Variety Entertainers for Hire in Chicago

Q: How much do variety entertainers cost in Chicago?

Pricing for variety entertainers ranges from $110 to $1,600+, with an average of $400. Rates depend on the performer's experience, show duration and the range of skills in the act. Variety entertainers combine multiple disciplines such as comedy, magic, juggling and audience interaction into a single performance.

Q: What does a variety act perform?

The variety entertainers offer a mix of entertainment skills within a single performance, which may include magic, comedy, music, juggling, ventriloquism, impressions and audience interaction. This variety format keeps audiences engaged and entertained with constantly changing acts.

Q: What events are variety entertainers suitable for?

Many clients book variety entertainers for corporate events, private parties, weddings, after-dinner entertainment, family events and cabaret nights. A variety performer is a versatile choice that can adapt to different audiences and event formats.

Q: How long do variety entertainers typically perform?

Most variety entertainers offer performances lasting between 30 and 90 minutes for stage shows, or one to three hours for roaming and close-up entertainment. The right format depends on the event structure. It is a good idea to discuss options when making an enquiry.

Q: Do variety entertainers bring their own equipment?

Most variety entertainers bring all their own props and performance equipment. For stage performances, a microphone or PA system may be needed at larger venues. It is worth confirming any technical requirements with the performer.

Q: Is the material suitable for all ages?

Most performers carry a clean set for family and corporate audiences and a stronger one for adult-only evenings, and will ask which is wanted. Where children are present for part of the night only, the show can usually be split so the later material lands after they have gone. Giving the age range, and saying whether it is a work crowd, is the most useful brief a booker can provide.

Q: Can a variety act be tailored to a theme or occasion?

Personalising a show is common, with names, in-jokes or a company's own material worked into the set. Anything referring to individuals is best sent in writing a week or two ahead so it can be rehearsed rather than improvised. Performers will say what they can and cannot include, since some routines are fixed by their staging.

Q: Do bookers usually hire one act or several?

One performer covering several skills is the usual reason for booking this way, and it costs less than hiring separate specialists. Longer events sometimes pair someone moving among the guests early on with a stage show later, which can be the same person in two formats. Where the budget stretches to one slot only, the stage show is normally the part people remember.

Q: Can I contact multiple suppliers at the same time?

Yes, either add suppliers to your favourites and contact them all at once, or use the find a supplier wizard .

Q: How far in advance do we need to book?

Booking as early as possible increases the chance of securing your supplier's availability on your event date, particularly during busy times of the year. However, many suppliers also accept last minute bookings, and we have successfully arranged bookings for clients with just a few hours' notice.

Discover 233 variety entertainers available in Chicago, Illinois, United States, with 518 reviews from real clients averaging 5 out of 5 stars. These skilled variety acts combine multiple entertainment disciplines including comedy, magic, music and theatrical performances for weddings, corporate events and private parties.

Of the 233 suppliers listed here, 8 are based within 30 miles of Chicago. The other 225 are willing to travel there.

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How much does it cost to hire Variety Entertainers in Chicago?

$Low price

from$110USD

$$Average price

from$400USD

$$$High price

from$1,600USD

Rates for professional variety entertainers in Chicago range from about $110 to $1,600+, with an average booking cost of $400. Pricing depends on factors including show duration, complexity of the variety program, technical requirements, and whether performers provide their own sound and lighting equipment. Many variety acts offer scalable packages, allowing clients to choose between condensed performances for smaller budgets or elaborate multi-segment shows for premium events. The cost reflects the extensive skill set these entertainers possess, often representing years of training across multiple performance disciplines. Contact the supplier you like for an accurate quote.

What our enquiries show

Based on 351 enquiries for Variety Entertainers at events in the United States, made through this site in the last two years. Updated 24 October 2026.

Typical first reply

Within six hours

62% of enquiries get a reply within a day

How early people enquire

About four weeks

52% enquire less than a month before the event

Busiest months

All year round

No month has more than 13% of events

How far suppliers travel

About 40 miles

For the 72% based outside the event's town

Reviews of Variety Entertainers available in Chicago

5/5 from 518 reviews

Michael J Mayosky Studios "We hire Michael for our Annual Holiday Gala to paint at the event to be auctioned at the end of the night, and his work raises the most bids out of all our donated items. His spinning easel is incredible and he is so fast at painting an amazing image that always matches our theme. I HIGHLY recommend Michael for any high end charity events for entertainment that is pretty impressive." Based in Chicago, Illinois Gina Nueman - March of Dimes

Paul Draws You "Paul came to draw at my wedding reception and everyone loved him. My guests couldn't stop talking about him. Paul was very professional and had my guests entertained by his witty personality. We would recommend him to friends and family and would hire him in the future." Based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (65 miles from Chicago) Cassandra in Milwaukee

Elijah Edwards #1 Google Comedy Hypnotist "We teamed up with Elijah to offer our guests and visitors here at Waubeeka Family Campground something "New" in style to what we normally offer. We were concerned that skepticism might prevent our guests from enjoying this type of show but pleasantly, we found the exact contrary to be the result! Elijah's professionalism and attraction glared obvious immediately upon him taking the stage. He made all in attendance comfortable and thus willing to partake and the results were amazing. The show was fantastic and ALL accounts were favorable to the experience and toward a desire to have him return. Elijah performed multiple shows throughout His weekend with us and each, increasing in attendance because of the first hand recounts of the spectators of the previous shows. We are appreciative of the connection We made with Elijah and without concern, will be going forward including his show into our offered events. Thank you to Elijah and Jack for a great weekend and in advance for the relationship that will continue into the future! - Jim" Based in Perrysburg, Ohio (208 miles from Chicago) 6th April 2026 Ziggy Rose

Ventriloquist DC Mickan "Doug Mickan is AMAZING! Doug had visited our Church in June, after performing at 2 local libraries earlier that day. He provided such quality Christian entertainment that evening that we booked him for our BIG outreach event of the year...FAMILY FUN DAY. Doug not only ministered that morning to our entire Church through worship and his gift of ventriloquism, but then stayed to be the main attraction at Family Fun Day that afternoon. We would highly recommend Doug Mickan to any organization or ministry. 100%" Based in St Louis, Missouri (260 miles from Chicago) 9th April 2026 Jon Brown - Grace Church Ministries, Chester, IL

Brian Masters | Magician "Oh my goodness, Brian is amazing!!! I booked him for the cocktail hour at my wedding 8/20/22 to have him moving around interacting with guests. I can’t tell you how many people complimented me about how mind blowing Brian’s performances were. Everyone thought he was professional, king and highly entertaining. He was SUCH a unique touch to our wedding day. I also really appreciated that he stuck around until the bridal party finally arrived and sat down and gave us our own little personal performance. He may have been my favorite part of my wedding day (aside from getting married of course lol)." Based in Cleveland, Ohio (308 miles from Chicago) Alison F. - Wedding

The Circus Arts Society "Jesse and his Circus-In-A-Suitcase workshop were an absolute highlight of our Downtown Cambridge BIA event! Jesse's communication was seamless, making planning a breeze. He captivated the children with his engaging and interactive performance, leaving them smiling and excited. Beyond that, he has an incredible ability to energize the entire crowd, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. Jesse's talent and professionalism made him a wonderful addition to our event, and we can't wait to work with him again! - Jasmine Percival, Admin Coordinator, Downtown Cambridge BIA" Based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (379 miles from Chicago) 11th August 2026 Jasmine Percival - The Circus Arts Society

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There are currently 518 reviews of Variety Entertainers in our review centre and the average rating is 5/5.

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