Many people have fantasized about joining the circus at some point in their lives, but only a small percentage of them actually do so, and even fewer succeed. Working in a circus can be thrilling and rewarding, but it is also demanding, precise, and grueling work that places unique demands on performers and support staff, and not everyone will fit in. People who want to work in the circus must be willing to put in a lot of effort and consider a variety of options.
Being born into the circus is the traditional way to join. Children of circus performers often begin learning circus arts at a young age, and many end up following in their parents’ footsteps. Some circus dynasties are well-known, with members descended from a long line of circus performers. Being born into the circus has its advantages as well, as circus culture is notoriously closed to outsiders.
The best way for people who are not born into the circus tradition to join is to learn circus skills and then apply to circuses. People can learn a wide range of skills in circus arts programs at many colleges and training facilities. People can also choose to specialize in a particular aspect of circus arts, such as trapeze or clowning. Many of these schools have connections with existing circuses, which can be used to help students find work after graduation.
It is also possible to work as an apprentice in the circus and learn new skills on the job. This is more common among the support staff, who are in charge of everything from erecting tents to negotiating contracts and publicizing the circus. People who want to apprentice in the circus arts must generally demonstrate some aptitude, and applicants who want to be taken seriously should have a background in performing arts, gymnastics, or related fields.
Fixed and touring circuses exist, with touring circuses being more common. People who join the circus should expect a lot of travel as well as a wide range of living conditions. After a few years of touring with the circus, most performers live in trailers and camp on the circus grounds, and the lifestyle can be exhausting. The circus is also physically demanding, as there are usually multiple performances per day and performers must be in peak physical condition.
Several traveling circus schools allow students to experience what it’s like to live and work in a traveling circus while also receiving training. This can be a great option for people who want to join the circus but want to get a taste of what life is like. Many of these schools have ties to the circus world, and students who develop and demonstrate significant talent may find themselves with a slew of job offers after graduation.