4. GET A JOB

Enough of that preliminary stuff; here's the part you've been waiting for. Again, we remind you that before you can get a circus job, you need talent and training, so if you skipped step two and step three, go back and read them, cheater.

Once you've got your act down pat, it's time to beg.

Circus jobs
Jobs related to the circus

Circus jobs

You can probably find lots of information about joining some popular circuses from your circus school or class. But if you missed the career fair, don't fret. Here's an extensive list of circus websites (just click on the "CIRCUSES" icon on the left side). Visit each of them to locate phone numbers/email addresses with which you can inquire about joining. You'll find that most circus organizations are fairly accessible and open to the idea of recruiting, even circus empires like Ringling Brothers. All you have to do is ask (and probably send in a video of your act or audition in person).

Don't forget that you don't have to be a performer to join the circus. Roustabouts, animal caretakers/trainers, and equipment managers are just as important, and circuses are always looking for people to fill those behind-the-scenes positions.

Jobs related to the circus

No matter how hard you work at your talent or how diligently you look for a job, there's still a chance that no circus will want you. Not even as a poop cleaner. That's just sad. Loser.

If you've still got big top fever and refuse to give up altogether, there are other jobs out there to help you invoke the circus spirit.

  • Teacher. If you really enjoyed taking circus classes, then look into teaching the basics of a circus art. Contact the schools listed in step two, a local community college, or the Y about teaching juggling, acrobatics, tightrope walking, or clowning. (That is, assuming that you can already do these things proficiently; parents get a bit grumpy when you randomly throw knives at their children)

  • Performer At An Amusement Park. Consider contacting an amusement park located near you for a job. Amusement parks often employ people with physical talent to perform in their daily shows. You could be the dorky performer in the background of everyone's home videos and photographs! The things we do for exposure…

  • Animal Caretaker/Trainer. If you're capable of putting a tutu on a cheetah or teaching an elephant to roll over (but can't get a gig with a circus) look into getting a job in porn. Just kidding. Look into getting a job at the zoo, a variety show, or even at an animal obedience school.

And now you're ready to join the circus. Go to it, Bozo! (That, of course, is a circus compliment.)