Skip to content
ESCO occupation

circus artist

Back to ESCO occupations

Circus artists develop original performance pieces showcasing great artistic and performing skills, emotive depth and artistic proposals for the general public. Alone, or collectively, they may perform one or more traditional or original circus disciplines, which are usually based on physical capabilities such as strength, balance, agility, flexibility, ability and coordination of body parts, and combined with performance disciplines such as dance, theatre, mime etc. The physical nature of the exercises performed often includes a certain level of risk for the performer.  

2659.2.1 ISCO 2659 ESCO source
Competences
39
Groups
3
Essential
31
Optional
8

Competences and skills

39 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
circus dramaturgy

Dramaturgy performed in a circus show.

ESCO source
circus vocabulary

The specific terminology related to the circus activities.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

1 competence
circus aesthetics

The way the circus concepts and traditions have evolved through time and their artistic meaning.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 28 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
carry out physical training

Plan and carry out a physical training regimen (daily) to maintain a good physical condition.

ESCO source
define the visual universe of your creation

Define the visual universe that will surround the creation using painting, drawing, lighting, projections or other visual means

ESCO source

Sector-specific

17 competences
adapt artistic plan to location

Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.

ESCO source
balance the project requirements with health and safety concerns

Adjust the level of effort required for the artistic production. Adapt or adjust movements and movement sequences. Set performance limits. Allow recovery periods and take other measures.

ESCO source
check circus rigging before performance

Check the rigging installation for circus acts in order to ensure safe and correct operation.

ESCO source
check the production schedule

Check the daily and long term schedules for rehearsal, training, performances, season, tour, etc., taking into account the project timeline and all the preparations required by the production.

Scope note
For this skill it is essential to know about occupational and intellectual property regulations.
ESCO source
coordinate artistic production

Oversee the day-to-day coordination of production tasks so that the organisation fits within the desired artistic and business policies and in order to present productions in a uniform corporate identity to the public.

ESCO source
define artistic vision

Continually develop and define a concrete artistic vision, starting from the proposal and continuing all the way through to the finished product.

ESCO source
develop an artistic framework

Develop a specific framework for research, creation and completion of artistic work.

ESCO source
follow time cues

Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.

ESCO source
make up performing artists

Use cosmetics on artists for stage performances.

ESCO source
manage artistic career

Present and promote one's artistic approach and position one's work in target markets.

ESCO source
manage artistic project

Manage an artistic project. Determine project needs. Establish partnerships. Manage the budget, schedule, contractual agreements and assess the project.

ESCO source
perform live

Perform in front of live audiences.

ESCO source
practice circus disciplines

Have a very high level of practical and technical skills and competences of one or several chosen circus disciplines in order to enter into the professional circus field.

ESCO source
select artistic materials to create artworks

Select artistic materials based on strength, colour, texture, balance, weight, size, and other characteristics that should guarantee the feasibility of the artistic creation regarding the expected shape, color, etc.- even though the result might vary from it. Artistic materials such as paint, ink, water colours, charcoal, oil, or computer software can be used as much as garbage, living products (fruits, etc) and any kind of material depending on the creative project.

ESCO source
study roles from scripts

Study and rehearse roles from scripts. Interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.

ESCO source
work with an artistic team

Work closely with directors, fellow actors and playwrights to find the ideal interpretation to a role.

ESCO source
work with circus group

Work together with other circus artists and management. Make sure to do your part while keeping the performance as a whole in mind.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

9 competences
analyse own performance

Understand, analyse and describe your own performance. Contextualize your work in one or various styles, trends, evolution, etc. Self-evaluate your work in rehearsals and performances.

ESCO source
apply company policies

Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.

ESCO source
attend rehearsals

Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.

ESCO source
follow directions of the artistic director

Follow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.

ESCO source
interact with an audience

Respond to the reactions of an audience and involve them in the particular performance or communication.

ESCO source
interact with fellow actors

Perform together with other actors. Anticipate their moves. React to their actions.

ESCO source
manage feedback

Provide feedback to others. Evaluate and respond constructively and professionally to critical communication from colleagues and customers.

ESCO source
renew artistic practice

Stay informed on new trends and apply them on artistic experiences.

ESCO source
work with respect for own safety

Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
assess artistic proposal

Identify the essence of a proposed artistic project. Assess the strong and weak points of the proposal. Judge whether to accept the proposal, and whether to propose modifications.

ESCO source
define rigging needs for circus acts

Define the specific safety, technical and performance needs for circus acts rigging in a technical rider or description.

ESCO source
ensure safety of exercise environment

Select the correct training environment and assess risks to ensure it provides a safe, clean and friendly fitness environment and that it will be the best use of the environment in which clients are exercising.

ESCO source
instruct on circus rigging equipment

Instruct in detail about the intended use, place, requirements and safety issues of circus rigging equipment in order to ensure safe and accurate assembly and fit-up of the equipment.

ESCO source
maintain rigging equipment

Check rigging equipment before fitting up, and make small repairs if necessary.

Scope note
This excludes regular in-depth maintenance checks done in the workshop.
ESCO source
select music for performance

Select pieces of music for a live performance. Consider factors such as ensemble abilities, availability of scores and the need for musical variety.

ESCO source
use declaiming techniques

Speak for an audience with the expression of rhythm and vocal technique. Take care that articulation and voice projection are appropriate to the character or text. Make sure that you are heard without compromising your health: prevent fatigue and vocal strain, breathing problems and vocal cord problems.

ESCO source
use rope access techniques

Apply ropework to work in elevated position. Safely ascend and descend ropes, wearing a harness.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.