In today's society, circus performers have a better view of their work; they can do what they love to be more than just a hobby, but also their livelihood. How to become a circus performer? If you're deepening a skill that you want to do with all your heart, you could become a rising star, it's best to start now, because you'll have a long way to go.
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Part 1 of 3: Developing Your Skills
Step 1. Start honing a skill
In the circus there are many performances and this opens up many new jobs. Moreover, the types of circuses are also very varied, and that means more job opportunities. If you want to apply to a circus group, you need to master a special skill. At least one or more is required by the circus. These include cloth acrobatics in the air, hanging rekstok, playing dexterity by throwing balls, playing on the trampoline, walking on a rope, playing diabolo, being a clown, walking with stilts, or other unique skills. The practice of playing circus skills is very hard, it is very unlikely that someone can master it in a short time. It takes dedication, commitment, and training to be ready to perform.
If you're not a person who is comfortable with having to perform in public but enjoy the thrill of the circus, there are plenty of other jobs for you that don't require acrobatics or strenuous physical training. You can work backstage with costumes, show animals, or as stage and production director. But in this article we will focus more on circus performers who perform in public
Step 2. Must always be fit and strong
Most circus stunts look easy and beautiful, but training to perfect them can take months. When you do acrobatic stunts, you need flexibility and you need confidence that your body can do it. For hanging rekstok and so on, you depend on your upper body strength to be able to swing your body in the air. This kind of performance can cause players to be injured at any time; the stronger your body, the more you can do it without injury.
If you choose to be a clown or a dexterity player with a ball, you don't need to train your body the way you want to run a marathon, but you do need to work on your sharpness and agility until you can at least do tricks quickly, for example, keep your hands moving. while throwing and catching the ball
Step 3. Choose what skills you want
Some circus performers don't just play in one circus, but they audition in various places, like a film actor auditioning for various films. They don't need to be tied to just one circus, they can schedule their own shows. Another option is for you to actually participate in a circus. You can always perform, and give your best every time you perform so that you can also continue to be employed in the circus, in every decision that must be made there will of course be pros and cons - it all depends on individual preferences.
Would you like to perform with Cirque du Soleil? Or a little simpler like Barnum & Bailey's? Or maybe a smaller one, like performing at an exhibition or festival? In the end it all depends on your decision. Just keep in mind that by doing bigger and more grand events, you will also be burdened with greater responsibilities and commitments
Step 4. Create the basis of a show
Before trying to find which circus will accept you, first prepare an action that you will show to your prospective boss. If you have a background in dance, gymnastics, and so on it would be helpful, but not really necessary. That way you will already have material that you can show at any time.
This will be work. Next you need to find a trainer, buy the right equipment (for example for safety), and set aside time each day to be the best in your field. This has to be a priority in order for you to compete at this level of the circus
Part 2 of 3: Get a Chance to Perform
Step 1. Try to make your stunt perfect
To attract the attention of talent scouts and get you drafted into a circus team, you need a stage act to attract the right people. Work out with your family in the backyard, or with your coach in the gym, it doesn't matter, as long as you keep practicing. You have to be able to do the action so it's as easy as turning your palms over, where you won't get hurt by doing it wrong.
The ability to pull off a stunt perfectly is so important that you're always ready to audition or replace someone else. If you get accepted into the circus, your act may be changed to what they want, but the important thing is that you've been accepted to work with them
Step 2. Create a sample video
To apply for a job abroad (such as at Cirque du Soleil), you will need to record an audition video that demonstrates your abilities and skills. Many of the major circus companies provide online registration forms that you can fill out and submit at any given time. Show your best action, follow all the guidelines, and make sure that your recording looks professional.
Most circuses have ties to agencies as well as talent scouts. The more you explore the experience in the circus world, the wider your network of acquaintances in the world, and this will make it easier to find connections
Step 3. Think about enrolling in a circus school
While that's not very common, there are many legitimate and trusted circus schools that are looking for talented students. If there is such a school in your area, try to come and have a look - it's also a way of meeting people who are more experienced.
In this way the hope of getting a job is very high. Many circus schools boast that 100% (or close to 100%) of their alumni are awarded jobs
Step 4. Start with corporate events, private events, and appearing at part-time sports events
It's true that at the beginning of your career you will not immediately appear at big events but if your action on the small stage is impressive enough, your career will go up and people will start paying attention to you. To get to this point, take every opportunity that comes your way.
Tell all your friends and family, tell them to tell others about you too. It is possible that you will be asked to act at private events or local events simply because of word of mouth. This is one of the most reliable and highly effective methods
Step 5. Start thinking about taking long-term contracts, such as on cruise ships
In addition to small jobs like private events, start looking for more creative and unconventional jobs like on cruise ships. You work on a show on a cruise ship for 6-9 months, until your contract expires. This is an excellent stepping stone before stepping into even bigger official circuses.
Try sites like Workaway, where you can sign up for a set period of time and work in a circus. In return, while working in the circus you will get food and a room to live in. It's not fancy, but at least you're stepping in the right direction
Step 6. Try to join the circus festival
Believe it or not, this festival does exist. Every August, the circus organization "American Youth Circus Organization" holds a circus festival for young people. This is one example of several circus festivals that exist. Some people will be asked to perform briefly, and some lucky ones will get a special time to appear in the show - But either way, you'll get a chance to showcase your skills.
