Work and Travel With The Circus

Working front of house or back of house as you travel with the circus

Have you ever imagined traveling and performing with the circus? Every year thousands of performers and technicians, producers and directors travel with one of the many circus acts around the US and even the world. As with any performing job, much practice and skill is required to get that job with the big top, but it is very possible.

These jobs fall into the entertainment category of work travel employment, so competition is fierce. You also find it is a small industry where everyone knows everyone and reputation is huge.

You may be familiar with the TV Series on PBS called Circus. It is a reality show that followed the people behind the Big Apple Circus in the 2009-2010 season, as they dazzled fans and spectators.

This show is a great introduction to what is involved when working with the Circus. Circus introduces you to the people behind the show and does a great job showing what it takes to be a circus performer. Check it out.

Want to get a job with the Circus?

What positions are available with the Circus?

Working front of house

With the Circus, there are the obvious jobs and the not so obvious jobs. Obvious jobs are performers and they include aerialists, clowns, the Ringmaster, lion tamers and acrobats. These jobs are acquired by those with a high amount of talent and charisma which is required to keep the audience entertained.

These jobs require a life of practice or a degree. Clowns, for example, often go to one of the many clown colleges around the US, or the world. Desireable clown traits include exaggerated facial expressions, magic tricks, busking, juggling, comedic timing and knowing how to be funny always helps.

Acrobats and aerialists also have a lifetime of practice which they use to work for the Circus. They also might specialize in performing with hanging silks or the high wire. They also may have professional training in gymnastics.

When you are looking to break into the business as a circus performer, you will likely have to submit an audition tape months before the season is set to begin. This audition tape can be in addition to your resume, and is going to be a tape of you performing your best work. Make sure the tape clearly demonstrates your best material and also has your contact information.

Working back of house

Just as there are positions in front of the crowd, there are just as many behind the scenes positions with the circus which require traveling.

Positions include audio/video technician, tour photographer, animal wrangler/caretaker, wardrobe supervisor, floor crew, tour managers and even private school tutors for the younger performers. More positions exist, so do your research and find the one that works for you.

Make no mistake, they are a very important part of the show, it's just that the crowds don't see the work that goes on behind the scenes. Thus, with BOH positions, most patrons don't know what you do until you don't do it. You see, these are the people who make the show happen backstage. These positions require various skills depending on the job performed. They also travel with the circus making sure every show happens as it should.

Some back of house positions require technical training in a specialized field (I'm talking about you, Elephant Caretakers) while others require a willingness to travel and a strong work ethic. To find out what positions are available, go to the touring companies website and find the careers section. Feld Entertainment, for example, is one of the larger companies that hires for the Ringling Brothers, among other touring acts.

Landing that first job with the circus

The key to finding the position that's right for you is to do something you are interested in. Get the job that is also your passion, so it doesn't feel like work when you are doing it. Working in entertainment and traveling 24/7 are grueling enough, so make sure you get satisfaction in the role you play to make the most of your employment, be that in the circus or elsewhere.

If you are hiring for a traveling act such as the Circus, Contact us about posting on Travel Droppings.

About the Author
Mike has been working and traveling abroad since 2005. Recent trips include 12 months in Australia, a month in China and another in Europe followed by a six week USA road trip. Mike isn't rich, just resourceful in finding work abroad. In additon to providing free information on working abroad, and travel photography for sale online, Mike is also available for speaking engagements on the benefits of world travel.

The world is too amazing not to share. Contact Mike