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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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53121.03 – Circus and other performers

Circus performers perform circus skills in circuses to entertain a variety of audiences.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Acrobat
  • Circus performer

Core competencies

  • Social Perceptiveness to gauge the mood and energy of the audience and adjust acts accordingly to maximize engagement
  • Oral Communication: Oral Expression to convey stories, themes or character backgrounds clearly and engagingly
  • Gross Body Coordination to maintain balance in dynamic positions, such as while performing on a tightrope or while being thrown and caught in aerial acts
  • Body Flexibility to achieve extreme and unusual positions such as contortion, aerial silks and acrobatics
  • Creativity to develop original routines, tricks and acts that stand out and engage viewers
  • Knowledge in Arts to understand different art forms to incorporate diverse artistic elements into circus acts or performances to make them unique and engaging

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • perform a variety of acts intended to amaze, thrill, and engage audiences
  • conceptualize and choreograph original performances
  • study and perform acrobatic and aerial skills required by specific circus shows
  • may participate in the development of a director or ringmaster’s vision.

Additional information

No data has been provided for this section.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Announcers and other broadcasters (52114)
  • Dancers (53120)
  • Musicians and singers (51122)
  • Other performers (55109)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

5 – Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

53 – Occupations in art, culture and sport

Sub-major group

531 – Occupations in art and culture

Minor group

5312 – Occupations in creative and performing art

Unit group

53121 – Actors, comedians and circus performers

Occupational profile

53121.03 – Circus and other performers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.