Circus performers: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What circus performers is

Circus performers such as jugglers, acrobats and aerialists put on a show for events, festivals and parties, with safe rigs and planned routines. People book them for festivals, corporate events and large celebrations when they want a live spectacle that holds an audience.

Signs you need it

  • You are planning a festival, fair or large event that needs a featured live act
  • You want a show that gets a crowd gathered and cheering
  • You want a performance that combines juggling, acrobatics or aerial work
  • The event has an outdoor or large space where a show can be seen from a distance
  • You want a family-friendly show that works for all ages
  • You want a show that fits a theme such as a circus, a carnival or a festival

What the pro does

  • Asks about the event, the audience size, the space and the length of the show you want
  • Plans a routine built around the skills the performers have and the space available
  • Inspects the performance area, rigging points and any equipment before the show
  • Performs the routine at the times agreed, with breaks between acts
  • Keeps the audience safe by setting clear viewing lines and rules for the show
  • Packs up equipment, rigging and props at the end of the event

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of performers and the skills in the act
  • Length of the show and the number of shows per day
  • Whether the act uses aerial rigs, stages or ground-level performance
  • Rigging needs and whether the venue can support them
  • Travel distance and setup time for equipment
  • Audience size and the space needed for the crowd
  • Whether the performers need extra safety staff or a spotter

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of performers, the skills they bring and the show length
  • Rigging, stage, floor and space needs, and who inspects them
  • Safety plan, including audience distance and any spotters
  • Setup, rehearsal and teardown times
  • Insurance details for the performers and the event
  • What happens if a performer cannot attend or if weather changes the show

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What skills are in the act, and can I see a video of a full show?
  • What rigging do you need, and who inspects the rig before the show?
  • How do you keep the audience safe, and where do they stand?
  • What space and ground surface do you need?
  • What is your weather plan for an outdoor show?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers the performers and the audience during the show?
  • Can I see your safety plan in writing before the event?

Red flags

  • They cannot show a video of the full act or the rigging they use
  • They do not have a written safety plan or an inspection process for rigging
  • They want to rig to a structure that the venue has not approved
  • They put the audience close to a performer on a rig with no barrier
  • They will not confirm their insurance in writing

What you can do yourself

You can choose the type of show, the length and the space for the audience. You can also check the venue for a flat ground surface and the viewing area. Do not try to rig any aerial equipment yourself, and hire the performers for the rigging, the safety plan and the routine, since aerial and acrobatic work can cause serious injury when set up incorrectly.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for circus performers, but rigging, public shows and pyrotechnic effects can require permits, inspections or venue approval. Ask the performers for their insurance and safety documents, and check with your state or local licensing agency and the venue before the event.

Circus performers questions

Do I need a permit for a circus show?

Often yes for public events, rigging or effects. Ask the performers and the venue what applies and confirm it with your local licensing agency.

How do I know the rigging is safe?

Ask who inspects the rig, what the inspection covers and when it happens. Get the answers in writing before the event.

Can the show happen in the rain?

Many acts have a weather plan, such as a covered area or a postponed date. Ask the performers what they do in rain or wind and agree on the plan in writing.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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