As 2023 comes to its final bow and the curtain falls, it’s time to reflect on the highs and lows, our successes and opportunities to grow, and bring our newfound knowledge into 2024! This past year, the circus and performing arts industry experienced a myriad of challenges and opportunities, each with its unique set of circumstances. Nevertheless, even in the face of these changes, trials, and tribulations, our industry and CircusTalk community continue to thrive in the present while envisioning ourselves in a prosperous future.

To get a deeper understanding of the CircusTalk community’s experience of the past year, we distributed a feedback invitation where we looked to our network of circus professionals for their thoughts, advice, and words of wisdom regarding circus and the performing arts as we approach the new year.Through this survey, our goal was to collect and share this wisdom within our CircusTalk community and help us guide each other to begin a successful and prosperous 2024. The result? Throughgaining inspiring insight from numerous artists who work in a wide variety of performance disciplines and boast an average of over ten years of experience in the circus industry, we hope to offer you a few recollections and sentimentals to carry with you into 2023.Now, we are happy to present our community’s take on this year, with a focus on industry themes, innovation, inspiration, and hope for 2024!

Industry Theme of 2023: New Structures and Sustainability

Looking at the overarching theme that painted the performing arts and circus industry this year, many of our respondents agree that growth, sustainability, and environmental conservation have prominently emerged. Many specifically point attention to the growing global focus on addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Evidently, the circus and performing arts community recognizes the need for new structures that align with sustainable practices. The development and sustainability theme intertwines with growth and collaboration, reflecting a holistic approach to fostering a thriving, self-supporting industry. In accordance with this theme of advancement, many of our community members also note the sense of normalcy found within the full year of performance and events not impacted by the infamous COVID-19 global pandemic. Shana Kennedy, circus artist, educator, and executive director of Circadium, a professional circus school, says, “I’ve been surprised this year at the number of thriving traditional touring circuses that have come back, and the return of Ringling.”

Showcase your talent!
Complete your profile page and add your act or show to the pool of performers being considered for hire via our talent database.
Signing up and creating your profile is FREE!

Innovation and Technology in the Circus and Performing Arts

Similarly, in a post-pandemic world, online networking and connecting platforms such as Zoom have proven invaluable to our industry, enabling performers to offer classes and share expertise across continents. As Ade Berry, artistic director of Jacksons Lane, states, “Enhanced digital communication and broadcasting alone during the pandemic was integral to our sector’s sustainability and development. Working from home should not be underestimated also, as it was technology that allowed us to do this and has liberated many from the shackles of the norm.” This form of global communication remains a vital source of connection and still plays an important part in people doing business in the past year. Members such as  Veera Kaijanen, a hula hoop circus performer from Finland, share their praise for enhanced digital communication platforms, many of which liberate performers, coaches, and artists from the constraints of traditional working environments. 

“I’ve really benefited from online options like Zoom to offer classes and share my expertise. I’ve been able coach and work with multiple North American students on wire (!!) while working in Europe. I find that technological advancements have given me so many more options to work and expand my business.”

Additionally, other forms of technology have become an integral part of the circus and performing arts, transforming the way artists connect, create, and showcase their talents. Many of our respondents highlight the positive impact of social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, in keeping performers updated on new tips and tricks, fellow artists’ careers and personal development, and information about different moves and techniques.  Nicole Malbeuf, a master of the hair hang discipline, describes that awareness due to social media has allowed for “more openness and interest for hair hang in terms of booking and funding opportunities.” As it continues to grow exponentially in popularity, many artists can attest to the positive impact of networking channels, allowing them to reach more opportunities and make more connections. Due to the increased sharability of content and global art practices, Malbuef also notes an increased acceptance and willingness to support and enhance theatrical elements, including projections to augment circus production. 

Further reflecting on the impact of innovation and technology, many describe the significant role it played in advancing lighting, sound, and special effects technology, elevating the overall production value of performances. Circus performer, screenwriter, and animation director  Bruno Saggese and Parallel Exit artistic director  Mark Lonergan even mention working with LED equipment, an incredible and captivating new wave of technology sweeping the performing arts and circus industry.  Jeanne Svhellevis, a multi-talented circus performer, alongside  Marco Bortoleto, an educator, Circademics researcher, and retired performer, also comments on the effects of innovation through improvements of rigging and safety. Now, in addition to digital marketing and social media opening new avenues for promoting shows and reaching wider audiences, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies hold the potential to revolutionize the way performances are experienced.

