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This report looks at the performing artist labor force. Trends in employment, earnings, and geographic distribution of performing artists from 1970 to 1990, are examined. Focus is on three principal occupational groups: actors and directors; dancers; and musicians and composers. Major data sources are described. I. summary of findings indicates that during the period from 1970-1990: (1) performing artists as a work force grew 507. faster than the national labor forc-; (2) intermittent work periods, which are characteristic of the periorming arts profession, increases the likelihood that the number of this labor force is being undercounted; (3) performers' unemployment rates consistently exceed the national average and long-term unemployment and frequent cycles between employment hampers the full utilization of this work force; (4) technologies which substitute for live performances have affected employment in the performing arts industry; (5) performers as a group increased thei