Oh, Mr. Barnum, save a place for me

By Joanna Horowitz
Seattle Times staff reporter

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Ahhh, to join the circus. Ever since the first traveling festivals in the 1700s, it seems running off to live with clowns and daredevils has been a pipe dream for the overworked masses, longing to escape from farms, assembly lines and (more recently) cubicles.

Of course in its fledgling days, the circus was just a couple of horses and a clown. And it was a controversial form of entertainment, even banned at times.

Today the circus is a big-time, big-budget venture. But it still meets disapproval, primarily from animal-rights activists. Protests are planned to coincide with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's eight-show stint at the Everett Events Center, Sept. 16-19, following the death of a lion on a Ringling Bros. train crossing the Mojave Desert in July.

But opposition hasn't stopped thousands of families each year from partaking of the circus' ever-growing spectacle. Or stopped folks from dreaming about hopping on that mile-long train when it pulls into town.

Imagine for a moment that you really could chuck it all and join the circus. What are the benefits of life under the big top?

• The circus — you're always at it.

• Performance rush. Just about every performer will attest to the thrill of a live audience. .

Circus preview Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, 134th edition of "The Greatest Show on Earth," 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16; 11 a.m., 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17; 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18; 1 p.m., 5 p.m. Sept. 19, Everett Events Center, Everett; $12-$75 (866-EEC-TIXX or www.everetteventscenter.com; information, www.ringling.com).

• Built-in family. Because you're spending all day, every day in close quarters with these people, you'll have no choice but to bond.

• Moolah potential. As a featured performer, you can make up to $70,000 a year and you'll have room and board taken care of. Entry-level jobs (cleaning, hauling, etc.) pay more like $300 a week.

• More opportunities. As the circus grows, so do the number of jobs. This year, Ringling Bros. has added a magic comedian and hired a first-ever featured female vocalist.

But before you have that sequined bodysuit custom-made, here are some reasons you might reconsider:

• Injuries. You're flying; you're putting your head in a wild animal's mouth. You might be a pro, but accidents do happen.

• Hectic schedule. As part of the circus, you're constantly on the go setting up, tearing down and moving on. .

• Stigma. It's still considered unusual for someone to work at the circus.

• Competition. Not just anyone can waltz in and step into the spotlight. You'll need lots of training and skill.

• Close quarters in a moving home. Living on a train means you know your neighbors really well. And for 11 months out the year, you'll be zipping across the country. After all, the show must go on.

Joanna Horowitz: 206-464-3312 or jhorowitz@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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