Springfield, Ohio — The circus is coming to town.
Actually, in these uncertain economic times, think of it this way — a job fair is coming to town.
No resume, references or any real skill other than two working hands (or at least one working hand and one serviceable metal hook) needed.
Just see John Walker, manager of the Walker Bros. Circus, which will bring its indoor, one-ring show back to the Clark County Fairgrounds for two shows on Feb. 18.
Believe it or not, people still run away with the circus.
"There are people here and there that do," said Sashi Meluzzi, Walker's stepdaughter. She retired her trick horse last year to do press for the family circus.
As a hired hand, though, don't expect to just walk in and start taming the dogs and ponies. (Sorry, no lions, tigers or even ligers at this circus.)
More than likely, you'll be the person to set up and tear down or take tickets.
"It's hard work," Meluzzi explained. "You're basically working all day long with a couple of hours for a break."
There are no days off, she said, and the circus travels nine months out of the year.
"It's a repetitive lifestyle," she said. "Some people love it."
And why wouldn't they?
"It's a different lifestyle," Meluzzi said. "You live in a trailer, so you don't have rent."
But if you want to become a trapeze artist, just know that career advancement is basically nil, because, like the regular work world, nepotism rules.
"Everybody on our show right now was born into it," said Meluzzi, herself an eighth generation circus performer.
But just savor the fact that you'll have steady work in a shaky time.
Just don't expect too much.
"Benefits? No. No benefits," Meluzzi said.
Well, no benefits besides the obvious one.
"You're making people happy," she said.
Courtesy of Casey Cainan
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9 comments:
Doin it for the smiles on the little kiddies faces,,,,,LOL
Casey,
Is there any other reason to do it????? I liked the physical requirements, at least a hand and a hook. What!!!!! LOL
Wade
Jeez Casey - you gave me the impression right here on this Blog that you did it for the money!!! LOL
Steve,
With the circus in its current condition, money is the only reason.
Wade and others,
I work in this profession/the circus by choice.I love doing trapeze,aerial fabric,spinning by my teeth and sometimes even the larceny(joke,I'm quoting a quote).I work on Walker Brothers Circus.There are only U.S .workers on this show.It is a very small show and they don't need to go to other countries to get workers.
Rebecca Ostroff
Rebecca,
The "larceny" is not a quote, it is a fact.
So I guess you are suggesting that everyone stay small? Don't get big?
So that you don't come off sounding like a "redneck" ask your Director(what's his nationality by the way?) about the time a producer, who he was working for at the time, told him as he was leaving for a date with some elephants, not to "worry about help. There would be plenty of Mexicans there to help when he arrived?" I believe his answer was, "when you say plenty of Mexicans, are you including me?"
Wade
Wade,
He is a citizen of the United States of America.His mom is from Mexico.I thought his dad was Canadien.
No I am not saying, Stay small.This happens to be a small show .Big is not bad.Don't be so defensive,big guy.
Rebecca
Rebecca,
I am not being defensive. I was just pointing out that becoming a citizen is what most of them come her to become. I think they should be given that opportunity. To come here and leave, no that is carpet bagging.
Wade
Wade,
Fun times with Wade on the blog!!Maybe I should throw caution to the wind and have a few more shots of espresso.
I meant I believe the director was born in the U.S.A.
Yes the more the merrier, become a citizen.Vote!When my ancestors came over in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They were escaping bad times and hoping for a brighter tomorrow.I wonder if they wanted to become citizens?Well they did become citizens.Oh yes, you are right about the carpet bagging.
One of my great aunts told me it was very difficult back then, they had to be tested for all kinds of heebie jeebies and they even had their teeth and gums inspected!
So last night during blow off of the circus, I am the balloon girl, one of the many happy public that purchased an almost indestructable balloon, said, "thank you, that was wonderful, thank you so much for coming to our town, God Bless you"
Also I was quoting a quote, true or not that is what I was doing.
Rebecca
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