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, dancers and actors.

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 and exciting, performers spend time devising and rehearsing new movements and routines. Most circus performers are also involved in teaching circus skills.

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 arts centres. Some performers do a lot of travelling, sometimes overseas.

Earnings may range from £50 to £300 a show for part-time or occasional circus performers, but vary as many performers work freelance. Well-established performers may earn up to £30,000 a year.

A circus performer should:

• be highly skilled in their chosen performance area
• be physically fit and agile, with lots of stamina
• be co-ordinated, with excellent timing
• be a confident show person
• be self-disciplined and committed to practice and rehearsals
• enjoy performing in front of audiences.

Opportunities for work range from traditional 'big top' travelling circuses to staged circus shows, stage musicals, theatrical plays, cabarets, corporate events, and music, arts and community festivals. Competition for jobs is intense. Work is usually short-term or seasonal contracts. There are opportunities to work overseas.

There are no formal entry requirements to become a circus performer, although a circus performer will need a high level of ability in at least one circus act. Classes in gymnastics and modern dance provide a good background for learning circus skills.

The Diploma in creative and media may be relevant to this area of work.

There are a number of full-time accredited courses available, from foundation to degree level. There are also short, part-time and introductory courses available in a range of circus skills.

Circus training centres offer various professional development courses aimed at circus professionals wishing to enhance their range of skills and to improve their acts.

There is no formal promotion structure for circus performers. Performers wanting to progress to more prestigious work with better pay need to spend time establishing their reputations, developing routines and learning new skills. Some circus performers move on to direct performances or lead their own group of performers.

Further details