How to Be Stilt Walker Performer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

When a stilt walker performs, it can create a captivating atmosphere that leaves audiences in awe. The performer stands atop tall, wooden stilts and performs incredible stunts while wearing a colorful costume, which can range from a classic clown to a fabulous bird or other imaginative creature. By standing so tall, the stilt walker is able to see and interact with crowds in a way that is not possible when on the ground.

The performer's movements and acrobatic feats often draw people in and encourage them to take part in the show. As a result, stilt walking performances can become an exciting experience that engages both the performer and the audience. It also helps to bring people of all ages together as they marvel at the stilt walker's skills.

Steps How to Become

1. Research the history and techniques of stilt walking. Understand the basics of stilt walking, such as how to stand, walk, and balance on stilts. Learn about the different types of stilts, such as platform stilts and hand-held stilts.
2. Practice walking on stilts in a safe place, such as a grassy field or an area with a soft surface. Start with small steps, gradually increasing the distance and the speed. Make sure to wear protective gear, such as helmets and knee pads, to prevent injury.
3. Develop additional skills, such as juggling, acrobatics, or clowning. Learn how to incorporate these skills into your stilt walking routine.
4. Attend stilt walking classes or workshops to refine your skills and learn new tricks.
5. Design a professional portfolio that includes pictures and videos of your stilt walking performances.
6. Network with stilt walking professionals or local performance groups to find out about upcoming events or auditions.
7. Participate in local performances or competitions to gain experience and build a performance resume.
8. Market yourself by posting your portfolio online, attending conventions, and distributing flyers to advertise your services.
9. Create an online presence by creating a website, blog, or social media page to attract more customers and book more gigs.

The importance of staying up to date and capable as a stilt walker performer is essential to maintain the quality of the act. To ensure this, there are several steps that should be taken. First, keeping up with the latest trends in the performance industry is key.

This includes researching new materials, techniques, and styles to keep the act fresh and exciting. Secondly, honing existing skills and learning new ones is a must in order to stay ahead of the competition. Taking classes, participating in workshops and attending conventions can help stilt walkers stay on top of their craft.

Finally, staying physically fit is essential in order to maintain the stamina needed to perform. Regular exercises, stretching, and nutrition all help to keep stilt walkers in shape for their performances. By taking these steps, stilt walkers can ensure they are updated and capable of delivering the best possible performance.

You may want to check Variety Performer, Juggling Performer, and Ventriloquist Performer for alternative.

Job Description

1. Greet and welcome guests to the event.
2. Interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner.
3. Dress in stilt walking costume and accessories.
4. Maintain safety and balance while stilt walking.
5. Perform various tricks and stunts.
6. Follow pre-determined choreography as part of a performance.
7. Provide entertainment and interact with guests at the event.
8. Stay aware of the environment and any potential hazards.
9. Clean and maintain stilts and other props before and after performances.
10. Follow all safety protocols and guidelines during performances.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Excellent balance and coordination
2. Ability to move quickly and gracefully
3. Ability to perform tricks and stunts
4. Ability to remember and follow choreography
5. Ability to interact with and entertain audiences
6. Physically fit and strong
7. Creative problem solving skills
8. Stamina and endurance
9. Comfort in working with heights
10. Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Stilt walking requires a unique set of skills in order to be successful. Balance is of critical importance, as stilt walkers must be able to stand on their stilts for long periods of time without falling over. Strength is also a major factor, as stilt walkers must be able to push off with their legs when walking and have enough upper body strength to lift their stilts off of the ground.

Stamina is necessary as well, as stilt walking can be a physically tiring activity. Finally, creativity and improvisation are key components of being a successful stilt walker, as performers must be able to think quickly on their feet in order to entertain their audience. By combining these skills, stilt walkers can create an unforgettable experience for their viewers and perform complex movements with ease.

Stage Performer, Fire Performer, and Clown Performer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have as a stilt walker?
• What safety protocols do you use when performing?
• How do you handle difficult audience members?
• How do you handle working in inclement weather?
• How do you handle long hours of performing?
• What is your typical routine for a performance?
• What types of performances are you most comfortable with?
• How do you stay engaged and energized during a performance?
• Are you comfortable working with children?
• How do you handle physical exhaustion during a performance?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Telescopic Poles. Used to give the stilt walker extra height and support. (eg: Adjustable aluminum telescopic poles for added support)
2. Safety Harness. Worn to ensure the stilt walker’s safety while performing. (eg: Adjustable safety harness with multiple buckles)
3. Stilts. Platforms attached to the feet that allow the stilt walker to stand and perform. (eg: Adjustable aluminum stilts with rubber feet)
4. Shoes. Special shoes designed to fit over the stilts and provide stability. (eg: Slip-resistant shoes with a wide base)
5. Costumes. A variety of costumes designed to make the stilt walker stand out during performances. (eg: Colorful, custom-made costumes with sequins and glitter)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. International Association of Professional Mimes
2. International Jugglers' Association
3. Unicycling Society of America
4. United States Association of Unicyclists
5. The Street Performers' Guild
6. International Stiltwalkers' Association
7. International Clowns' Association
8. International Brotherhood of Magicians
9. World Clown Association
10. Vent Haven ConVENTion (for ventriloquists)

We also have Singing Performer, Dance Performer, and Street Performer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Stilt Walking. A physical activity in which a person stands and walks on stilts to make their body appear taller.
2. Balance. The ability to maintain one's balance while standing or walking on stilts.
3. Coordination. The ability to move different body parts together in a coordinated way, for example when walking on stilts.
4. Posture. The position of the body when standing or walking on stilts.
5. Flexibility. The ability to move the body in different ways with ease and without pain, for example when walking on stilts.
6. Endurance. The ability to perform physical activities for a long period of time without becoming tired, for example when stilt walking.
7. Strength. The ability to use one's muscles to exert force, for example when lifting and carrying stilts.
8. Technique. A set of methods used to perform a task, for example when walking on stilts.
9. Performance. An act or show that involves skill and artistry, for example when performing as a stilt walker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Stilt Walker?

A Stilt Walker is a performer who wears stilts to elevate themselves to a higher height. They often perform in costumes for entertainment purposes.

How tall can a Stilt Walker be?

The maximum height of a Stilt Walker depends on the type of stilts they use, but typically they can reach heights of 8-10 feet.

What kind of skill is needed to be a Stilt Walker?

Being a Stilt Walker requires a person to have good balance and coordination as well as stamina to stay on the stilts for extended periods of time.

How long have Stilt Walkers been performing?

Stilt Walkers have been performing for centuries, with references found in texts from Ancient Rome and Greece.

What types of events are Stilt Walkers typically hired for?

Stilt Walkers are often hired for special events such as festivals, parades, and carnivals. They can also be hired for corporate events, private parties, and other celebrations.

What are jobs related with Stilt Walker Performer?

• Storytelling Performer
• Comedic Performer
• Circus Performer
• Acrobatic Performer
• Voice Performer
• Music Performer
• Aerial Performer
• Magician Performer
• Physical Comedy Performer

Web Resources

• Stilt-Walking Actors Extend Their Stay at the Getty Villa blogs.getty.edu
• Stilt walkers, China, ca.1931-1934 - Yale University Library collections.library.yale.edu
• Stilts Walker Carrying Donation Bucket - scalar.fas.harvard.edu scalar.fas.harvard.edu