The Entertainer background in Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition is for characters who have lived on the stage: musicians, dancers, acrobats, jesters, actors and storytellers. It is a natural fit for bards, but it works for any character with flair. This guide summarizes what the Entertainer background gives you in both the 2014 Player’s Handbook and the 2024 Player’s Handbook, which classes pair well with it, and ideas for building a memorable performer.
Note: this is an unofficial summary for fans. D&D is published by Wizards of the Coast; check your Player’s Handbook or D&D Beyond for the full official rules, and ask your DM which version your table uses.
In this article
Entertainer at a Glance
| 2014 Player’s Handbook | 2024 Player’s Handbook | |
|---|---|---|
| Skill proficiencies | Acrobatics, Performance | Acrobatics, Performance |
| Tool proficiencies | Disguise kit and one musical instrument | One musical instrument |
| Ability score increases | None (from race in 2014 rules) | Strength, Dexterity, Charisma (+2/+1 or +1/+1/+1) |
| Feature or feat | “By Popular Demand” feature | Musician origin feat |
| Equipment | Instrument, a favor from an admirer, a costume and some coins | Instrument, costumes, mirror, perfume, traveler’s clothes and coins, or 50 GP |
The 2014 Version: “By Popular Demand”
In the 2014 rules, the Entertainer’s main feature means you can usually find a place to perform, such as an inn, tavern or circus, and earn free modest lodging and food in return, as long as you perform each night. Your performances also make you a local figure: people in a town where you have performed may recognize you and treat you warmly.
The 2014 background also includes “routines” you can pick from, such as actor, dancer, fire-eater, jester, juggler, musician, poet, singer, storyteller and tumbler. A variant called the Gladiator turns the stage into an arena.
The 2024 Version: Musician Feat
The 2024 rules, available on D&D Beyond, rebuilt every background around three ability scores and an origin feat. The Entertainer raises Strength, Dexterity and Charisma and grants the Musician feat.
In short, Musician gives you training with several musical instruments, and after a short or long rest you can play a song that gives Heroic Inspiration to a number of allies. That makes the Entertainer one of the most party-friendly backgrounds in the 2024 rules.
Best Classes for the Entertainer Background
| Class | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Bard | The obvious match: Charisma, Performance and instruments fit perfectly. |
| Rogue | Acrobatics and a flashy stage persona suit a swashbuckling trickster. |
| Monk | Picture a traveling acrobat or martial artist who performs in the streets. |
| Fighter | Ideal for a gladiator or stunt performer, especially with Strength or Dexterity builds. |
| Sorcerer or Warlock | Charisma casters who perform magic shows or once dazzled crowds. |
| Paladin | A former performer who found a calling, keeping their crowd-pleasing charisma. |
Character Ideas
- A traveling bard who collects songs about legendary heroes and wants to become one.
- A circus acrobat whose troupe vanished, now searching for them.
- A former court jester who knows too many secrets about the nobility.
- A retired gladiator who fought in the arena and now wants a quieter life.
- A street magician whose tricks turned out to be real magic.
- A playwright who travels to find inspiration and often ends up in trouble.
Roleplaying Tips
- Give your character a signature act, catchphrase or instrument.
- Think about what your character wants from an audience: fame, money, love or escape.
- Use Performance creatively: distract guards, gather rumors in taverns or calm a crowd.
- Decide how your character handles failure, bad reviews or rival performers.
- Work with your DM to tie your past tours or patrons into the campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Entertainer background good?
In the 2024 rules it is one of the strongest support backgrounds thanks to the Musician feat. In the 2014 rules it is a fun, flavorful choice with useful social skills.
Can I use the 2014 Entertainer with 2024 rules?
The 2024 Player’s Handbook gives guidance for using older backgrounds, usually by assigning ability score increases separately. Check with your DM.
What is the Gladiator background?
In the 2014 rules, Gladiator is a variant of the Entertainer for characters who performed in an arena.
Final Thoughts
The Entertainer background turns your character into a star of the stage, with Acrobatics, Performance and either free lodging (2014) or party-boosting songs (2024). Pick a signature act, link it to your backstory and enjoy the spotlight. For more entertainment and gaming explainers, explore the latest articles on The Urban Splatter.
