The circus industry offers a unique and thrilling career path, but it can also present periods of uncertainty, especially when jobs are scarce. For many circus performers, struggling to find consistent work is a reality at some point. However, there are numerous proactive strategies to turn things around, from improving your skills to enhancing your online presence and networking effectively. This article explores actionable steps for performers facing job scarcity, helping you stay resilient and proactive while navigating the circus world.
Reflecting on Your Career Goals and Strengths
Assessing Your Circus Skills and Marketability
When struggling to find work, it’s essential to evaluate your skills honestly. Identify which abilities make you stand out and whether there’s room for improvement. For example, if your juggling or aerial act feels stagnant, explore new techniques or consider cross-training to add variety. Taking an objective look at your skills can reveal potential areas to refine, helping you present a more compelling act to potential employers.
Defining Clear Career Goals
Clarifying your career objectives gives you a sense of direction and focus. Do you want to join a large circus troupe, perform independently, or teach circus arts? Setting these goals will guide your next steps, from targeted skill-building to specific networking strategies. Goals also provide motivation and help you persevere during challenging times.
Understanding the Industry Demand
Circus work can vary by season, location, and specialty. Some skills, like aerial silks and fire-eating, are highly sought after in specific regions or types of events. Research market trends in the circus industry to see where demand might be higher. This insight can inform your focus areas, allowing you to adapt your skills to meet current demands.
Enhancing and Diversifying Your Skill Set
Learning New Circus Disciplines
One way to boost your appeal is by adding complementary skills. If you’re an acrobat, learning basic clowning or tightrope walking can increase your versatility, making you a more attractive hire. The more diverse your skill set, the more roles you can audition for, especially in smaller troupes or local events where multi-skilled performers are highly valued.
Investing in Specialized Training
Consider attending workshops, classes, or intensive training programs to refine your craft. Advanced training in areas like aerial arts, hand-balancing, or contortion can enhance your current skills. Circus schools, such as École nationale de cirque in Montreal or Circus Center in San Francisco, offer courses designed to help performers stay competitive and increase their marketability.
Practicing Safety and Injury Prevention
Circus work is physically demanding, and injuries can severely limit job prospects. Investing time in strength training, flexibility, and injury prevention techniques can help you maintain a consistent performance schedule. By prioritizing fitness and safety, you’ll be ready to take on more gigs without downtime due to injuries.
Building a Strong Professional Network
Attending Circus Conventions and Festivals
Circus conventions and festivals are prime networking spots where performers, talent scouts, and casting directors gather. Events like the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe offer opportunities to showcase your talent, meet potential collaborators, and make connections that may lead to future work. Regularly attending these events expands your network and increases your visibility in the industry.
Connecting with Other Performers
Developing friendships and alliances within the circus community is invaluable. Other performers can provide leads on gigs, offer advice, and even recommend you for roles when they’re unavailable. Joining groups and forums on platforms like Facebook or CircusTalk connects you with others facing similar challenges, creating a support network to exchange opportunities.
Seeking Mentorship from Industry Veterans
Experienced circus performers often have insights and advice for finding work in a competitive market. Approach someone you admire and ask for guidance. Many seasoned professionals are willing to mentor new or struggling performers, offering tips on auditions, training, and navigating the business side of the circus industry.
Enhancing Your Online Presence and Marketing
Creating a Professional Portfolio Website
A well-designed portfolio website showcases your talents and serves as an online resume for casting agents and potential clients. Include a showreel of your best performances, a biography, client testimonials, and a contact form. Update your portfolio regularly, keeping it aligned with current trends and showing recent work to appeal to those seeking fresh talent.
Building a Social Media Following
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow circus performers to reach a broad audience. Sharing videos, behind-the-scenes content, and training highlights can attract followers and potential clients. Using relevant hashtags, tagging industry contacts, and collaborating with other performers on social media can increase your visibility and make you more discoverable to casting agents.
Utilizing Online Circus Communities and Job Boards
Websites like CircusTalk, Backstage, and Performers’ Network list job openings and casting calls for circus artists. Create profiles on these platforms and engage actively, as casting directors often check profiles before auditions. Regularly updating your profile and responding promptly to job postings can increase your chances of landing gigs.
Tailoring Your Audition and Application Strategy
Perfecting Your Showreel
Your showreel is one of the most critical aspects of your audition application. Ensure it’s concise, high-quality, and highlights your best skills. Casting directors often review dozens of reels, so focus on creating a polished video that showcases your unique talents. Include diverse acts or styles to demonstrate your versatility and adaptability.
