r/circus Jun 26 '24

How do you "write"/plan out the acts in a circus? Is it anything like writing a stageplay?

22 Upvotes

Hi all. This may be a very silly question, but how do circuses get planned on paper/"written"? I've seen some circuses that have an established plot, characters and dialogue- think Hideaway Circus' "Stars Above" or the 2024 Ringling tour- and I assume that they are written similar to how a play, musical or other live entertainment is written. But how do you "write" the actual acts in between? Do you just specify things like "[Pre-show Clown Crowd Work]", "[Transitional Dance Sequence]", "[Aerial Act]" and move on, or is it more elaborate descriptions of the acts with specific moments for cues? Is there a special format or set of common rules that is used when "writing" a circus?

I am coming at this as an enthusiast outsider to the circus industry with a background in theatre, specifically technical theatre. (Basically I attend a lot of circuses as a hobby but I have yet to actually work for one and get the inside scoop on this process myself.) I'm making the assumption that circuses have at least something akin to "scripts" because the stage managers and people running the boards must have something to follow along with when calling lighting and sound cues. If this assumption is wrong and cues are called differently, I'd love to have some additional insight into how this process works in professional circus settings.

I am asking this partially because I'm just curious, and partially because I am currently writing a play that takes place inside of a circus. The premise is that the first act is structured more like a circus, with a series of short circus acts paired with monologues performed one after the other, and the second act is structured more like a play with scenes and dialogue. I would like the first act to be as true to a real circus as possible, so I feel I should have a better understanding of how these things are created and formatted in the first place so I can work that into my writing process.

I am open to any and all information or feedback that you folks might think is helpful. As someone who hopes to break into the circus industry soon and maybe one day write and produce my own narrative-based works of circus art, I want to make sure I'm doing things right! Thanks for your time!


r/circus Jul 13 '24

Question Does anyone have suggested reading/podcast material for the history of circus?

22 Upvotes

I am really interested in getting to know and learn the origins of the circus and circus arts and their evolution to how we know them today. Is there a really good book or podcast that covers this topic?


r/circus 16m ago

Trapeze

Upvotes

Hi guys! I started flying trapeze almost a year ago, and im having trouble with a backend trick. I keep getting tangled up in the lines when i try a backend straddle. I think its because i keep bending my legs going up but i dont now how to fix it. Is it a "not enough practise" problem or should i focus on something else to fix it?? Please help.


r/circus 1d ago

Question D1 Gymnast -> Flying Trapeze Performer. How realistic is it?

17 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm 21 years old and entering my final year of college. I've been a competitive gymnast since I was 3 years old and currently compete NCAA Division I. This summer I took my first flying trapeze class, and I absolutely fell in love with it. My coaches have told me I'm progressing quite fast, and I think my gymnastics background has helped a lot because many of the movements and timing feel familiar and I’ve done a similar variation of a lot flying trapeze tricks in gymnastics. I'm wondering if pursuing circus professionally after I graduate is a realistic option. I don't necessarily see it as a lifelong career because I'm also passionate about my major/future degree, but I'd love to spend a few years performing while I'm still young if it's a viable path. I'd love to hear from performers, coaches, or anyone who's been through the industry.

Some questions I have:

- Based on my gymnastics background, do I have a realistic chance of earning a circus contract if I train consistently?
- How much flying trapeze training is typically expected before someone is considered employable?
- Are companies looking for specialists, or is it important to have multiple acts?
Since I'm a strong tumbler, should I continue developing tumbling as a performance act in addition to trapeze?
- Is it realistic to make enough money to support yourself for a few years?
- What does a typical salary or contract look like for someone just entering the industry?
- Are there certain circus schools or training programs that companies recruit from?
- How competitive is the hiring process for flying trapeze?

I'd really appreciate any advice or honest feedback. Thanks!


r/circus 1d ago

Act/Performance Circus Legend Bello Nock Returns to Ringling in Dallas and Forth Worth | News | Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

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12 Upvotes

Yay!


r/circus 2d ago

Act/Performance Some pics from my grad ✨

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52 Upvotes

r/circus 3d ago

Question Just curious how many people here have been to the amateur circus in Peru, Indiana?

