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

Circus entertainers can have a positive effect on the audience by providing an evening of fun and laughter. Their performances create a unique atmosphere that can bring people together and create a memorable experience. By putting on a show that has acrobats, clowns, and animal trainers, circus entertainers can provide a great source of entertainment for both children and adults.

However, this type of entertainment also requires a great deal of skill, hard work, and practice from the performers. In order to develop their skills, circus entertainers must stay in shape, practice their routines and stunts, and work closely with animals. With their dedication to perfecting their acts and entertaining the audience, circus entertainers have become an integral part of any circus show.

Steps How to Become

1. Consider taking classes in circus-related skills such as juggling, tightrope walking, acrobatics, clowning, unicycle riding and aerial arts. Many community centers and recreation centers offer classes, or you can look into programs at a local circus school.
2. Join a local circus or performance group and become involved in group performances. This will give you the experience of performing as part of a team and will help you understand the dynamics of the circus.
3. Consider attending summer programs at a professional circus school. These provide intensive instruction in a variety of circus skills and allow you to gain experience and make contacts in the industry.
4. Seek out a mentor who is already established in the circus world. Ask them for advice on how to progress in your career and for any opportunities that may be available.
5. Network with other circus performers and entertainers to learn about audition opportunities and jobs. Look for postings in local newspapers or on websites such as Craigslist.
6. Attend auditions and be prepared to showcase your best circus skills. Prepare a resume that lists your skills and experience, and be sure to dress appropriately for the audition.
7. Once you have been hired, be sure to arrive on time to all rehearsals and performances. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and professionalism to ensure that you are hired for future gigs.

The key to staying updated and capable as a circus entertainer is to continue to practice, stay informed of new techniques, and develop a passion for the art. Practicing regularly helps to maintain existing skills and develop new ones. Staying informed of new techniques helps to stay creative and keep performances fresh and exciting.

Developing a passion for the art helps to provide motivation and inspiration when needed. All these factors combined can help any circus entertainer stay capable and up-to-date with their craft.

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Job Description

1. Juggler
2. Tightrope Walker
3. Acrobat
4. Clown
5. Animal Trainer
6. Fire Breather
7. Stilt Walker
8. Unicyclist
9. Magician
10. Contortionist

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Physical strength and stamina
2. Flexibility and agility
3. Hand-eye coordination
4. Acrobatic skills
5. Balance and poise
6. Creativity and improvisation
7. Showmanship
8. Memorization
9. Performance experience
10. Musicality and timing
11. Clowning and comedy
12. Juggling
13. Acting and improvisational skills
14. Safety awareness

Being a successful circus entertainer requires a special combination of skills and qualities. One of the most important skills to have is exceptional physical strength and agility. This allows performers to safely execute daring and complex stunts and tricks, such as aerial stunts or acrobatic feats, which are often a highlight of the show.

having an outgoing and personable attitude is essential in order to engage with and connect with the audience. Developing a rapport with the audience can help build suspense and generate excitement during performances. Finally, creativity and problem-solving skills are necessary in order to come up with interesting and original acts and routines that will thrill an audience.

All of these qualities, when combined, can help a circus entertainer achieve success in their career.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience or qualifications do you have as a Circus Entertainer?
• What kind of performances have you been involved in?
• How do you interact with audiences during performances?
• What makes you stand out from other Circus Entertainers?
• What measures do you take to ensure safety during your performances?
• How do you handle difficult situations that arise during performances?
• What challenges have you faced as a Circus Entertainer?
• What do you enjoy most about performing as a Circus Entertainer?
• How do you maintain your stamina and energy during long performances?
• How do you stay creative and come up with new acts or routines?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Unicycle. A one-wheeled cycle used for balancing and performing stunts. (eg: Standing on one foot while riding a unicycle around a tight circle)
2. Juggling Balls. A set of three balls used to throw, catch, and manipulate in a variety of ways. (eg: Throwing and catching three balls in different patterns)
3. Hula Hoop. A large hoop used to spin around the waist to perform various tricks. (eg: Keeping the hoop spinning while switching between arms)
4. Tightrope. A thin rope or wire used for walking and balancing stunts. (eg: Walking across a tightrope while juggling balls)
5. Balance Beam. A beam that is used for balance and acrobatic tricks. (eg: Doing a handstand on a balance beam)
6. Trapeze. A bar suspended from ropes or metal frames used for performing aerial stunts. (eg: Flying through the air to grab onto the trapeze bar)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. International Association of Circus Arts (IACA)
2. Professional Clowns of America (PCA)
3. The Circus Arts Conservatory
4. Fellowship of Christian Magicians (FCM)
5. International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
6. International Jugglers’ Association (IJA)
7. World Clown Association (WCA)
8. Magician’s Alliance of Eastern States (MAES)
9. International Ventriloquists Association (IVA)
10. The American Association of Clowns (AAC)

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Common Important Terms

1. Acrobat. A Circus Entertainer who performs stunts such as tumbling, somersaults and other gymnastic feats.
2. Aerialist. A Circus Entertainer who performs feats of physical skill on suspended apparatus such as ropes, trapezes, etc.
3. Clown. A Circus Entertainer who usually wears colourful costumes and makeup, and performs physical comedy.
4. Fire Breather. A Circus Entertainer who performs stunts involving the ingestion and expulsion of fire.
5. Juggler. A Circus Entertainer who manipulates objects such as balls, rings and clubs in a rhythmic manner.
6. Magician. A Circus Entertainer who performs tricks involving sleight of hand, illusions, and other forms of prestidigitation.
7. Mime. A Circus Entertainer who communicates without words using gestures and facial expressions to tell stories or make jokes.
8. Strongman. A Circus Entertainer who performs feats of strength such as lifting heavy objects, bending metal bars, or breaking chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salary of a Circus Entertainer?

A Circus Entertainer typically earns between $15-$30 per hour, depending on their experience and the particular company they work for.

What type of skills do Circus Entertainers need?

Circus Entertainers need to be skilled in performing tasks such as juggling, acrobatics, clowning, animal handling, and other physical acts. They also need to be able to think on their feet and improvise.

How long do Circus Entertainers typically perform?

Circus Entertainers typically perform for 15-20 minutes at a time.

What qualifications do Circus Entertainers need?

While no formal qualifications are necessary, many Circus Entertainers attend specialized schools or receive training from professional performers.

What are the risks associated with being a Circus Entertainer?

Being a Circus Entertainer can be physically demanding and carries a risk of injury from falls, slips, and other accidents. Circus Entertainers must also be aware of potential hazards from animals, props, and other performers.

What are jobs related with Circus Entertainer?

• Quick Change Artist
• Table Magician
• Wedding Magician
• Pickpocket Performer
• Corporate Magician
• Impressionist
• Balloon Artist
• Mentalist
• Ventriloquist Puppet Maker
• Parlor Magician

Web Resources

• About — Edu-Circus www.edu-circus.com
• Circus Store | The FSU Flying High Circus - circus.fsu.edu circus.fsu.edu
• Circus Arts - Stars of the Circus | Smithsonian Folklife Festival www.festival.si.edu