Circus Performer

Circus performers entertain audiences with displays of skills, such as acrobatics, juggling, stilt walking and aerial work on trapezes and high wires. Other performers include clowns, mime artists, fire-eaters, sword swallowers and dancers.

They devise original routines based on one or more skills and promote them to different employers. The work involves spending a great deal of time rehearsing and keeping fit. To hold the interest of audiences and keep acts fresh, new and exciting, performers spend time devising and rehearsing new movements and routines. They usually tailor their act to suit different venues and audiences.

There are no set working hours, and evening and weekend work is common. Performers work indoors and outdoors in venues ranging from 'big tops' to theatres and shopping centres. A great deal of travelling is involved, sometimes overseas, and performers may spend long periods away from home.

Salaries may range from £50 to £200 a show for part-time or occasional circus performers, but vary as many performers work freelance. Well-established performers may earn the annual equivalent of between £12,000 and £30,000 a year.

A circus performer should:

• be highly skilled in their chosen performance area
• be physically fit and agile
• be energetic, with lots of stamina
• be co-ordinated, with good timing
• be entertaining and confident
• be self-disciplined and committed to practice and rehearsals
• be aware of health and safety regulations
• enjoy PE and dance and like performing in front of audiences.

Opportunities for work range from traditional 'big top' travelling circuses to outdoor festivals, stage musicals, theatrical productions, arts festivals, community festivals, cabarets, corporate events and private functions. Competition for jobs is intense. Work is usually short-term or seasonal contracts. New entrants may have to supplement their income with other work. There are opportunities to work overseas.

There are no formal entry requirements to become a circus performer, but there are various full-time specialist courses available, lasting from 12 weeks to three years. Candidates may be asked to provide a video of their performance work and to attend an audition and interview.

Circus schools and other organisations offer short courses, workshops and masterclasses aimed at circus professionals wishing to increase their range of skills and improve their chances of getting work. There are also courses and summer schools aimed at children and adults that wish to try circus skills. The Circus Development Agency website provides useful information on these classes and short workshops.

There is no formal promotion structure for circus performers. Performers looking for work with better pay must spend a long time establishing their reputations. With experience, there may be opportunities to direct performances, lead a group of performers or teach circus skills to others.

Further details