Write an article based on this "Perfect your act. Make a demo tape. Consider going to circus school. Start with corporate events, private parties, and halftime shows. Consider doing long-term gigs, like on cruise ships. Participate in circus festivals. Apply to and join a circus troupe. Live on the road."
In order to attract talent scouts and to get recruited onto a team, you'll need an act to attract the right person. Whether you're practicing with your brother in the backyard or with your coach at a first-class gym, keep practicing. It should be something you can practically do in your sleep, where you know you won't hurt yourself and mistakes aren't common. You want it perfect so when you're called up, you can audition or be a substitute on a second's notice. When you get the circus they may change it as they see fit, but it has to get you there in the first place. To apply for worldwide gigs (like Cirque du Soleil), you'll probably need to make an audition tape, showing your skills. Bigger companies often have online submission forms that you can submit during certain times of year. Showcase the best of your act, follow the appropriate guidelines, and make sure your tape is as professional-looking as possible. Many circus acts have agents and work through recruiters, too. The more time you spend in the field, the more networked you'll be, making it easier to make and find connections. Though they don't get a lot of press, there are legitimate, credible circus schools out there that are looking for students to teach with skills they can help hone. If there's one in your area (or even if there's not), look into it it's a great way to meet people that are already established in the field. There's a great job outlook, too. Most schools tout one of their biggest selling points as placing 100% (or nearly 100%) of their graduates in jobs. Most people don't start out playing with the big boys they do small gigs and then get noticed, breaking in through making a name for themselves. To do this, take whatever opportunities you can. Your high school talent show, your dad's business luncheon, or the halftime show at a local football game. if you build up your resume, more people will look at your act and take it seriously. Tell your friends and family members to talk to their friends and family members about your act. You may get booked into private parties and local events just by word of mouth. This is one of the most reliable ways to market yourself and it can spread like wildfire. In addition to small, one-off gigs like private parties, think of less traditional semi-related gigs like on cruise ships. You work in a show put together by the cruise line for 6-9 months and then that's that. This is a great stepping stone to getting to one of the bigger, official circuses around. Consider websites like Workaway, too, where you can sign up for a period of time and be part of the circus in exchange for room and board. It's not glamorous, but it's a step in the right direction! Yep, those are a thing. The American Youth Circus Organization holds the Youth Circus Festival every year in August, just as one example. Some people are asked to perform and others get lucky enough to nab a slot but either way, you'll be able to showcase your stuff and get seen. Apply as early as you can, talk to your coach, agent, or recruiter, and get your name in the ring. It may, at least initially, cost you money for travel and what not, but it's a small sacrifice to make to be showcased. Now that you've built up your resume and have an act you can rely on, go for the big leagues. Apply to the next variation of Cirque du Soleil or Barnum & Bailey's and get ready for the life of a circus performer. Can you believe you made it happen? Sometimes you'll apply and won't hear for months. If you don't hear back automatically, don't give up hope, but keep applying elsewhere. Don't shy away from international gigs, too. The one brutal fact that most circus hopefuls don't really think about is the fact that they'll be away from home, constantly living out of a suitcase. Life onstage will be glamorous, but life offstage means hotels, vending machines, and sleeping in cars. Some people find this life rewarding, but others find it very challenging. To make it, you've gotta be the kind that thrives in this setting. It can be very lonely, too. You'll develop a circus family definitely, but your real family may even be thousands of miles away. This, of course, depends on your contract. Only sign up for a period of time you know you can handle.