A variety of skills are required to perform for circus audiences. This career is for people who have an interest in performing arts and are able to move well. This article will discuss the job of a circus performer, how to become one, and what their average salary is. We also provide some tips for job searching that could help you land a job in the circus.
What is a circus performer?
Individual circus performers can work solo or with a group performing various tricks, stunts, and acts such as tightrope walking and acrobatics. They perform for audiences at theatres, festivals, parties, and private events. Other duties and responsibilities include:
- Maintaining your physical fitness
- You can practice acting in groups or alone.
- New performances and techniques
- Repairing and maintaining performance equipment
- Assisting other performers with their acts
- Assembling and disassembling stage gear
How to be a circus performer
Here are some steps to consider when you pursue a job as a circus performer:
- Learn more
While most circus jobs do not require a degree in order to perform, some performers may benefit from an education. There are also different education requirements for different types of performers. A degree in performing arts or in a related field may be beneficial for singers, dancers, and acrobats. These degrees can provide knowledge about specific techniques or the performing arts industry.
- Concentrate on one skill or one act.
The first step in becoming a circus performer involves deciding what skill or activity you want. This is how you decide what kind of circus performer or act you want to be. To understand the requirements of the job, you might consider doing research on specific roles.
Consider your skills and capabilities before you make a decision. This will help you to choose the right career path for you. You might consider studying the skills and equipment of acrobats, as well as how they train or learn new acts.
- Get fitter
Performer jobs in the circus often require strenuous physical activity. It’s important that you are fit for the job. You might consider going to the gym, going to a specialty facility, or a cheerleading class. Consider trying the exercises once you are familiar with the type of training that a particular performer uses. Start with the basics and move on to the more difficult exercises once you have mastered them.
- Apprenticeships available
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical experience in the circus and receive personalized training sessions. These support programs can be tailored to your specific training needs and goals. These programs can also be a great way to meet industry professionals and get tips, tricks, and techniques from them. Although apprenticeship programs can vary in length, they are typically four years long.
- Practice and plan an act
Once you have received the proper training, you can create your own act. You may also practice it for future performances. You may be given guidelines and requirements by your supervisor. You might find inspiration from other performers or analyze their techniques. You can also find tips and advice online, as well as examples of performances and inspiration for costumes and props.
- Continue building your skills.
It is important to practice your circus skills. This can help you improve your physical and mental health. You can do a variety of things, including rehearsing with others or learning new tricks. As a trainer, you may be able to help new performers perform basic acts or exercises. You may also be able to use equipment such as stretch bands, weights, or gymnastic gear.
- Join performing groups
There may be job opportunities for circus performers at local theaters, colleges, and private events. You can search online for circus performers or connect with local performers through virtual job boards. They can help performers find the right job in a circus that suits their skills. Also, you might consider performing for private events such as birthday parties.
Different types of circus performers
Here are some explanations and a list of roles for circus performers:
- A Trapeze artist is a professional who performs aerial acts, which typically include spinning, flipping, and catching others in midair. They propel themselves using their bodies from one trapeze bar to the next.
- Acrobat: This professional performs gymnastic acts such as flipping, balancing on tightropes, and using trapeze bars. Acrobats may share their agility and flexibility with other acrobats to perform acts like human pyramids.
- Daredevil: Professionals who perform dangerous acts with props and equipment, such as fire, motor vehicles and swords, and metal cages. They might jump from moving vehicles, throw knives toward moving targets or pass through rings of fire.
- A professional who trains animals to do specific tasks or performs such as skits. They can train dogs, cats, and monkeys, as well as lions, elephants, and other wild animals.
- Clown: This clown entertains crowds in bright costumes and face painting while performing funny skits. You might see them using fake flowers to spray water on unsuspecting people or other tricks props.
- Professional dancers: They often add an extra dimension to acts by choreographing dance routines. They might use flags and batons or perform minor gymnastic tricks.
- Singer: A professional who sings, usually with the help of musicians or a soundtrack. They might wear costumes or use microphones and stage equipment.
Circus performer skills
These skills are often used by circus performers to excel in their careers.
- Agility
- Patience
- Fitness
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Creativity
- Hand-eye coordination
- Discipline
- Self-motivation
- Flexibility
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem-solving
Information about the job outlook and salary of circus performers
Although Salaries do not have information about the salary of circus performers, it does include information for general performers. They earn an average of $64,032 annually. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t provide information about circus performers, it does indicate that general actor jobs could increase by 32% between 2020 and 2030. This is significantly faster than the average. BLS predicts that there will be an average of 8,200 new jobs each year.