Ready for the unique adventure of living on a circus train? This guide might just be what you need!
Living on a circus train is a one-of-a-kind experience, trust me, I’ve done it! But preparing for the journey can be a bit confusing. To help you out, here are my tips on what to take with you and what to buy when you arrive.
First things first, depending on your role in the circus, you might have varied accommodations. If you join the troupe as a clown or a floor crew member, you’ll likely have a small room, “the coffin”, primarily with just a bed. You’ll be sharing the kitchen and bathroom area with others in your train car.
If you’re a musician, a technician or part of a smaller troupe, your room could be a little bigger with a bunk bed and a table underneath. You’d also have a microwave and a small dorm-style fridge with limited floor space and a shared bathroom.
Management roles or department heads usually have larger rooms, called quarter cars–a bigger bed, a small fridge, freezer, possibly a dining area, oven, more counter space, and your own bathroom. Superiors might even get half a car, similar to a standard apartment with a bedroom, living room, full kitchen and private bathroom.
Each car will have a communal washer and dryer.
Upon moving in, they provide a roll of toilet paper, a pillow, and a basic blanket though you may prefer your own. Since you’ll be on the move with varied climate conditions, pack all essential clothing required for extreme temperatures. Uniform or costumes for work are typically provided once you’re there.
Try not to overstuff your bags, instead, set money aside to grab necessary items from a supermarket like Walmart, once you reach the circus train. Keep in mind that storage in your room can be limited.
Shared kitchens will probably have cooking pots, but you might want to buy some Tupperware. If you’re in a larger apartment-like section, you’ll need basic utensils like cups, bowls, silverware, cleaning supplies, etc.
You are responsible for keeping your room clean, nobody will do it for you. Shared bathrooms necessitate slippers, whereas private ones require an initial thorough clean.
When you get there, the train’s “Pie Car” restaurant or its food truck at the arenas offers food until you figure out your own arrangements. If your space lacks an oven, consider a Foreman grill or a crock pot for meals. And a word of advice, if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring some meds.
Staying connected might be challenging as there’s no internet on the train. Consider investing in a mobile hotspot, though service may be unsteady.
A quick tip for Uber or Lyft users: mention that you’re in a train yard and include your train car number.
Enjoy this unique experience! Although taxing at times, it’s a remarkable journey, an unforgettable part of my life that I sometimes yearn for. The tranquility of the moving train is priceless!
And for those who are keen on unique living experiences, I also shared about packing for a cruise ship in another post. Who says running away with the circus isn’t fun?