How to get a job with a circus
  • 1. What is the most important initial step in pursuing a circus career?
A) Immediately buying juggling equipment.
B) Researching different circus companies and roles.
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) Acrobatics
B) Clowning
C) Physical Fitness
D) Advanced Calculus
  • 3. What is a common way to gain relevant experience?
A) Writing a strongly worded letter to the mayor.
B) Joining a local circus school or training program.
C) Becoming a taxidermist.
D) Collecting rare stamps.
  • 4. Which of these is crucial for a circus performer's safety and longevity?
A) Relying solely on natural talent.
B) Avoiding stretching and warm-ups.
C) Consistent physical conditioning and injury prevention.
D) Ignoring pain and pushing through injuries.
  • 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 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 high school GPA.
B) Your social security number.
C) A list of your favorite movies.
D) Relevant skills, training, and performance experience.
  • 8. What is the purpose of an audition in the circus world?
A) To get free tickets to the show.
B) To critique the current performers.
C) To demonstrate your skills and suitability for a role.
D) To sabotage the competition.
  • 9. Which of the following is a common circus role?
A) Dental Hygienist
B) Software Engineer
C) Actuary
D) Rigger
  • 10. What should you do if you receive feedback after an audition?
A) Argue with the judges about their assessment.
B) Take it constructively and use it to improve.
C) Write a scathing review of the circus.
D) Ignore it completely.
  • 11. What is a 'callback' in the audition process?
A) A rejection notice.
B) A second audition, indicating strong initial interest.
C) A request for money.
D) A threat of legal action.
  • 12. What is the importance of flexibility in a circus career?
A) Circus work often involves travel and adapting to new environments.
B) Physical flexibility is unimportant.
C) You must be able to bend over backwards to please everyone.
D) Circus schedules are always rigid and predictable.
  • 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) Car insurance
B) Travel insurance for travel to the moon
C) Health and accident insurance.
D) Pet insurance
  • 15. What is the role of a circus agent?
A) To sell popcorn at the show.
B) To write the circus's social media posts.
C) To clean up after the elephants.
D) To represent performers and negotiate contracts.
  • 16. What is a 'technical rider' in a circus contract?
A) A list of the performer's favorite snacks.
B) A description of the performer's costume.
C) A document specifying the technical requirements for a performance.
D) A map of the circus grounds.
  • 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) Circus performers are all solitary and independent.
D) Teamwork is just a management buzzword.
  • 18. What is the role of a stage manager in the circus?
A) To coordinate the technical aspects of a performance.
B) To train the animals.
C) To design the costumes.
D) To write the music for the show.
  • 19. What does 'spotting' refer to in acrobatics?
A) Providing physical support to prevent falls.
B) Identifying potential audience members.
C) Cleaning the stage.
D) Shining a spotlight on the performer.
  • 20. What is the 'big top'?
A) A secret code used by circus performers.
B) The main tent where the circus performs.
C) A large hat worn by the ringmaster.
D) The name of the circus's accounting department.
  • 21. What is the 'backstage' area called?
A) The dungeon
B) The lot.
C) The void.
D) The attic
  • 22. What should you do if you witness a safety hazard?
A) Try to fix it yourself without proper training.
B) Ignore it and hope it goes away.
C) Report it immediately to the appropriate authorities.
D) Take a picture and post it on social media.
  • 23. Why is maintaining your equipment important?
A) Because it's fun.
B) To avoid annoying the stage manager.
C) To ensure safety and prevent accidents.
D) To make it look shiny.
  • 24. What is the importance of cultural sensitivity in the circus?
A) Circuses often travel internationally and interact with diverse audiences.
B) Cultural sensitivity is only important for clowns.
C) Ignoring other cultures is a circus tradition.
D) Circuses are culturally homogenous and don't require sensitivity.
  • 25. Which of the following is most important in a circus artist's contract?
A) How many ice cream scoops the artist gets per day.
B) Which animals the artist likes most.
C) A clause requiring the artist to wear silly hats at all times.
D) Liability clauses.
  • 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) Pretending the audience is made of vegetables.
C) Practice and mental preparation techniques.
D) Hiding backstage until the show is over.
  • 29. What should you do if you forget your routine during a performance?
A) Start reciting the alphabet backwards.
B) Improvise gracefully and try to get back on track.
C) Panic and run off stage.
D) Blame someone else for the mistake.
  • 30. If offered a job but you have concerns about safety protocols, you should:
A) Ignore your concerns and hope for the best.
B) Silently sabotage the unsafe practices.
C) Raise your concerns with management before accepting the position.
D) File a lawsuit immediately, even without evidence.
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