Sign up as early as possible, discuss this with your coach, your agent, who hired you, to have your name on the circus roster. At first you may spend a little money on transportation capital and so on, but it is a small sacrifice so that you can show your action at this level
Step 7. Apply for a circus troupe
Now that you've got enough names and have a job that you can rely on a little bit, try signing up for the big circuses. Try applying to circuses like Cirque du Soleil or Barnum & Bailey's. Get ready to live life as a circus performer. Believe me, you have succeeded!
It is not uncommon for your application to be answered after months of applying. If you haven't received an answer within a short time, don't give up, keep applying elsewhere. Don't give up and quit international work either
Step 8. Stay in various places during the trip
One of the facts that most circus performers don't take into account is the fact that they will be away from home, constantly living with luggage. Life on stage may look luxurious, but outside of that the life of a traveling circus performer will be lived in cheap hotel rooms, modest food, and sleeping in vehicles. Some people think that living like this is a precious life, but others find it very difficult. To succeed, you have to be steadfast and strong in going through it all.
In living it not infrequently you will also feel alone. It is certain that your circus family will form, but you will be far from your real family. It also depends on the contract you take. In signing an employment contract, also consider the length of the contract so that you don't stay away from people closest to you for too long
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing the Challenge
Step 1. Understand what awaits you in this work
Circus life is not always luxurious. If you're in a traveling circus, you'll be on the move all the time, and you'll most likely be doing your own make-up and maybe buying or even making your own costumes. Working with a circus requires a lot of dedication just to stay optimistic in every show.
If you work for a large circus, they will usually provide costumes and stuff for you to wear to performances. But if you're working for a smaller circus, you're probably going to have to pay for it yourself. Think of this as the price you have to pay for doing what you love
Step 2. Be persistent
Of course you will experience rejection, people will say "no" to you. You will be advised to quit, your application is rejected, you will be injured or at risk for injury if you are a circus performer. It's important that you get through all of these obstacles - or rather float past them like a circus performer. If you are dedicated and you enjoy doing the show, you will definitely find the right job, and you will be able to continue your passion.
Nothing worked on the first try. You will receive rejection many times before you finally get the chance. This can take months and even years. But you have to keep believing that eventually the opportunity will come. If you don't believe in yourself, then no one else will
Step 3. Prepare physically
Being a circus performer is almost like being a sportsman - your career could end long before you feel "old." And as you near the end of your career, your body will feel the struggle you've been through. You could be in tip-top shape or you could already need two knee surgeries. It won't be easy, but maybe this physical pressure is worth the pleasure of doing what you love.
Basically, your body represents your work. If you don't take good care of it, you can easily lose your job. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, maintain physical fitness, and most importantly, prioritize safety at work. You certainly don't want to jeopardize your career because of the bad decisions you make
Step 4. Don't do it just for the money
How much does a circus performer actually make? While each circus will pay a different amount, more will depend on the type of work, performance and length of time you work. For example, a circus will pay their performers every weekend, or right after the circus show ends for the day. If you're a freelancer, you'll be paid more often after the job is done, but even so you can get paid weekly, sometimes even after every circus show ends (but this kind of payment is very rare).). Also, it's best if you choose a job like this, you choose it first for your love of the circus world, and second for the money.
Moreover, each worker gets a different pay. If you are at the lowest level, maybe you can only earn around IDR 3,000,000 per week; if you are a top performer such as an acrobat or a contortionist, you can earn around IDR 400,000,000,00 to IDR 700,000,000,00 per year. Don't forget - on top of that you also get free room and consumption. Income will continue to grow
Tips
- Professional circus performers generally have agents, just like movie actors or models! Agents can help you find job opportunities, and organize your schedule. It's not required, but it will really help you if you're looking for opportunities to work in the circus world.
- Be prepared to perform most days of the week, and even more so to practice most of the time. It's a good idea to buy your own exercise equipment or at least one that you can always wear, especially if you're a trapeze player and so on. If that's the case you need bigger exercise equipment.
- Before auditioning or applying for a job in the circus, you will need to compile a resume (CV) showing what skills you are capable of. Putting together a stage act, something the circus in general has never seen and that will make them interested in hiring you.
- Look for circus schools in your area. If not, then dance studios or gymnastics studios that have a lot in common with the circus style and can shape you too.
- It's better if you come up with something that no one has seen before and that will appeal to your audience. Always be ready to change something if necessary, but include your own uniqueness in the actions you take.
- Learn a few skills - circus groups like players who can perform more than one specific skill, and so you'll end up earning more in the end.
Warning
- Some circuses provide health insurance for their players, but just in case, it's better to have your own insurance as well.
- Working in the circus world is very tough and requires fitness. You need to take all the steps to keep yourself safe, whether you're performing or just in regular training, and you need to warm up and stretch your muscles so you don't tire quickly.
- You will most likely get injured. One thing you need to know is; be prepared for possible injury and try to be safe in everything you do. You must understand all the risks involved in your job before you even decide to audition.
- IT WILL take a long time to master your skills. Don't expect to be able to do it in a short time. At first you may not do it perfectly, but with practice and keep learning you will perfect the skill. Do not give up!
- In general, circuses will not hire someone very young without their parents' permission, sometimes not at all. The circus doesn't necessarily hire someone even if they're 18 or older, but exceptions are sometimes made.
