Circus Performer
What is the work like?
Circus performers entertain audiences with displays of skills such as acrobatics, clowning, juggling or aerial performances on the trapeze or high wire.
As a circus performer, you may perform solo or as part of a group act. You might specialise in one particular skill, or you might base your act around a few different skills. You could perform with a traditional or modern circus company, or use your skills in street theatre, festivals, or parties and corporate events.
Performing is only one part of the work. You would also spend a lot of time:
- keeping fit
- rehearsing
- developing new acts
- looking after any equipment you use in your act
- travelling (if you are with a touring company).
You might also spend time promoting your act to agents and attending auditions to find work.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a professional circus performer, you will need a high level of ability in at least one circus skill. Your talent and skills are more important than academic qualifications. To find work, you must be able to pass auditions to show that you can perform to a professional standard.
There are several ways that you can learn circus skills, including:
- part-time adult education classes
- community circuses
- weekend and summer workshops
- full-time professional courses.
Visit the Circus Arts Forum website for details on where to find all types of circus skills training.
It can be an advantage if you have skills in gymnastics and dance. You may find it useful to take a performing arts course at college or university, as they often include mime, dance and physical theatre skills and may include circus skills. Check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
You may sometimes be able to join a touring circus company in a seasonal or casual job as a general assistant. Contact circus companies directly to find out about any opportunities (see the Circus Arts Forum website for contact details).
What further training and development can I do?
You can take intensive training in professional circus skills at an established circus school, such as:- The Academy of Circus Arts (Zippo's Academy) – a touring circus that offers performance training and technical training including rigging and equipment
- The Circus Space in London – offers a two-year Foundation Degree and a three-year BA (Hons) degree in Circus Arts
- Circomedia in Bristol – offers one- and two-year full-time professional training programmes, plus circus skills teacher training
- Circus Maniacs in Bristol – offers various professional development programmes for circus professionals and newcomers with gymnastic, acrobatic or dance skills
- Greentop Circus in Sheffield – offers Circus In Performance, a full-time 12-week intensive circus skills foundation course
- NoFit State Circus in Cardiff – offers a professional circus apprenticeship.
To get into a professional circus skills course, you will usually need to pass an audition and be aged 18 or over. Check with each circus school for exact entry requirements.
Most of the professional circus schools also offer part-time courses and workshops for people of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced professionals who want to expand their skills. See each school’s website for more details.
Visit the Circus Arts Forum website for details of other part-time classes and workshops all over the UK.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 238Cardiff
CF24 0XS
Tel: 029 2022 1330
Kingswood
Bristol
BS15 8DB
Tel: 0117 947 7288
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
Holywell Road
Brightside
Sheffield
S4 8AS
Tel: 0114 244 8828
Charles Street
Cardiff
CF10 2GA
Tel: 029 2023 3444
Britannia Road
Kingswood
Bristol
BS15 8DB
Tel: 0117 947 7042
London
N1 6HD
Tel: 020 7613 4141
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 0LD
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Most circus performers are self-employed and earn a fee for each contract or performance.
See Equity's website for guidelines on minimum rates of pay for performers.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours can be long and irregular. Most performances are in the evenings and at weekends, but you would also spend time rehearsing, travelling and auditioning. Part-time and seasonal work is common.
You could perform in a tent (traditionally known as the Big Top), in theatres or other indoor venues, or outside in street theatre or festivals. The work is physically demanding, and you may spend long periods away from home when travelling around the UK or overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of skill in your chosen performance area
- the confidence to perform in public
- physical fitness and stamina
- good timing and co-ordination
- versatility and creativity
- self-discipline, motivation and a hard-working attitude
- patience and concentration, for rehearsing and learning new skills
- the ability to work well as part of a team
- willingness to take controlled physical risks
- awareness of health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
You will usually work on short-term or seasonal contracts. There is strong competition for work and you may need to do other types of work to supplement your income, especially at the beginning of your career.
Some jobs may be advertised in The Stage, arts websites and by the job information service that Equity runs for its members. You may also find work through a specialist agent, or through networking and word of mouth.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
The Stage
Circus Arts Forum Get Work pages
Arts Hub
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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