Researching Potential Employers
Before auditioning, research the company or event to understand what they’re looking for. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills, such as acrobatics for a high-energy show or theatrical skills for a circus production with a narrative element. A targeted application shows the casting team that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and are genuinely interested in the role.
Rehearsing to Adapt on the Spot
During auditions, casting teams may ask performers to adapt their acts to fit specific requirements. Practicing adaptability will help you respond confidently to these requests. Regular rehearsals focusing on timing, transitions, and variations allow you to adjust to directors’ needs quickly, which can set you apart from other candidates.
Creating Your Own Opportunities
Developing Independent Circus Acts
If finding work through traditional channels is challenging, consider creating your own performances. Solo shows or small productions can be held at local theaters, community centers, or festivals. This approach not only provides income but also builds your resume, demonstrating initiative and showcasing your skills to potential employers.
Partnering with Local Businesses
Many businesses seek unique entertainment for events like grand openings, product launches, and seasonal celebrations. Approach local venues, restaurants, or even event planners with proposals for circus acts tailored to their events. Offering a custom experience can lead to recurring work and helps establish you as a creative professional in your community.
Teaching Circus Skills
Teaching can be a rewarding way to stay engaged with the circus community and supplement your income. Many schools, camps, and community centers offer programs in circus arts, and teaching provides a stable income between gigs. Creating workshops or private classes can also expand your network and attract clients who may refer you for performance opportunities.
Managing Financial Stability During Slow Periods
Diversifying Your Income Sources
Having multiple revenue streams can ease financial stress during slow periods. Beyond performing, consider taking on work related to your circus skills, such as teaching, consulting, or creating circus-themed content online. Finding ways to leverage your talents into different types of work helps ensure steady income while continuing to grow your career.
Budgeting for Financial Resilience
A career in circus arts can be unpredictable, making budgeting essential. Allocate part of your earnings from each gig to savings, focusing on building an emergency fund for slower seasons. Practicing financial discipline allows you to maintain stability, enabling you to focus on improving your skills and finding new opportunities without constant financial pressure.
Exploring Temporary Non-Circus Work
When circus gigs are scarce, consider taking on part-time or freelance work outside the industry. Look for jobs that offer flexible schedules, allowing you to continue auditioning and networking. Freelance work in fields like digital marketing, design, or event planning can help you maintain financial stability while remaining available for circus work.
Staying Motivated and Overcoming Rejection
Setting Small, Achievable Goals
When faced with uncertainty, setting small, daily goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated. Whether it’s practicing a skill, sending out applications, or refining your portfolio, each step you take keeps you moving forward and reminds you that progress is possible even during challenging times.
Learning from Each Experience
Rejection is a natural part of the performing arts, but it can be discouraging. Instead of seeing a rejection as a failure, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Seek feedback when possible, reflect on what went well, and consider areas where you can improve. This approach helps build resilience and encourages continuous self-improvement.
Staying Connected with Your Passion for Circus Arts
Remembering why you love circus arts can renew your energy and drive. Reflect on your favorite performances, watch inspiring circus acts, or attend live shows. Reconnecting with the joy and passion that brought you to the industry can remind you why you’re dedicated to this path, helping you push through tough periods.
FAQs
How can I find more circus job listings?
Websites like CircusTalk, Backstage, and Performers’ Network are great resources for circus job listings. Networking and staying active on social media can also lead to job opportunities.
Is it beneficial to learn new circus skills?
Yes, diversifying your skill set makes you more versatile and increases your chances of finding work. Learning complementary skills, such as acrobatics or clowning, can help you adapt to a wider range of gigs.
What can I do if there are no auditions in my area?
Consider creating your own performances or reaching out to local businesses for gig opportunities. You can also expand your search online, looking for digital auditions or gigs in nearby regions.
How can I network effectively in the circus industry?
Attend festivals, join online communities, and connect with other performers on social media. Building relationships within the industry can lead to referrals and future job opportunities.
What should I include in a circus performer’s portfolio?
A portfolio should include a professional showreel, a resume with your performance experience, and client testimonials. Highlight your skills and any unique qualities that make you stand out.
How do I stay motivated when gigs are scarce?
Set small goals, practice regularly, and remind yourself of why you love circus arts. Staying connected to your passion can help you stay motivated, even when job opportunities are limited.
Conclusion
Struggling to find circus work is a common challenge that many performers face at some point in their careers. By honing your skills, expanding your network, creating independent opportunities, and managing finances wisely, you can navigate slow periods more effectively. Remember that perseverance, adaptability, and a proactive approach will help you overcome obstacles and ultimately find fulfilling work in the circus industry.
