This report describes and analyzes the socioeconomic characteristics of performing artists in the fields of acting, dancing, and music who were employed during both 1970 and 1980. Using U.S. Census Bureau data, emphasis is placed on socioeconomic changes that occurred during this decade. The report consists of specific sections devoted to each of these occupations, an overview and summary of findings, and a review of research methodology. Findings indicate that: (1) except for dancing, women and minorities are not represented in the performing arts in numbers proportionate to their representation in the general population; (2) performing artists have had to subsidize their earnings through either full-time or part-time jobs; (3) except for a very few performers, the performing arts' occupations are low-paying; (4) no formal education requirements existed for entry into the profession; and (5) while performing jobs require migration, employment opportunities were rather evenly distributed throughout the United States. The bulk of the report consists of 80 appended tables supplying parallel data for each of the 2 years studied. Twenty-two references are also included. (JHP)