The final component of the circus is the sideshow. While the big top acts push the limits of physical abilities, I like to think of the sideshow as pushing the limits of the imagination. Traditional sideshow acts include human curiosities such as the bearded lady and lobster boy, as well as performances such as sword [...]
When most people think circus today, they think of the big top. While this was the main event of Golden Era circuses, it was only a portion of the whole shebang. The main tent was a 3 ring ordeal in some of the larger operations, but by no means had to be. The acts featured [...]
In the glory days, the midway was the first part of the circus that the townies would enter. In the midway, people could buy tickets to the big top, snack on popcorn, and be lured into the sideshow by banners and teaser performances. The midway was also a common place of pick-pocketing. Today, the midway lives [...]
Once upon a time, the circus was a mega entertainment event, complete with a midway, sideshow, menagerie and big top. Over time, however, each of these elements splintered off into distinct outlets. Over the next few days, I will deconstruct the modern day bastions of the Golden Era circus, beginning with the menagerie. Today, menageries [...]
Coney Island Sideshow School is now open for registration. Classes include banner painting and sideshow skills (with burlesque and photography soon to be added). If you’ve got the cash to spare and can head to NYC March 14-17, I know at least one girl who will be very jealous. Click here for registration details. AND, [...]
Several retired circus tents from Cirque du Soleil are currently en route to Haiti to serve as temporary government heard quarters. After the recent devestating earthquake, Haiti’s presidential palace and other governmental buildings collapsed. The Mayor of Port-au-Prince welcomes the tents, which cover 33,000 square feet, and could replace the demolished governmental headquarters. Read more [...]
Runaway circus animals are not just a thing of the past. Yesterday, a zebra ran away from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus in downtown Atlanta, GA. Apparently to catch a runaway zebra today, you send a troop of motorcycle cops after it, but I have to admit that I like the old way [...]
So you want to start a new circus, and you could use some good promo. Here’s the recipe for success: Find an active performer carrying a legendary family name. Cover your advertising with his face (and name). Then, have him perform an extravagant (and free) public stunt. The newspapers will eat this up and provide [...]
Harry Atwell (1879-1957) was a photographer who began working with the Ringling Bros. Circus in 1908. During his 4 decades of work, Atwell gained notoriety as the circus photographer. The Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI has amassed 5,000 of his negatives. He was a master of capturing circus culture behind the scenes and outside of [...]
The phrase Hey Rube dates back to 1800s circus slang. When the old troops traveled from town to town, it wasn’t uncommon for fights to erupt between locals and circus folk. Hey Rube was the circus man’s battle cry, alerting all circus personnel to drop what they were doing and help defend their fellow circus brethren. [...]