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

Feb 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The success of a circus relies heavily on its manager. The effective management of the circus is essential to its success, as it affects all areas of the circus, from financial stability and customer satisfaction to employee morale and public relations. A good circus manager should have a strong leadership style, excellent organizational skills, and an understanding of the business and the industry it operates in.

They should also be able to motivate and direct their staff, ensure customer satisfaction, maintain a safe and healthy working environment, and manage the finances of the circus. If the circus manager is able to effectively carry out these tasks, the circus will be more successful, resulting in increased ticket sales and profits, allowing it to become a more successful business.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most circus managers have a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. A bachelors degree will be beneficial in understanding the business aspects of the circus.
Gain Experience. Most circuses prefer experience when hiring. Consider volunteering or interning at a circus to gain the necessary experience.
Learn Circus Skills. It is important for a circus manager to understand the various aspects of the circus. Learning circus skills such as juggling, acrobatics, and clowning will help better understand the performances and the performers.
Develop Leadership Skills. The ability to lead and motivate performers and staff is essential in being a successful circus manager. Developing strong leadership skills is also important in problem solving, team management, and working with vendors.
Get Certified. Organizations such as the International Association of Circus Managers offer certifications that demonstrate knowledge and expertise in circus operations and management.
Network. Building relationships with other circus professionals can help you stay informed on industry trends and provide job opportunities. Joining professional associations and attending industry events are great ways to make connections.

If a circus manager wants to be successful, they must be highly organized, motivated, and have excellent people skills. First, they need to be well-versed in every aspect of circus management, from operations and finance to marketing and customer service. They must be able to plan and coordinate events, manage budgets and finances, and keep track of all the details that go into running a circus.

they must have the ability to build relationships with performers and vendors, recruit staff, and manage customer relations. Finally, they need to be able to motivate their team members, build morale, and create a positive work environment. All of these traits combined make up the ideal and competent circus manager.

You may want to check Circus Ticket Seller, Circus Social Media Coordinator, and Circus Bookkeeper for alternative.

Job Description

Bookkeeper: Responsible for all financial record-keeping, including tracking income and expenses, generating financial reports, and preparing tax returns.
Human Resources Manager: Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training all circus staff, as well as managing employee payroll and benefits.
Safety Manager: Responsible for ensuring the safety of all circus staff and patrons, including overseeing safety inspections of all equipment and providing emergency response training.
Marketing Manager: Responsible for creating and distributing marketing materials, such as posters, flyers, and online advertisements, to promote the circus.
Event Coordinator: Responsible for planning and executing special events, such as shows, festivals, and fundraisers.
Technical Director: Responsible for managing all technical aspects of the circus, such as setting up sound systems, lighting rigs, and stages.
Animal Care Manager: Responsible for the care and safety of all animal performers, including providing necessary medical care, proper nutrition, and appropriate housing.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work under tight deadlines.
Knowledge of circus-related activities and regulations.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with performers, vendors, sponsors, and patrons.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Proficiency in budgeting and financial management.
Ability to develop and implement marketing plans for shows and events.
Excellent customer service skills.
Experience in hiring, training, and supervising circus personnel.
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve.
Knowledge of occupational safety and health regulations applicable to circus operations.

Having strong organizational and communication skills is essential for a successful circus manager. Good organizational skills help the manager to plan and coordinate events, manage the financials of the circus, and keep the circus running smoothly. Communication skills are important for the manager to be able to effectively delegate tasks to staff, manage vendors, and negotiate with potential sponsors.

Good problem-solving skills are also essential for the manager to be able to quickly and efficiently respond to unexpected events or issues that arise. Furthermore, a successful circus manager should have knowledge of the circus industry and a passion for entertaining large audiences. These skills combined will result in a successful and enjoyable experience for both the audience and the performers.

Circus Security Guard, Circus Artist Liaison, and Circus Ticket Agent are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have managing a circus?
What strategies do you have for developing and maintaining a successful circus environment?
How would you handle a situation where an animal behaves in an unexpected way during a performance?
What do you think are the important skills for a circus manager to have?
How do you ensure safety for all performers, animals, and spectators?
How would you go about recruiting new talent for the circus?
How do you handle customer complaints?
What methods have you used to promote your circus in the past?
How do you handle conflicts between performers or staff members?
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices?

Common Tools in Industry

Ticketing System. A software platform used to manage ticket sales and customer relations. (eg: Ticketmaster)
Scheduling Software. A web-based tool used to plan, schedule and manage events, performances and staff shifts. (eg: Timely)
Accounting Software. A program used to track and manage financial transactions of the circus. (eg: QuickBooks)
Inventory Management System. A software designed to keep track of inventory, including whats in stock, whats been sold, and what needs to be restocked. (eg: Fishbowl)
Safety Management System. A tool used to ensure safety protocols are followed and to monitor any potential safety risks. (eg: ProSigma)
Human Resources Software. A system used to manage employee records, job postings, hiring processes, payroll, and benefits. (eg: BambooHR)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Circus Arts (IACA)
International Circus Association (ICA)
International Circus Festival Association (ICFA)
International Clown Hall of Fame (ICHF)
American Circus Educators Association (ACEA)
European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (EFPCS)
Worldwide Circus Network (WCN)
Professional Circus Trainers Association (PCTA)
World Clown Association (WCA)
International Juggler's Association (IJA)

We also have Circus Tightrope Walker, Circus Publicist, and Circus Concession Worker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Acrobats. Performers who specialize in physical stunts and maneuvers, such as tumbling, juggling, and balancing acts.
Aerialists. Performers who specialize in aerial stunts, such as trapeze, silks, and static trapeze.
Clowns. Performers who specialize in comedy and slapstick routines.
Contortionists. Performers who specialize in extreme flexibility and bending their bodies into unusual positions.
Juggler. Performers who specialize in throwing and catching multiple objects in the air.
Animal Trainer. A person who is responsible for the care and training of animals used in the circus.
Ringmaster. The leader of the circus show who introduces performers, directs acts, and handles audience interaction.
Public Relations. Professionals responsible for promoting the circus and connecting with the public.
Rigging. The practice of installing, setting up, and maintaining the equipment and apparatus used by performers in the circus.
Ticket Sales. Professionals responsible for selling tickets to performances and managing customer relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Circus Manager?

Circus Manager is a management simulation game where you take on the role of a circus manager and must manage the day-to-day operations of the circus. You will hire and manage performers, build attractions, manage finances, and more.

What types of attractions are available in Circus Manager?

Circus Manager features over 50 attractions including high wire acts, trapeze artists, clowns, animal acts, and more. You can also build custom attractions with various combinations of performers and props.

How many performers can I manage in Circus Manager?

You can manage up to 30 performers in Circus Manager. Each performer has their own unique skills and abilities that you must manage to ensure the success of your circus.

What kind of financial management is available in Circus Manager?

Circus Manager allows you to manage your finances including ticket prices, staff salaries, and more. You must also manage the financial health of your circus by ensuring that you have enough money to cover all of your expenses.

Is there a way to track my progress in Circus Manager?

Yes, Circus Manager features a leaderboard system where you can track your progress against other players. You can also view detailed analytics about the performance of your circus to help you make better decisions.