Circus arts refers to a body of
performing artsThe performing arts are those forms of art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
featured in, derived from, or inspired by
circusA circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, animals, trapeze acts, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists. The word also describes the performance that they give, which is usually a series of acts that are...
productions.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Circus arts' Start a new discussion about 'Circus arts' Answer questions from other users |
Circus arts refers to a body of
performing artsThe performing arts are those forms of art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
featured in, derived from, or inspired by
circusA circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, animals, trapeze acts, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists. The word also describes the performance that they give, which is usually a series of acts that are...
productions.
There are two main genres of circus arts: traditional and contemporary (or new). Below is a table comparing several aspects of traditional and contemporary circus arts.
|
Traditional circus arts |
Contemporary circus Contemporary circus, or le nouveau cirque , is a genre of performing art developed in the later 20th century in which a story or a theme is conveyed through traditional circus skills. Animals are rarely used in this type of circus, and traditional circus skills are blended with a more...
arts |
| Typical performance venue |
Touring big top, arena |
Theatre |
| Typically performed by |
Circus families |
Conservatory-trained artists |
| Typical staging format |
Tiered seating around an oval or circular arena called a ring, under a large tent called the big top |
Auditorium seating in front of proscenium A Proscenium theatre is a theatre space whose primary feature is a large frame or arch , which is located at or near the front of the stage...
stage, although some companies perform in the roundTheatre-in-the-round or arena theatre is any theatre space in which the audience surrounds the stage area. In 1947, Margo Jones established America's first professional theatre-in-the-round company when she opened her Theatre ’47 in Dallas....
and/or under a tent |
| Typical production format |
Series of spectacle-oriented acts presided over by a ringmaster The ringmaster or ringleader is often the most important and most-visible performer in the modern circus. He usually introduces the various acts and guides the audience through entertainment experience...
, who has a role similar to a master of ceremoniesA master of ceremonies, microphone controller or MC , sometimes called a compère or an MJ for "microphone jockey," is the host of an official public or private staged event or other performance. The MC usually presents performers, speaks to the audience, and generally keeps the event moving...
|
Series of theatrical, character-driven acts tied together by a central narrative or theme |
| Typical music |
Uptempo marches A screamer is a descriptive name for a circus march. In particular, an upbeat march intended to stir up the audience during the show.- History :...
, waltzes, etc. Music's purpose is to raise the energy level and create a sense of spectacle. |
A variety of genres and moods. Music also assists in dramatizing the show's themes, characters, and/or narrative. |
| Notable examples |
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was started when the circus created by James Anthony Bailey and P. T. Barnum was merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Ringling brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907, but ran the circuses separately until they were finally merged in...
|
Cirque du SoleilCirque du Soleil , is a Canadian entertainment company, self-described as a "dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment." Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy...
|