The A-Z of Popular Circus Acts
The circus is fun to visit and draw. Bright colours, noise and spectacle add up to an entertainment of skills and excitement.
From the clowns to trapeze artistes there is something for everyone. Mostly of course it is all about the kids. Many people remember their first visit to the circus and one at least might draw a stick figure homage to them.
In adult life there are many lessons and analogies to be drawn from the circus. Balancing acts, plate-spinning - these are metaphors for our busy work lives. How we cope with them is whether we turn in a ring-master, clown or juggler - maybe even a high-flying trapeze artist!
This page contains circus acts from A-Z. Main ring performances are covered along with a few sideshow acts which the larger circuses might hold in a separate tent.
There are fun cartoon images and brief writing about the acts. Most of these original hand drawn designs are for sale on gift products.
Without further ado, and having built a huge sense of anticipation, here is your ringmaster for the evening...
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls - Welcome to the Circus!
From the clowns to trapeze artistes there is something for everyone. Mostly of course it is all about the kids. Many people remember their first visit to the circus and one at least might draw a stick figure homage to them.
In adult life there are many lessons and analogies to be drawn from the circus. Balancing acts, plate-spinning - these are metaphors for our busy work lives. How we cope with them is whether we turn in a ring-master, clown or juggler - maybe even a high-flying trapeze artist!
This page contains circus acts from A-Z. Main ring performances are covered along with a few sideshow acts which the larger circuses might hold in a separate tent.
There are fun cartoon images and brief writing about the acts. Most of these original hand drawn designs are for sale on gift products.
Without further ado, and having built a huge sense of anticipation, here is your ringmaster for the evening...
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls - Welcome to the Circus!
A is for Acrobat
The acrobats or tumblers are athletes and gymnasts who run, jump, spin and tumble across the ring.
Little equipment is required apart from a glittery costume, a springboard, attractive ladies and at least one strong man to hold up the others. A typical act builds a human pyramid by climbing and bouncing performers higher and higher - each one being held by the supporter beneath them.
The end of each leap and catch is accompanied by an exaggerated wave of the arm which encourages the audience to applaud.
The tumblers are a great way to get movement, energy and excitement into the evening's performance.
Little equipment is required apart from a glittery costume, a springboard, attractive ladies and at least one strong man to hold up the others. A typical act builds a human pyramid by climbing and bouncing performers higher and higher - each one being held by the supporter beneath them.
The end of each leap and catch is accompanied by an exaggerated wave of the arm which encourages the audience to applaud.
The tumblers are a great way to get movement, energy and excitement into the evening's performance.
A was for Animal Acts
The traditional circus relied heavily on trained animals for drawing in the crowds. From dogs and horses through to elephants, lions and tigers - the show animals would be a popular attraction.
Then people became concerned about animal welfare. There are no animals who naturally do tricks in the wild. To most people's relief the animal based circus act has largely disappeared.
An example of an old-time act is the seal balancing a ball below. Clever, entertaining and as we eventually decided... the wrong way to treat animals.
Then people became concerned about animal welfare. There are no animals who naturally do tricks in the wild. To most people's relief the animal based circus act has largely disappeared.
An example of an old-time act is the seal balancing a ball below. Clever, entertaining and as we eventually decided... the wrong way to treat animals.
Audience
Where would the circus be without an audience?
The performance and survival of the circus needs a crowd of good natured people - adults and children - to enjoy the magic and thrills of the entertainment.
Gasp at the high flyers, laugh with the clowns and enjoy the spectacle of art, skill and danger that the circus provides.
If a travelling circus is coming to your area and you have a little free cash try to book tickets. Share the experience with young children and friends. Your goodwill and generosity will help to support this marvellous tradition of real entertainment.
The performance and survival of the circus needs a crowd of good natured people - adults and children - to enjoy the magic and thrills of the entertainment.
Gasp at the high flyers, laugh with the clowns and enjoy the spectacle of art, skill and danger that the circus provides.
If a travelling circus is coming to your area and you have a little free cash try to book tickets. Share the experience with young children and friends. Your goodwill and generosity will help to support this marvellous tradition of real entertainment.
B is for Big Top
The Big Top is a name for the traditional tent used by the travelling circus.
