Life as a Circus Performance Director: A Casual Peek
I recently landed a job as a Performance Director for a circus, and it has been a whirlwind! I use my expertise in stage management, PR/event coordination, and production management to get the job done. Plus, I now have a bigger role in shaping the shows, which is incredibly exciting.
Working on cruise ships helped me gain skills to manage various departments. Also, my time at Ringling Brothers provided vital insights into the circus-life and PR management. I learned the importance of support and cooperation from a project in the summer of 2015, called The Midnight Frolic. There, I understood how to jump into any department to help the show succeed. Not to mention, how to power through exhaustion from an intense touring schedule!
My days usually fall into three types:
1. The Ideal Day: I start my day around 8:00 AM, kick-starting with some coffee and breakfast. I settle into some peaceful email reading in my pajamas, before gearing up for work. I have lunch around noon, often checking out new spots in NYC. The afternoons are filled with meetings, planning for the following week, and issuing press releases. The show is at 7:00 PM, followed by meet and greets. I sign off my day around 10:00 PM with a show report and some downtime.
2. Two Show Day (with PR): On these busy days, my routine starts at 8:00 AM, gearing up for the day. My morning is filled with preparations for two shows, one at 11:00 AM (schools can be late), and one at 7:00 PM. The afternoon usually involves filming with TV crews. Despite the stress, there’s a fun flip side such as participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
3. Three Show Days: On these super packed days, my routine includes three shows – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. Between shows, I oversee meet & greets, write show reports, check emails, and manage to grab a quick bite. After the last show ends, post-show activities keep me busy until around 9:30 PM. After that, I turn in for the night.
This is a peek into my life as a Circus Performance Director. Each day can be dramatically different, filled with chaotic fun. Despite the challenges, the love for my work keeps me going.