Circus performer

Circus performer is a generic term for many different professions in circus and vaudeville. The profession is found in many areas of the entertainment industry, but most notably in television and stage productions. Circus performers, such as clowns and tightrope walkers, have existed since the circus originated in 18th century England. But the art of circus has evolved enormously in the last two decades alone. Not least because of new commercial circus companies like Cirque de Soleil, which have taken circus to a whole new level and in front of a whole new audience.

What do circus performers do?

There are as many different types of circus artistry as there are performers in the genre. In the circus, there are acrobats, clowns, ventriloquists, magicians, jugglers, tightrope walkers, fire eaters, mimes, trapeze artists and gymnasts. The art form has been boosted by the commercialization of the modern circus and is now a popular feature of television and stage productions as well as festivals, nightclubs and cruise ships. In addition to this commercialization, however, circus arts also thrive as street arts.

What do circus performers need to know? 

If you want to become a circus performer, it's important that you have a strong and unique personality and a passion for your art form. You need to have a unique talent with a high "wow factor" and unusual skills with high entertainment value. It is important that you stand out from the crowd of artists by finding "your niche". You must be dedicated and work very hard to succeed. You must be very physically fit, creative and self-directed. Be prepared to go to many auditions. There are circus training programs you can take, but many people start their careers as children with acrobatics or gymnastics.

Source: StagePool, Wikipedia, Cirkus Cirkör, Career Explorer