They would rent a field from a farmer and build this huge tent where the circus is performed.
Inside the Big Top would be the Circus Ring where the acts perform. This is a circle as its name suggests and the audience would sit around it - with an area reserved at one end for the acts to get ready.
They would rent a field from a farmer and build this huge tent where the circus is performed.
Inside the Big Top would be the Circus Ring where the acts perform. This is a circle as its name suggests and the audience would sit around it - with an area reserved at one end for the acts to get ready.
Block Balancing Act
The hand balancing act is one of those simple skills involving someone who spends the entire act upside down.
There is a variety of balance equipment they use - one example is where the artist adds wooden blocks to gradually raise themselves higher and higher.
It is difficult to stress the lack of danger involved but they do their best to increase the tension. A wobble here or there to give the impression of an act on the edge.
These performers have strong arms, a sense of balance, gymnastic skills and artistry.
There is a variety of balance equipment they use - one example is where the artist adds wooden blocks to gradually raise themselves higher and higher.
It is difficult to stress the lack of danger involved but they do their best to increase the tension. A wobble here or there to give the impression of an act on the edge.
These performers have strong arms, a sense of balance, gymnastic skills and artistry.
Bed of Nails
Some circus acts involve the mysteries of the unexplainable. Like the bed of nails which looks painful.
Does the showman enter a mystical state enabling him to ignore the pain of the nails? Is there some trickery involving blunt nails and weight distribution?
An email from an artist who performed this act assures me that the nails are sharp and they hurt! Their other acts include walking on glass and a ladder of swords. That's a hard way to make a living.
Does the showman enter a mystical state enabling him to ignore the pain of the nails? Is there some trickery involving blunt nails and weight distribution?
An email from an artist who performed this act assures me that the nails are sharp and they hurt! Their other acts include walking on glass and a ladder of swords. That's a hard way to make a living.
C is for Clowns
The clowns are the one of the most recognisable of circus acts.
A main part of the event they entertain the crowd while the arena is being prepared for other artists.
Although the clowns may put on a silly act they are hugely talented performers. Many of them can tumble, juggle and fire-eat and at least one will be able to ride a unicycle.
Some small children and large adults are scared of clowns. Now who on earth would be scared of a madman with a big red nose, ridiculous feet and odd-looking clothes?
The design below features many clowning essentials. Facepaint, hair, costume, horn, custard pie, water squirting flower and a large comedy bat.
A main part of the event they entertain the crowd while the arena is being prepared for other artists.
Although the clowns may put on a silly act they are hugely talented performers. Many of them can tumble, juggle and fire-eat and at least one will be able to ride a unicycle.
Some small children and large adults are scared of clowns. Now who on earth would be scared of a madman with a big red nose, ridiculous feet and odd-looking clothes?
The design below features many clowning essentials. Facepaint, hair, costume, horn, custard pie, water squirting flower and a large comedy bat.
Contortionist
A person with a strong flexible and supple body who is able to bend into a variety of painful looking positions. Sometimes they are described as double-jointed but that may not be a real medical term.
The act can involve squeezing into small boxes, large bottles, balancing on tables and chairs. A common position being a back bend where the head of the contortionist ends up between their legs. Ouch!
Some Yoga positions also require flexibility but they are more about achieving an inner peace and tranquility than the performance act of the circus or street contortionist.
The act can involve squeezing into small boxes, large bottles, balancing on tables and chairs. A common position being a back bend where the head of the contortionist ends up between their legs. Ouch!
Some Yoga positions also require flexibility but they are more about achieving an inner peace and tranquility than the performance act of the circus or street contortionist.
Custard Pie
THE single best visual joke in the whole world ever is the custard pie gag.
Please don't think for a moment you just push the pie in someone's face. That is funny but it doesn't scratch the surface of selling the joke to the audience. The presentation of the gag, the anticipation, the timing and the delivery of the pie.
It is a high form of entertainment art - the ultimate in slapstick humour.
An experienced clown will hook the audience with what is coming. Here is the pie, there is the fall guy and wait while I set him up for the delivery. After much build up the pie is finally delivered to the face of the unsuspecting victim.
It must be a great feeling to make a tent full of kids roar with laughter and delicious delight.
