How to get a job with a circus
  • 1. What is the most important initial step in pursuing a circus career?
A) Researching different circus companies and roles.
B) Immediately buying juggling equipment.
C) Moving to a circus hotspot without a plan.
D) Sending unsolicited audition tapes.
  • 2. Which of these skills is LEAST likely to be required for a circus job?
A) Physical Fitness
B) Advanced Calculus
C) Clowning
D) Acrobatics
  • 3. What is a common way to gain relevant experience?
A) Joining a local circus school or training program.
B) Becoming a taxidermist.
C) Collecting rare stamps.
D) Writing a strongly worded letter to the mayor.
  • 4. Which of these is crucial for a circus performer's safety and longevity?
A) Consistent physical conditioning and injury prevention.
B) Ignoring pain and pushing through injuries.
C) Relying solely on natural talent.
D) Avoiding stretching and warm-ups.
  • 5. What is the best way to showcase your skills to potential employers?
A) Sending a handwritten letter.
B) Showing up unannounced at a performance.
C) Posting blurry cell phone videos online.
D) Creating a professional quality demo reel or portfolio.
  • 6. What role does networking play in the circus world?
A) It involves bribing circus officials.
B) It's irrelevant, as talent speaks for itself.
C) It's only for managers and directors.
D) It's essential for finding opportunities and building relationships.
  • 7. What should you include in your circus resume?
A) Your social security number.
B) A list of your favorite movies.
C) Your high school GPA.
D) Relevant skills, training, and performance experience.
  • 8. What is the purpose of an audition in the circus world?
A) To demonstrate your skills and suitability for a role.
B) To get free tickets to the show.
C) To critique the current performers.
D) To sabotage the competition.
  • 9. Which of the following is a common circus role?
A) Actuary
B) Rigger
C) Software Engineer
D) Dental Hygienist
  • 10. What should you do if you receive feedback after an audition?
A) Argue with the judges about their assessment.
B) Ignore it completely.
C) Write a scathing review of the circus.
D) Take it constructively and use it to improve.
  • 11. What is a 'callback' in the audition process?
A) A request for money.
B) A second audition, indicating strong initial interest.
C) A threat of legal action.
D) A rejection notice.
  • 12. What is the importance of flexibility in a circus career?
A) Physical flexibility is unimportant.
B) You must be able to bend over backwards to please everyone.
C) Circus work often involves travel and adapting to new environments.
D) Circus schedules are always rigid and predictable.
  • 13. Which of these is a common hazard in circus work?
A) Papercuts
B) Falls
C) Boredom
D) Sunburn
  • 14. What type of insurance is important for circus performers?
A) Pet insurance
B) Travel insurance for travel to the moon
C) Car insurance
D) Health and accident insurance.
  • 15. What is the role of a circus agent?
A) To clean up after the elephants.
B) To represent performers and negotiate contracts.
C) To sell popcorn at the show.
D) To write the circus's social media posts.
  • 16. What is a 'technical rider' in a circus contract?
A) A list of the performer's favorite snacks.
B) A map of the circus grounds.
C) A document specifying the technical requirements for a performance.
D) A description of the performer's costume.
  • 17. Why is teamwork important in a circus environment?
A) Teamwork only matters for animal handlers.
B) Teamwork is just a management buzzword.
C) Many acts require collaboration and trust among performers.
D) Circus performers are all solitary and independent.
  • 18. What is the role of a stage manager in the circus?
A) To train the animals.
B) To design the costumes.
C) To coordinate the technical aspects of a performance.
D) To write the music for the show.
  • 19. What does 'spotting' refer to in acrobatics?
A) Shining a spotlight on the performer.
B) Identifying potential audience members.
C) Providing physical support to prevent falls.
D) Cleaning the stage.
  • 20. What is the 'big top'?
A) The name of the circus's accounting department.
B) A large hat worn by the ringmaster.
C) A secret code used by circus performers.
D) The main tent where the circus performs.
  • 21. What is the 'backstage' area called?
A) The void.
B) The lot.
C) The attic
D) The dungeon
  • 22. What should you do if you witness a safety hazard?
A) Ignore it and hope it goes away.
B) Report it immediately to the appropriate authorities.
C) Take a picture and post it on social media.
D) Try to fix it yourself without proper training.
  • 23. Why is maintaining your equipment important?
A) To avoid annoying the stage manager.
B) To ensure safety and prevent accidents.
C) Because it's fun.
D) To make it look shiny.
  • 24. What is the importance of cultural sensitivity in the circus?
A) Circuses are culturally homogenous and don't require sensitivity.
B) Ignoring other cultures is a circus tradition.
C) Cultural sensitivity is only important for clowns.
D) Circuses often travel internationally and interact with diverse audiences.
  • 25. Which of the following is most important in a circus artist's contract?
A) Liability clauses.
B) How many ice cream scoops the artist gets per day.
C) A clause requiring the artist to wear silly hats at all times.
D) Which animals the artist likes most.
  • 26. What is a common element of many modern circus shows?
A) Complete lack of any narrative structure.
B) Exclusively showcasing animal acts.
C) Theatrical storytelling.
D) Use of only pre-1900s technology.
  • 27. What is the appropriate response to heckling from the audience?
A) Throw something at the heckler.
B) Cry.
C) Engage in a shouting match with the heckler.
D) Ignore it or handle it with humor and professionalism.
  • 28. What's the best way to deal with stage fright?
A) Drinking large amounts of alcohol.
B) Practice and mental preparation techniques.
C) Pretending the audience is made of vegetables.
D) Hiding backstage until the show is over.
  • 29. What should you do if you forget your routine during a performance?
A) Improvise gracefully and try to get back on track.
B) Panic and run off stage.
C) Start reciting the alphabet backwards.
D) Blame someone else for the mistake.
  • 30. If offered a job but you have concerns about safety protocols, you should:
A) Silently sabotage the unsafe practices.
B) Raise your concerns with management before accepting the position.
C) File a lawsuit immediately, even without evidence.
D) Ignore your concerns and hope for the best.
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