How to Join a Circus

Circus Talents

• While no one expects you to be a juggling genius or a unicycling prodigy, the circus does look for people who know their stuff. So if you haven't already, find an interest and perfect it by taking lessons and/or attending a circus school or camp.

  The following circus occupations involve activities you've probably never tried before, because they're not popular hobbies or the subject of your average afterschool lessons. Unless you are intensely determined, you probably can't get one of these jobs.H

  Highly specialized circus talents include:

  *Trapeze artist. If you are someone who yawns on roller coasters, you're perfect for the trapeze. Keep in mind, however, that you'll have to develop your arm muscles.

  *Tightrope walker. Funambulism (tightrope-walking's fancier name) started off as "rope-dancing," and used to be performed over knives.

  *Fire breather/Eater.

  *Bearded lady. (A genetic predisposition is required.)

  Less specialized circus talents include the following:

  *Many people already possess the ability to juggle, work with animals or do impressive flips. If you're one of these people, you have a great advantage over the average wannabe circus performer, and should look into developing your talent.

  *Stilt Walker. If you've tried it and you're a natural, you can make a career out of it.

  *Clown. To learn more about clowning, visit the Clown Museum (see Resources).

  *Unicycler. Any unicycler will attest to this: Once you've mastered just one wheel, you can never go back to two. It's not nearly as hard as it seems. Check out Unicycling.org for more info (see Resources).

  *Juggler. Don't call the circus until you've mastered the art of juggling axes, bowling balls, babies and flaming torches.

  *Acrobat. If you're dreaming of becoming a professional acrobat, you've hopefully been taking gymnastics classes since you were a toddler. Many people are limber--you've got to be better than most of them.

  Other options:

  *Ringmaster. A good ringmaster possesses the ability to command the attention of a crowd and excite people. If you have a booming voice and a flair for the theatrical, this job might be perfect.

  *Animal Caretaker/Trainer. If you want to join the circus but not actually be in it, this is the route to take. The only qualifications to be an animal caretaker/trainer are that you love animals and are willing to devote your life to them.

  *Roustabout. If all the occupations listed above sound too dangerous or daunting, consider getting a job as a roustabout. Roustabouts are the people who put up the tents, drive the buses, feed the animals and clowns, and so on. They play very important roles in the circus, even though they never show up in the center ring. They're the handymen and handywomen of the circus world.