Please don't think for a moment you just push the pie in someone's face. That is funny but it doesn't scratch the surface of selling the joke to the audience. The presentation of the gag, the anticipation, the timing and the delivery of the pie.
It is a high form of entertainment art - the ultimate in slapstick humour.
An experienced clown will hook the audience with what is coming. Here is the pie, there is the fall guy and wait while I set him up for the delivery. After much build up the pie is finally delivered to the face of the unsuspecting victim.
It must be a great feeling to make a tent full of kids roar with laughter and delicious delight.
Escapology
Or Escape Artists. Tie the performer up, lock him in a suitcase, a straitjacket, suspend upside down in water - a whole range of dangerous looking confinements for the escapologist to escape from.
For the most part there are tricks involved. An accomplice ties special knots which are easy to undo or there are false panels to escape through. Harry Houdini was the most famous of all.
For the most part there are tricks involved. An accomplice ties special knots which are easy to undo or there are false panels to escape through. Harry Houdini was the most famous of all.
F is for Fire-Eating
Fire eating is a spectacular looking act. It appears far more dangerous than it actually is. Otherwise there would be less fire-eaters.
They don't really eat the fire but mostly blow flames into the air. There are skills to learn and for children brought up NOT to play with matches - it is very exciting.
Fire-eating is definitely a "Do not try this at home" form of entertainment. If you need to get the same experience eating hot chilli might work.
They don't really eat the fire but mostly blow flames into the air. There are skills to learn and for children brought up NOT to play with matches - it is very exciting.
Fire-eating is definitely a "Do not try this at home" form of entertainment. If you need to get the same experience eating hot chilli might work.
Horses
Horses running round the ring while a rider stands up, turns round, jumps on and off. If you have ever ridden a horse or sat on a pony you will appreciate how hard that is to do.
An expert is pictured below.
An expert is pictured below.
Human Cannonball
This act involves a man climbing into a cannon and being shot across the circus ring into a safety net.
He climbs in, the fuse is lit and there is a loud bang and lots of smoke.
Then he emerges from the safety net having been fired all the way across the stage. With the eyes of adults we might suspect this of being an act but as a young child it is all very real.
There he is! And still wearing his safety helmet which helps to hide his face.
He climbs in, the fuse is lit and there is a loud bang and lots of smoke.
Then he emerges from the safety net having been fired all the way across the stage. With the eyes of adults we might suspect this of being an act but as a young child it is all very real.
There he is! And still wearing his safety helmet which helps to hide his face.
J is for Juggling
Juggling is a skill you CAN try to learn at home. From personal experience and very limited skill I can absolutely recommend it as a fun pastime. Learning to juggle three balls feels like a real achievement.
Jugglers in the circus can do way more than that. Several balls at one time, clubs, hoops, burning sticks, knives - they juggle an extraordinary range of items.
This is one of my favourites performance acts. It requires practice, hand-eye coordination and a fun accompanying patter to keep the crowd engaged.
The guy below is juggling four balls AND balancing on a rola bola balance board.
Jugglers in the circus can do way more than that. Several balls at one time, clubs, hoops, burning sticks, knives - they juggle an extraordinary range of items.
This is one of my favourites performance acts. It requires practice, hand-eye coordination and a fun accompanying patter to keep the crowd engaged.
The guy below is juggling four balls AND balancing on a rola bola balance board.
K for Knife Throwing
The act involves one person throwing knives at, or very close to, another person. I am not sure if this act is even allowed in these days of Health and Safety. Let's hope so.
There is a wonderful balance between safety and excitement. How close should the knife-thrower aim to the human target? How much trust does the target place in the thrower? Did they have an argument before the act started?
The more exciting the knife-throwing - the more relief when it is over. It is a fine example of the real flesh and hopefully not too much blood entertainment that the circus offers.
Does it need saying? DON'T try this at home!
There is a wonderful balance between safety and excitement. How close should the knife-thrower aim to the human target? How much trust does the target place in the thrower? Did they have an argument before the act started?
The more exciting the knife-throwing - the more relief when it is over. It is a fine example of the real flesh and hopefully not too much blood entertainment that the circus offers.
