Ever want to just give it all up and join the circus? The life of a circus performer is exciting, fun and great for those who love travel. Read the guide on this page to find out how to become a circus performer.

The circus may sound like fun and games, but performing in one is a lot of work, and can be physically and emotionally taxing. You may be away from your family for months at a time, performing difficult routines in towns from coast to coast.

Circus schools exist all over the country, and they will help you prepare the skills necessary to be a successful performer. If you can't find one near you, look around for private instruction. You can also check your neighborhood community college for circus-related courses.

There are many types of circus performers. Clowns, acrobats, fire-eaters, and jugglers can all be found under the big top. You will need to find a skill that you have natural talent for, and then develop it until you reach a professional skill level.

You can learn skills from a class or a book, but you will also need to practice regularly to get up to circus standards. If you are serious about your performance, practice it at least a few times a week to become proficient.

Once you feel that you are ready to start auditioning, begin applying for jobs. Your choices are somewhat limited, as there is not an abundance of circuses. However, there are enough options that you will eventually get hired if you are well-skilled. Search for circuses online, and don't be ashamed to start small. Even if you work for a lesser-known circus for a while, you will gain experience and hone your craft, thus becoming more attractive to the bigger names.