How to Be Circus Artist Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 2, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Circus artist managers are essential for the successful running of a circus, as they coordinate and manage the activities of the various performers. They work with performers to ensure that they are prepared for their upcoming performances, providing them with advice and feedback on their performance techniques. In addition, circus artist managers work to develop and maintain relationships with venues, sponsors and other stakeholders in order to secure bookings for their performers.

This in turn leads to increased exposure for the performers, which can result in higher wages and more opportunities for them. circus artist managers play an important role in contributing to the long term success of a circus and its performers.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most circus artist managers must have at least a bachelor's degree in business, entertainment, or a related field. This can help prepare you for the various aspects of managing circus performers, such as contract negotiation, budgeting, marketing, and problem solving.
Gain Experience. To become a successful circus artist manager, you'll need to have a solid understanding of the circus industry and the performers within it. You can gain this experience by volunteering or interning with a professional circus. This will help you develop relationships with performers, as well as learn about their needs and wants.
Build Your Network. Building relationships with other industry professionals is essential for any successful artist manager. You should attend conferences and events related to the circus industry and make sure to network with other professionals.
Develop Your Skills. As an artist manager, you will need to be well-versed in a variety of skills, such as marketing, budgeting, and problem-solving. Take courses or read books to stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification from the International Artist Managers Association (IAMA) can help demonstrate your credibility in the industry and give you an edge when applying for jobs.
Look for Job Opportunities. Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can begin searching for job opportunities in the circus industry. Look for open positions at circuses and entertainment companies or contact managers directly to inquire about any available positions.

As a Circus Artist Manager, it is important to ensure that the circus artists are able to perform to their best ability in order to create an enjoyable experience for audiences. To do this, it is essential to have an ideal and efficient management system. This means having a clear structure, where roles, responsibilities and expectations are well-defined and regularly communicated.

It also requires providing the necessary resources, such as access to training and proper equipment, as well as monitoring performance and providing feedback. When managed properly, circus artists can be more productive, develop better skills, and produce higher quality performances that will draw in bigger crowds and create a more successful business.

You may want to check Circus Social Media Coordinator, Circus Groundskeeper, and Circus Stilt Walker for alternative.

Job Description

Hire and manage circus artists for shows and events.
Negotiate contracts and fees for circus artists.
Create a budget and schedule for shows and events.
Design and coordinate show production elements.
Liaise with venues, promoters and other stakeholders.
Source and secure supplies, props and costumes for shows.
Ensure the safety of performers during rehearsals and shows.
Maintain performer records, including medicals and insurance.
Promote circus artists and their shows through publicity efforts.
Develop and manage relationships with circus artists.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of circus performance and artistic techniques
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Understanding of budgeting and financial planning
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with artists, agents, and venues
Proficiency in booking circus acts, negotiating schedules, and contracts
Strong marketing and promotional skills
Exceptional customer service and problem-solving skills
Creative problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to work as an effective team player

Being an effective Circus Artist Manager requires a variety of skills. The most important skill is the ability to effectively communicate with both artists and clients. Communication involves not only listening to and understanding the needs of both parties, but also being able to clearly articulate the goals of a project and negotiate a deal that is mutually beneficial.

It is also important to have strong organizational skills in order to effectively manage the many tasks that come with running a circus, from booking the artist, to overseeing rehearsals, to managing payments and contracts. Furthermore, Circus Artist Managers must have the ability to think on their feet and stay up-to-date on industry trends, so that they can find the best performers and provide the best advice. Finally, having a thorough understanding of the legal aspects of the industry is essential in order to provide proper protection for both parties.

All these skills are essential in order for a Circus Artist Manager to effectively manage their artists and ensure a successful show.

Circus Illusionist, Circus Acrobat, and Circus Rigging Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have managing circus artists?
What strategies do you use to ensure the safety of performers?
How do you manage large groups of circus artists?
Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision involving circus artists.
How do you motivate circus artists to perform at their best?
What challenges have you faced working with circus artists?
What do you think are the most important qualities for a Circus Artist Manager?
How do you handle conflicts between circus artists?
What strategies do you use to manage the financial aspects of running a circus?
Describe a time you had to think quickly and respond to an unexpected situation involving circus artists.

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Helps manage and organize work schedules and tasks (e. g. Microsoft Outlook).
Talent Management Software. Software used to manage the talent or performers of the circus (e. g. Artist Manager).
Accounting Software. Helps keep track of financial records (e. g. QuickBooks).
Project Management Software. Allows for task and project tracking, planning, and collaboration (e. g. Asana).
Social Media Management Software. Used to effectively manage social media accounts (e. g. Hootsuite).
Performance Tracking Software. Monitors and records the performance of circus acts (e. g. Show Tracker).
Event Management Software. Used to organize events, such as shows or tours (e. g. Bizzabo).
Ticketing Software. Used to manage ticket sales, distribution, and tracking (e. g. Ticket Tailor).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Circus Arts (IACA)
World Clown Association (WCA)
International Jugglers' Association (IJA)
Circus and Variety Artists Association (CVAA)
Unicycle Society of America (USA)
United States Association of Unicyclists (USAU)
American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO)
International Circus and Variety Artists Federation (ICVAF)
Circus Fans Association of America (CFAA)
International Circus Educators Association (ICEA)

We also have Circus Tent Maintenance Worker, Circus Stagehand, and Circus Trapeze Artist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Acrobat. A performer who is trained and skilled in performing physical feats of balance, agility, and coordination.
Aerialist. An acrobat who performs aerial acts, such as trapeze, hoop diving, and aerial silks.
Contortionist. A performer who is trained in extreme physical flexibility and can twist their body into seemingly impossible shapes and poses.
Clown. A performer who entertains the audience with physical comedy and antics.
Juggler. A performer who manipulates objects such as balls, clubs, rings, or knives in the air in a continuous pattern.
Animal Trainer. A professional who works with animals to teach them to perform specific behaviors.
Magician. A person who performs illusions and tricks of the mind.
Fire-eater. A performer who eats and/or breathes fire.
Ringmaster. A master of ceremonies who introduces the acts and keeps the audience entertained between performances.
Ventriloquist. A performer who uses a puppet to imitate human voices and speech patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Circus Artist Manager?

A Circus Artist Manager is a professional responsible for booking and managing the careers of circus performers. They handle a variety of tasks, including negotiating contracts, coordinating performances, handling publicity, and marketing the artist's work.

What skills are needed to be a successful Circus Artist Manager?

Successful Circus Artist Managers need to have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as knowledge of the circus industry, artistic talent, and experience in marketing and publicity. They must also be creative problem solvers and able to work under pressure.

How much does a Circus Artist Manager typically earn?

The salary of a Circus Artist Manager can vary widely depending on experience and location. According to PayScale, the median salary for a Circus Artist Manager is $48,000 per year.

What qualifications do I need to become a Circus Artist Manager?

To become a Circus Artist Manager, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in business, marketing or a related field. You may also need experience in the circus industry or with managing artists.

What type of clients do Circus Artist Managers typically work with?

Circus Artist Managers typically work with individual circus performers, as well as circus-related organizations, including circuses, festivals, touring shows, and other entertainment venues.