Does it need saying? DON'T try this at home!
Lion Taming
Although animal training and performance has no place in 'entertainment' - the spectacle of the lion tamer and the lions is a part of circus tradition. The magnificence of the animal and the bravery of the lion tamer were big draws for the traditional circus.
The picture below tries to make the lion taming act as palatable as possible for sensitive souls. The lion is friendly and bored, the lion tamer has no whip. Off stage they are best friends. Sometimes the lion acts bored if he hasn't been given enough biscuits before the show.
The picture below tries to make the lion taming act as palatable as possible for sensitive souls. The lion is friendly and bored, the lion tamer has no whip. Off stage they are best friends. Sometimes the lion acts bored if he hasn't been given enough biscuits before the show.
M is for Merchandising
The circus needs to make every penny it can from the audience. The entry fee should cover the cost but the profit is in the captive audience marketing.
While the ring is prepared for the next act - clowns and other performers wander through the crowd offering snacks, red noses or wands that light up. It all helps to make a few extra dollars so audience AND performers can go home happy.
All the images on this page are available on a variety of gift product. Tap through any picture to view choices or visit the link.
While the ring is prepared for the next act - clowns and other performers wander through the crowd offering snacks, red noses or wands that light up. It all helps to make a few extra dollars so audience AND performers can go home happy.
All the images on this page are available on a variety of gift product. Tap through any picture to view choices or visit the link.
Browse Circus Gifts at my store
P is for Plate-Spinning
Plate spinning is one of those acts where the performance is more to do with building anticipation and excitement in the audience - rather than any great skill or reality.
There are plates on top of bamboo canes being spun by the entertainer. Said like that it does not sound much. So it is his job to engage with the crowd and get them to help him spot which plate might wobble off next.
There is much rushing around as he somehow manages to spin eight, nine, all ten plates at once and take his round of applause.
This is an ideal analogy with life where we try to keep an eye on all our own responsibilities - social, business, family and financial.
In the image below the entertainer is pictured with multiple spinning plates attached to his body - rather than the more traditional line of bamboo canes.
There are plates on top of bamboo canes being spun by the entertainer. Said like that it does not sound much. So it is his job to engage with the crowd and get them to help him spot which plate might wobble off next.
There is much rushing around as he somehow manages to spin eight, nine, all ten plates at once and take his round of applause.
This is an ideal analogy with life where we try to keep an eye on all our own responsibilities - social, business, family and financial.
In the image below the entertainer is pictured with multiple spinning plates attached to his body - rather than the more traditional line of bamboo canes.
R is for Ringmaster
The boss of the show for the night - the circus ringmaster introduces the acts. "Ladies and Gentlemen - now the Amazing Blahs will take to the ring and do their thing".
He gets the crowd to show their appreciation for the last act and be pumped up for the next one.
Sometimes he has to tell off the clowns for being naughty but hopefully tonight they won't get caught.
He gets the crowd to show their appreciation for the last act and be pumped up for the next one.
Sometimes he has to tell off the clowns for being naughty but hopefully tonight they won't get caught.
Red Nose Day
In the UK there is an annual charity event called Red Nose Day. This is organised by popular stars of the comedy world who want to put some happiness into less privileged lives.
They contribute time, jokes, sketches and encourage the public to do the same. Dress up in a silly costume, do something sponsored like sitting in a bath of custard for a while.
Major stores join in and millions of pounds are raised for charity. A lot of red noses are sold and worn for the day.
They contribute time, jokes, sketches and encourage the public to do the same. Dress up in a silly costume, do something sponsored like sitting in a bath of custard for a while.
Major stores join in and millions of pounds are raised for charity. A lot of red noses are sold and worn for the day.
Snake Charming
The mystic plays a pipe and the snake is hynotised by the music and rises from its basket. This ancient trick or act is mostly performed in streets and sideshows.
S for Stilt-Walking
One of the most immediate visual appeals of the circus is the parade and the clowns and other performers marching on stilts. Impossibly tall people making a real impact - well OK - they were simpler times.
For young children seeing these tall giants was a thrill. The circus is coming to town!
For young children seeing these tall giants was a thrill. The circus is coming to town!
