While running away to join the circus may be a bit of a fantasy, becoming a professional circus performer is a viable career choice. It’s not as simple as just packing a suitcase and running away though. It’s a journey of discipline, creativity, organisation, admin, marketing and dedication. Whether you dream of dazzling audiences with aerial feats, acrobatics, juggling, hooping, or clowning around – the world of circus offers a diverse array of opportunities.
Find your passion
Circus performance encompasses a wide variety of skills – from aerial arts like silks, trapeze, and lyra; to ground based talents like hooping, acrobatics, juggling, or contortion. When beginning your journey, it’s important to find your passion and develop your expertise. There are lots of circus schools, workshops, and online learning that can help you to discover what fits and feels good to you.
Once you’ve found your niche, it’s time to focus on honing that craft. Many professional circus performers spend years mastering their specialty. The physical demands of circus arts requires repetition, strength and precision.
Practise, Practise, Practise
Training and practise is the foundation of becoming a circus performer. Performing regularly and at a high level can be very demanding, both physically and mentally. Regular practise is essential for not only mastering technique, but also maintaining the fitness required. In addition to practicing skills and rehearsing, training needs to include strength, conditioning, and endurance exercises to prevent injury and ensure a long and healthy career.
Attending circus school and specialised programs are a great way to level up through formal instruction, and have the added bonus of meeting like-minded people and building your networks. Schools like NICA (National Institute of Circus Arts) are excellent places to gain professional guidance and make industry connections.
Develop performance skills
It takes more than great technical ability to be a successful circus performer. You’ll also need to be able to engage and connect with an audience. Stage presence, charisma, and the ability to tell a story through movement are necessary aspects of performing. Often circus performers also dabble in theatre or dance to enhance their ability to captivate a crowd.
Performance skills are key to making your routines entertaining and memorable.
Build a network and portfolio
Like all artistic careers, networking is vital to success in the circus industry. Start to connect with peers and local performers by attending circus festivals, meetups, or other events. Attending workshops, jams, gatherings (like SPINfest) and volunteering at events can be a great way to meet people in the industry. It’s these connections that can really play a role in your career. Remember that the saying, ‘the people you meet on the way up, are the same people you meet on the way down’, is a saying for a reason. Be friendly, professional, and polite.
You will also need to start putting together a portfolio of your work. This will help to market yourself to potential employers. This includes images, videos, bios and a list of shows and/or experience. Social media can be a great tool for showcasing your development, meeting other people in the circus community, and even for finding work. Whether performing with a circus, at festivals, parties, or corporate events – being visible and proactive will open doors to new opportunities.
Explore your opportunities
There are a wide range of paths available for circus performers. You can join a troupe, work as a solo performer, or collaborate with event entertainment companies and agencies. Some performers travel the world performing at festivals and events, others produce their own shows, and some audition for roles in tv, film, theatre, and the circus.
There are a variety of settings and spaces for circus artists to work. Familiarising yourself with lots of the opportunities out there is a good idea, and then align yourself with the ones that support your vision for success in your life.
Prepare for challenges
Being part of the circus community can be a thrilling ride. However, it can also come with its share of challenges. From long hours or practise, physical strain, periods of uncertainty between gigs, and working weekends – these are just all part of the job. You’ll need to be resilient and adaptable to navigate the ups and downs of this career choice. Financial stability can also be a concern. It’s common for circus performers to have other careers or jobs to help supplement their income – especially in the off season.
If you are passionate about performing, entertaining, connecting with people, and love circus skills, then this career can offer creative freedom and personal fulfillment. Becoming a circus performer isn’t just about mastering a skill. It’s about embracing the art of story telling, cultivating a deep love for the craft, and sharing that passion with the world. If you’re willing to put in the time, energy, and dedication – this fantasy can become your reality.