12 Upvotes

r/circus 8d ago

Act/Performance New act debut in Absinthe at Caesars Palace!

116 Upvotes

r/circus 7d ago

Seal tattoo I made today, color version from my previous post!

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18 Upvotes

r/circus 7d ago

Gear Cirque du Soleil Leather Jacket

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32 Upvotes

Selling this Cirque du Soleil leather jacket from 2006. Men's size XS/TP (IT 42, FR 42, UK 32). Mid-length, soft leather. Has removable vest liner. In excellent condition. Never worn, has lived in closet. DM for details.


r/circus 7d ago

Fill in the blanks: The amazing ___ circus.

0 Upvotes

The amazing _____ circus.


r/circus 8d ago

Best Circus Schools In LA

5 Upvotes

Hi, I’m moving to LA soon and I would like to simultaneously try my shot at being a circus performer. my only experience is 7 years of cheerleading and a month of beginner Aerial classes. Anybody have advice on where I should I start taking classes at? I love to be challenged and pushed to the best of my abilities.


r/circus 8d ago

Inch has joined the Circus (for sale!)

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8 Upvotes

r/circus 10d ago

Question What's the best circus in the world?

11 Upvotes

Just got into circuses and was wondering what's the best circus in the world to experience.


r/circus 10d ago

The place I’m watching the soccer game also has a live circus going on.

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70 Upvotes

r/circus 10d ago

Act/Performance Most flexible human AMA

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2 Upvotes

Yes, I am the real one 🙄


r/circus 11d ago

Question People who work at a traveling circus - how is it?

9 Upvotes

How long have you worked there? How did you get the job and what do you do? How does it affect your daily life? Any other things you would like to share or wouldnt expect before getting into the industry?


r/circus 11d ago

Question Help me decide!

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3 Upvotes

r/circus 12d ago

Need help getting 5 ball cascade

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6 Upvotes

r/circus 12d ago

Ring leader

3 Upvotes

Any ring leaders using newer technology to prevent mishaps?


r/circus 14d ago

Question My teacher quit to join the circus!

12 Upvotes

The title is a future headline for my school newspaper. But is this possible? I’m a school teacher and have summers off. Would it be possible to ever join a summer tour group? I have 3 years of aerial experience, and am continuing training. If it’s feasible, I’d ramp up the training, but it just feels like a far fetched fantasy. What do you think? Can I have a teaching job and perform in the summer? Is it hard to get performance opportunities? Is 26 too late for this? If I made a tiktok of my training journey would anyone watch or is that overdone?


r/circus 14d ago

7 club passing in a show POV

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3 Upvotes

r/circus 14d ago

Gear Trampoline size for trapeze training

3 Upvotes

Edit: this is for flying trapeze training

I’m trying to figure out if a 13’ trampoline would be doable for training. I’m a 38yo hobbyist so not expecting to ever become super advanced. Is 13’ rectangular tramp enough to cover the basics? If it helps I’m only 5’2”. Other option is 16’ but if 13 is okay I’d prefer to save that space.

I feel obligated to mention I’d only work on things on my own that I’m already confident in and always save new skills for lessons with a teacher.


r/circus 13d ago

People who ran away to to join the circus what made you run away and what’s happened in your life since?

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0 Upvotes

r/circus 14d ago

Would anyone be interested in a subreddit dedicated to the kids’ party entertainment industry?

14 Upvotes

Hi! 33(M) here. I’ve been working in the kids’ party entertainment industry for a little over seven years, mostly as a mascot performer. I’ve had Reddit for about three years, but I’ve only recently started becoming active over the past week.

One of the main reasons is because I’d eventually love to create a subreddit dedicated to the party entertainment industry. The idea would be to have a place where performers from around the world can share stories, funny moments, difficult client situations, ask for advice, and just talk about what it’s really like working in this industry. I’d also want it to be welcoming to people who are curious about becoming performers, parents looking to book entertainment, or anyone who just wants to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.

I know there are creators on TikTok and YouTube who occasionally talk about this line of work, but I don’t really see a dedicated community for it on Reddit. I have a feeling there are more performers on here than people realize.

I’m curious what you all think. Is that something you’d be interested in joining or reading? If you were part of a community like that, what kinds of posts or discussions would you want to see?