Strongman
The strongman would often be dressed in a leopard skin costume. He could lift heavy weights, bend iron bars and hammer nails into wood with his bare hands.
Sometimes he might lay down and let his assistants break concrete slabs on his chest with a sledgehammer.
Fashion tip. That leopard skin look is not easy to pull off.
Sometimes he might lay down and let his assistants break concrete slabs on his chest with a sledgehammer.
Fashion tip. That leopard skin look is not easy to pull off.
Sword-Swallowing
This act disobeys all sensible health and safety rules. It is extremely dangerous looking and an absolute no-no for children who are tempted to copy the act.
There can be trick swords or the performers might swallow a metal tube before the act so the sword can be swallowed safely but surprisingly it is often performed for real. The sword is passed into the body hopefully missing a whole load of important parts.
Knowing they are really doing it makes it far more difficult to watch.
There can be trick swords or the performers might swallow a metal tube before the act so the sword can be swallowed safely but surprisingly it is often performed for real. The sword is passed into the body hopefully missing a whole load of important parts.
Knowing they are really doing it makes it far more difficult to watch.
T for Tightrope Walking
There are two types of tightrope walking in my mind.
The high wire, where a straight tensioned line is string high above the ring. The performer will hold a long balancing bar and walk across the line with much build-up. Others slightly spoil the feeling of danger by either not using a balancing bar or riding a bicycle across it.
My favourite type is the sloppy or slack line and the clown-style artiste. He will also build up the sense of excitement for his line walking on a much lower line. When he steps onto it the line sags down toward the ground and he does apparent stumbling and falling which requires more skill than it appears.
The tightrope is another circus challenge that has similarities with our own lives. Taking those first steps towards a new challenge. Don't look down!
The high wire, where a straight tensioned line is string high above the ring. The performer will hold a long balancing bar and walk across the line with much build-up. Others slightly spoil the feeling of danger by either not using a balancing bar or riding a bicycle across it.
My favourite type is the sloppy or slack line and the clown-style artiste. He will also build up the sense of excitement for his line walking on a much lower line. When he steps onto it the line sags down toward the ground and he does apparent stumbling and falling which requires more skill than it appears.
The tightrope is another circus challenge that has similarities with our own lives. Taking those first steps towards a new challenge. Don't look down!
The Flying Trapeze
And so to the trapeze - the flying artistes who are the top act of the circus. Strong athletic men and women in sparkly costumes flying high above the applause of the crowd.
This is the spectacular act everyone looks forward to.
The trapeze artists swing back and forward across the circus ring performing somersaults and catches.
This act is a perfect symbol of teamwork, trust and co-operation between two or more people. They should include it on those team-building courses and see if anyone can be bothered to try catching the project manager.
This is the spectacular act everyone looks forward to.
The trapeze artists swing back and forward across the circus ring performing somersaults and catches.
This act is a perfect symbol of teamwork, trust and co-operation between two or more people. They should include it on those team-building courses and see if anyone can be bothered to try catching the project manager.
U for Unicycle
The unicycle is a bicycle with one wheel and no handlebars! Basically it is a single wheel, pedals and a seat.
This might seem like madness but an ordinary bicycle is pretty challenging when you first start. A unicycle is like a more difficult bicycle but not impossible.
In terms of general balance and coordination - seeing someone ride a unicycle on a tightrope while juggling fire clubs is very impressive.
This might seem like madness but an ordinary bicycle is pretty challenging when you first start. A unicycle is like a more difficult bicycle but not impossible.
In terms of general balance and coordination - seeing someone ride a unicycle on a tightrope while juggling fire clubs is very impressive.
The Skills of the Circus
Although it may seem like old-fashioned entertainment when compared to the thrills of the X-Box or Hollywood - the circus can be appreciated for being real.
The performers are men and women who have learned their trade through hard knocks and dedication. These skills should be celebrated and kept alive for future generations.
If you have children or want some traditional fun of your own go to the circus. And in your free time maybe you can learn to juggle or ride a unicycle!
The performers are men and women who have learned their trade through hard knocks and dedication. These skills should be celebrated and kept alive for future generations.
If you have children or want some traditional fun of your own go to the circus. And in your free time maybe you can learn to juggle or ride a unicycle!
