Annual Salary
variable
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Circus performers entertain audiences with displays of skills like acrobatics and clowning.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; flexibly
There will be
0.5% more Circus performer jobs in 2027.
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio, in a theatre or on a film set.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time, you may spend nights away from home and physically demanding.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a foundation degree or degree in circus arts or contemporary circus. You can also study for a postgraduate master's qualification in directing circus.
These courses are offered by organisations that specialise in circus skills, working in partnership with universities.
You'll be expected to attend an audition before being offered a place on a course.
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course like:
These would teach you some of the skills needed for the job. Then you can try to find a trainee job with a circus company.
Studying towards a course can be useful especially if they include mime, dance, physical theatre skills or circus skills.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to find seasonal or casual work as a general assistant with a touring circus company. Once working, you'll need to show you have the ability and circus skills to become part of their company.
You can apply directly to employers if you have a high standard of ability in at least one circus art. Your talent and skills are more important than academic qualifications.
You may have an advantage if you already have gymnastics and dance skills.
There are organisations who offer various circus arts activities and training.
Training may be part-time community circus courses or weekend and summer workshops.
You may find it useful to join organisations like the Circus Development Network for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about becoming a circus performer from Get Into Theatre.
You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
With experience you could improve your skills and create new acts or form your own circus company.
You'll need: