Characteristics
Contemporary circus combines traditional circus skills and theatrical techniques to convey a story or theme. Such acts include acrobatics, juggling, trapeze, acting, music and aerial silk. For aesthetic or economic reasons, contemporary circus productions may be staged in theaters rather than in large outdoor tents. Music used in the production is often composed exclusively for that production, and aesthetic influences are drawn as much from contemporary culture as from circus history. Animal acts appear less frequently in contemporary circus than in traditional circus.
Below is a table comparing several aspects of traditional and contemporary circus performances.
| Traditional circus | Contemporary circus | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 stage, although some companies perform in the round and/or under a tent |
| Typical production format | Series of spectacle-oriented acts presided over by a ringmaster, who has a role similar to a master of ceremonies | Series of theatrical, character-driven acts tied together by a central narrative or theme |
| Typical music | Uptempo marches, 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. |
"Extreme circus" is a high-energy, street-inspired genre of contemporary circus whose aesthetic is more free-form and improvisational; its music may encompass hip hop, virtuosic percussion and beat-boxing.
Read more about this topic: Contemporary Circus