What is circus life like?

Answer 1

This is a huge question and would require the length of a book! Some excellent books have been written. But in brief, the actual time spent performing in the ring is minimal in comparison with the total demand made upon the person outside of the ring.

My personal circus experience lasted 30 years and a short Diary is running on the American Historical Society web pages.

The question does not make clear who is to answer? Their are three individuals, the proprietor, the artiste, and the staff member.

(One might say a fourth person too, the mother or the wife who looks after the family, who keeps the show together, who may not be a performer, but must shop clean and cook in difficult circumstances)

I have personally been all of the first three at one time or another.

As an artiste:

One is engaged for ones talent but whatever the circus one is also required to carry out an important job/task outside of the ring - usually it is a management capacity. Or if not in that capacity then one must help the movement of the show sometimes labouring the same as the tent staff.

It is much the same as an old sailing ship I used to think, the riggings are much the same, with calm sea and rough sea periods. With countless unforeseen problems that may come along at any time - sites that may be flooded and gales. I have witnessed a large big top blow away over my head!

I have performed with only a tiny number of the audience or so full that ones props (equipment) was put outside on the grass to allow more seating to be put inside the big top.

Moving days can be very pleasant with lush meadows and joy or total chaos with seating being placed 10 minutes before the audience can be let in owing to break downs (or gales).

One should always think of the artistes who perform for you that, perhaps, on that particular day, things had not gone quite so well for them and their performances might not be quite the standard it should be perhaps. I do know that artistes do work their very best for the public sometimes under great stress - they live for the ring!