Why You Should Hire from the Circus Community
As the year draws to a close, I've found myself reflecting on my journey through the producing field. Having just earned my associate's degree in film production, I’ve applied for many roles. When I think about all the projects I’ve done, I feel overqualified for these positions, but when I look at my resume, I notice something interesting: my job titles don't capture the full breadth of what I've done. This is something many of us in the circus (and art industries in general) experience—we wear many hats, and our talents often defy easy description. In this article, I will explain 3 hirable and desirable qualities (out of many qualities) circus performers embody that are not easily added to a resume:
Circus people are incredibly adaptable.
As someone who has been part of the circus world for ten years, I have experienced this first hand. Officially, I am employed as a coach for aerial arts and flying trapeze at Circus Center. While I certainly teach those disciplines, my role encompasses so much more than the title on my business card. Working in the circus, you quickly realize that being multi-talented and adaptable isn't just a nice-to-have—it’s a requirement.
In the early days of circus, performers were expected to do it all. You didn’t just perform your act; you helped set up the tent, sold tickets, made the concessions, and did whatever else needed to happen to keep the show running smoothly. The Pickle Family Circus, a small troupe based in San Francisco during the 1980s, is a prime example of this mindset. Despite their humble budget, the Pickles embodied a spirit of adaptability. They learned skills outside of their acts, using circus as a means to foster community. This hands-on, all-in mentality is something that still permeates the circus world today.*
When I worked on Circus Center’s Winter Show, I found myself stepping into a role that wasn't in my job description—stage manager. With the school facing financial challenges, we had to return to our roots. The show wouldn’t happen without the help of the community, so I, along with many other coaches and students, volunteered to make it work. Although I had no prior experience with stage management, I dove in, eager to learn and contribute. This is what being a circus person is all about—stepping up when the going gets tough, wearing multiple hats, and doing what needs to be done.
Circus people are calm under pressure.
One of the most valuable skills circus performers develop is the ability to remain calm under pressure. Anyone who’s ever been a performer will tell you that pressure is a constant companion. I had a coach, Janene Davis, who consistently held me at a high standard to ensure that my performances were top-notch. If my training wasn’t up to par, she wouldn’t let me perform. This taught me to push through challenges and meet high expectations without crumbling under the weight of them.
As a coach, I now experience a different type of pressure. There’s pressure from the school to ensure that my students are progressing, which means I need to create comprehensive training plans and stay on top of the curriculum. There’s pressure from my students, who look to me for guidance and support as they work toward their own goals. And then there’s the most immediate and pressing pressure of all—keeping my students safe.
Circus, by its nature, can be dangerous. If you forget that, you put yourself and others at risk. But, that pressure is what keeps me sharp and focused. When I teach flying trapeze, I’m holding the ropes that keep my students safe. The minute they jump off the platform, their life is in my hands. At first, the responsibility felt overwhelming, but over time, I’ve learned to embrace the pressure. Learning how to use that pressure to stay vigilant is an essential part of being a good circus instructor. It keeps me focused, aware, and better equipped to teach with care and precision. This ability to stay calm and focused under pressure is a skill that translates well into any field, where high stakes and fast decisions are often required.
Circus people know how to motivate others.
An often overlooked but extremely important quality, circus people know how to get people to do things. Whether they are directing a performance, teaching a new student, or building an act with a new partner, circus people need to be able to keep people motivated for extended periods of time and through many challenges.
My current boss and Artistic Director at People’s Circus Theatre, Felicity Hesed, embodies the idea of motivating others through challenges. People’s Circus Theatre (PCT) is a small circus company in San Francisco that combines circus and theater, and as a new company, its budget and projects are still modest. Despite this, Felicity has a remarkable ability to rally her team and get them excited about her vision, no matter the limitations. I recently worked with her on Reindeer Games, her Christmas show, where we faced numerous challenges, from tight resources to the pressure of creating something truly special. Through it all, Felicity kept a cool head and remained focused on the bigger picture. Her ideas are always creative and inspiring, and the way she explains them makes you feel like you're part of something bigger. Her passion and leadership made me want to work harder and fully invest in her vision, even when the odds seemed stacked against us. She proves that even in a small company, it’s possible to motivate others and create a collaborative, enthusiastic environment where everyone feels committed to the cause.*
I discovered my own ability to motivate people while creating my first short film in April, which also served as the capstone project for my AS degree in film. With no budget at all, I had to rely on my ability to inspire my crew and cast to give their best without any financial compensation. To ensure everyone was as invested in the project as I was, I wrote a letter to my team during pre-production, outlining the goals of the project, explaining how each person's unique talents were crucial, and assuring them that their ideas would be valued and incorporated. By framing the project as a mutually beneficial experience, I was able to motivate my team toward a common vision. The process taught me that good leadership is about making people feel like they are an essential part of something exciting. After the film was finished, many of my cast and crew members asked to collaborate with me again. Since then, I’ve worked with several of them on other projects, and they’ve connected with other creative professionals through me. I’m proud of the film itself, but even prouder of the network and community I helped create—something that will continue to thrive because of that initial shared vision.
In summary,
So, why hire a circus person? It’s simple. Circus performers are incredibly versatile, adaptable, and calm under pressure, making them ideal candidates for a wide range of roles. They don’t just stick to a job description—they’re willing to take on whatever needs to be done to make a project succeed. Whether it’s stepping into unfamiliar roles, like a stage manager or set designer, or remaining cool and focused when stakes are high, circus people are constantly working under pressure while keeping a clear vision. They also excel at motivating others, helping build team cohesion and inspiring commitment, no matter the challenge. These skills aren’t just valuable in the circus world; they translate seamlessly into any industry. Whether you're looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks, stay level-headed in fast-paced situations, or get a team excited about a shared vision, hiring someone with a background in the circus arts can bring a unique and invaluable set of skills to your workplace.
So, the next time you’re considering candidates, don’t overlook the value of someone with a circus background. Behind every performer is a person who knows how to roll up their sleeves, stay adaptable, manage pressure, and motivate others—no matter what it takes.
*You can read all about the Pickle Family Circus and San Francisco’s circus scene in the new book An International Circus Affair written by Jeff Raz with Stephanie Greenspan, Ori Quesada, and Devin Holt.
*Please check out People’s Circus Theatre here: People's Circus Theatre.
