Circus arts

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Circus related terms
Four similar terms are often confused Circus is a production or show. Circus arts are the performance forms that relate to the circus (the arts of the circus). Circus acts are physical compositions which are performed in the circus. Circus skills are the techniques used to create and choreograph the acts.

Circus arts refers to a body of performing arts featured in, derived from, or inspired by circus productions.

There are two main genres of circus arts: traditional, often referred to as "Old Circus Arts" and contemporary, sometime called "new circus arts". Below is a table comparing several distinct aspects of traditional and contemporary circus arts.

	Traditional Circus Arts	Contemporary Circus Arts
Typical Performance Venues	Touring Big Top Circus, Arena Circus	Theatrical Production, Circus Theatre
Typically Performed By	Circus Families	Conservatory Trained Artists
Typical Acts	Animals, Clowning, Flying Trapeze, Wire Walking	Acrobalance, Aerial Acrobatics, Physical Comedy
Typical Staging Format	circular seating around three or more rings	Auditorium seating in front of proscenium stage. Some companies perform under a "big top" tent, but it may not include any rings
Typical Production Format	Series of spectacle style acts presided over by a master of ceremony	Series of theatrical style acts tied together by a central narrative or theme
Typical Music and Sound	Live band, recorded sound effects	Recorded score and sound effects, sometimes with live accompaniment
Notable Examples	Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus	Cirque du Soleil