Circus Performer Job Description
What is a Circus Performer Professional?
A circus performer is an artist who uses their body and skill to entertain audiences. They may perform feats of strength, agility, or danger, or tell jokes, sing, dance, or perform other acts that are designed to amuse. Circus performers typically work for circuses, fairs, and other events that feature live entertainment. They may be employed by a single circus or troupe, or they may freelance and work for multiple organizations. Some performers also work as instructors, teaching others how to safely perform the same stunts and tricks that they do. Most circus performers begin training at a young age; some start as early as three or four years old.
What does a Circus Performer Expert do?
Many performers come from families who have been involved in the circus business for generations. Training can be rigorous and demanding, but it can also be highly rewarding. Performers must continually practice and perfect their craft in order to maintain their skills and avoid injuries. They must also be able to adapt their routines to fit the needs of different venues and audiences. Circus performers often travel with circuses or troupes as they tour from town to town or country to country.
What are the Skills of a Circus Performer?
A circus performer is an entertainer who performs a variety of acts that may include acrobatics, aerialists, animal training, clowning, contortionism, juggling, and magic. They are skilled in performing these acts in a safe and entertaining manner. To be a successful circus performer, one must have excellent physical conditioning and coordination. They must also be able to memorize their routine and execute it flawlessly. A good sense of timing and rhythm is also important. Circus performers must be able to work well with others and take direction from the circus director or ringmaster. Some circus performers start out as amateurs who perform at local fairs or community events. Others may train at a professional school or join a traveling troupe. Many performers begin their careers as children and continue performing into adulthood.
What makes an Expert Circus Performer?
The skills required to be a successful circus performer vary depending on the type of act being performed. Acrobats must have exceptional strength, flexibility, agility, and stamina. Animal trainers must be able to safely handle the animals they are working with and understand their behaviors. Clowns need to be able to make people laugh while remaining safe themselves (and those around them). Juggling requires coordination, balance, and hand-eye coordination. Magicians need sleight of hand tricks and mentalism techniques up their sleeves along with the ability to keep secrets! No matter what the skill set required for each specific act might be though every great circus performer has one thing in common: practice!
What level of Experience & Qualifications are required to be a Circus Performer?
Industry Experience: 1. Extensive experience in circus performance, including acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and other acts. 2. Ability to work with a variety of animals such as horses, elephants, tigers and lions. 3. Knowledge of safety protocols for performing stunts and tricks in the ring. 4. Understanding of how to create an entertaining show that will keep audiences engaged and entertained throughout the performance. 5. Ability to work with a team of performers to coordinate complex routines and stunts safely and effectively while maintaining audience engagement throughout the show. 6. Familiarity with different types of equipment used in circus performances such as trampolines, trapezes, tightropes etc., as well as their proper use and maintenance for safety purposes during shows or rehearsals Training: 1. Training in physical conditioning techniques such as stretching exercises or yoga poses that can help improve flexibility for performing stunts or tricks safely without injury during shows or rehearsals 2. Training on how to properly handle animals used in performances such as horses or elephants so they remain calm during shows or rehearsals 3 .Training on how to properly use props like fire torches or knives when performing dangerous stunts Qualifications: 1 .Certification from a recognized circus school demonstrating proficiency in various circus skills such as acrobatics, juggling etc., which may be required by some employers before hiring performers 2 .First Aid certification is also recommended for all performers due to the potential risks associated with certain acts performed within the ring Education: 1 .High school diploma is usually required by most employers before hiring performers 2 .Post-secondary education related to theatre arts may be beneficial but not always necessary depending on employer requirements
What is the Salary of a Circus Performer?
The salary expectations of a circus performer can vary greatly depending on the level of experience and skill. For junior performers, salaries typically range from minimum wage to around $15 per hour. These performers may be just starting out in the industry or have limited experience performing in a circus setting. They may also be responsible for helping with setup and tear down of equipment, as well as assisting other performers during shows. Mid-level performers usually earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on their skillset and experience level. These performers are often more experienced than junior-level ones, but still lack the expertise of senior-level performers. They may be responsible for performing solo acts or working with other mid-level performers to create larger acts that require more coordination and skill. Senior-level circus performers typically earn between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on their skillset and experience level. These experienced professionals are often able to perform complex stunts that require a high degree of skill and precision. They may also be responsible for teaching younger or less experienced circus artists how to safely perform certain stunts or tricks. Senior-level circus artists are usually highly sought after by circuses due to their expertise in creating unique performances that draw large crowds.
What are the Working Conditions for a Circus Performer?
The general working conditions for a circus performer vary depending on the type of performance and the employer. Generally, circus performers work long hours with irregular schedules, often performing multiple shows in one day. They may be required to travel extensively and stay away from home for extended periods of time. Circus performers must be physically fit and able to perform strenuous activities such as acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, clowning, animal training and more. They must also have excellent coordination skills and be able to learn new routines quickly. Safety is a priority in the circus industry so performers must follow safety protocols at all times while performing their acts. Performers are usually paid an hourly wage or salary depending on their experience level and the type of act they are performing. Benefits may include health insurance coverage, vacation pay or other perks such as free meals or lodging while traveling with the show.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Circus Performer?
Acrobat
Aerialist
Airbrush artist
Animal trainer
Announcer
Armorer
Assistant ringmaster
Band leader
Barker
Calliope player
Comedian
Concessionaire
Cover artist
Custodian
Fire eater
Fortune teller
Gang plank walker Clown
Where can I find Circus Performer jobs?
- Create a profile on gigexchange and promote your Circus Performer skills to advertise you are Open to New Work Opportunities
- Ensure your Resume (or CV), or online work profile is up to date and represents your skills and experience. Ensure your reputation reflects your ability & attitude.
- Apply for Circus Performer Jobs advertised on gigexchange.
- Practise Circus Performer interview techniques to ensure you represent your personality and ability succinctly and confidently.
- Accept the job offer if the salary meets your expectations and the employer mission and purpose reflects your core values.
Jobs
Los Angeles
London
Melbourne
Wien 1190 Vienna
Edmonton
Queenstown
Remote 
14, D-41 Opilskilijankatu Tampere
Amsterdam AmsterdamWhat are the best job boards for Circus Entertainer jobs?
How can I hire Circus Performer staff online for my business?
The best job board for recruiting Circus Performer experts is gigexchange.com. Advertise full-time, part-time or contract jobs to find, hire & recruit trusted, experienced and talented Circus Performer candidates near you.
Are Circus Performer roles in demand in 2025?
Circus Performer experts are still in high demand in 2025. If you are an experienced Circus Performer or looking to train and become one. The job market is looking strong for Circus Performer jobs near me.