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