Inspiration in 2023

Amidst the challenges and changes, 2023 brought forth inspirational events that fueled hope and creativity within the circus and performing arts community. Circus performer and actor,  Kelly Maryanski, applauds the emergence of smaller aerial and circus festivals, particularly the Canadian Circo Festival, emphasizing the importance of community, workshops, and inspiration. Continuing on the heartfelt theme, it seems much of our community’s inspiration stems from personal achievements and family legacies within the industry.  Gary Brophy, an Australian artist, talent seeker, and circus producer of The Brophy Family Western Lasso and Whips show, expresses immense pride in his greatest inspiration: his family. 

“My oldest daughter starting her own circus. Then her twin daughters have made their debut in the circus ring. For me, that inspired me so much to just keep going.”

Brophy goes on to describe his family’s dedication to preserving their passion for the arts, passed down through an astounding 16 generations of performance. As a testament to this, there is no doubt that a main driving force of the circus arts nature throughout the ages is the generational strength of circus families, interpersonal relationships, and their strong impacts and influence. “While performing I often think how many more generations of our future ancestors will be doing it to keep our family history alive. It’s in our blood,” Brophy says, “we were born with sawdust in our veins.” This personal success story serves as a beacon, motivating others to persevere and continue contributing to the rich tapestry of the circus and performing arts world.

Looking for jobs, auditions, residency and grant opportunities?
CircusTalk PRO has got you covered!
Click here to access the CircusTalk Job Board!

Personal Mantras for 2024

As 2023 draws to a close, many within the community carry diverse personal mantras into the coming year. We wholeheartedly wish that our community will take these words to heart, and utilize them as powerful tools of wisdom, hope, and self-love going into 2024. These mantras reflect resilience, creativity, and a commitment to personal and professional growth:

“Trust the process”–  Mathieu Bolillo

An oldie, but a goodie. With this mantra, we acknowledge the uncertainties and challenges inherent in the industry, emphasizing the importance of patience and faith in one’s unique journey.

“Inspiration is everywhere. You just have to be open to it and willing to do the work” –  Alex Sterling

We couldn’t agree more. In a world bursting full of possibility and opportunity, we highlight the role of openness and diligence in discovering new sources of inspiration, while recognizing the effort and dedication it will require to attain it. 

“I’m on my way and my path brings me everything. I enrich my freedom and accept all life brings with gratitude”

–  Vlad Kostuchenko

Get out your affirmation journals everyone. This positive mantra conveys a mindset of gratitude and acceptance, embracing every opportunity, challenge, and everything in between.

“Follow your instinct” –  Anne-Marie Hivert

Your conscience never lies. In the coming year, take time to reflect on the tiny voice inside telling you what you know to be true about yourself, and your personal and professional pursuits.

“Keep going even in the face of impossible odds” – Naomi Lewis,  Charity Manager, Founder of and Lead Coach at the Circus Works Devoran and Director of Airfish Circus

Well said. This mantra reflects the acknowledgment that achieving excellence requires unfailing reliance and perseverance in light of any challenge.

All in all, the circus and performing arts industry in 2023 has demonstrated its incredible ability to navigate through the everyday challenges and embrace opportunities. If I had to use 3 words to sum up my interpretation of this year’s industry performance, I would applaud our widespread community on the adaptability, perseverance, and enduring spirit that we carry throughout everything the world throws our way. As we prepare to blaze new trails in the coming year, I personally invite you to define your own personal mantra coming into the new year, making yourself the promise of continued growth, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving and one-of-a-kind world of the circus and performing arts.

A very special thank you to all the CircusTalk members who took the time to participate and share their voices. Cheers!

Julia Grace Lumpkin

Performer, Social Media and Content Intern -UNITED STATES

Currently based in Tallahassee, FL, Julia Grace is in her third year at Florida State University pursing a Bachelor's of Science in Business Marketing. Alongside this degree, she holds a completed Minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Aside from her academics, Julia Grace performs with the FSU Flying High Circus, a globally renowned collegiate circus in the United States. Within the arena, her talents include Spanish web, aerial lyra, and triple trapeze—all of which she has performed since her training in the Sailor Circus Academy of the Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota, FL. Julia Grace is now happily a part of the CircusTalk team as a Social Media and Content intern, in which her passion for circus and marketing skills brightly shine through her work.