more dynamic and exciting performance, as it can add an element of unpredictability.”

How do you create an encore for your performances?

An interviewer might ask "How do you create an encore for your performances?" to a performer in order to gauge how the performer plans on keeping their audience engaged. This is important because if a performer does not have a plan for how they will keep their audience engaged, the audience is likely to become bored and stop watching the performance.

Example: “There are a few ways to create an encore for your performances. One way is to simply ask the audience if they would like one. If they respond positively, you can then proceed to perform another song or piece. Another way to create an encore is to end your performance with a bang and leave the stage quickly. This will usually prompt the audience to call for an encore. If you are planning on doing this, make sure to have another song or piece prepared in advance so that you can quickly go back on stage and perform it.”