Circuses have been entertaining people for centuries with their bright colors, thrilling acts, and amazing animals. With acrobats flying through the air, clowns making us laugh, and trained animals performing incredible tricks, the circus has a special magic that captures our imagination. Many of us have fond memories of visiting the big top, but how much do you really know about this fascinating world? From the history of the circus to fun facts about its performers, there’s so much more than meets the eye.
Today, we’ll share some exciting circus trivia that will surprise and delight you. Did you know that the first modern circus started in England in the late 1700s? Or that elephants can paint pictures? From the famous Ringling Bros. to the amazing stunts of Cirque du Soleil, we’ll cover a variety of interesting tidbits that reveal the wonders behind the scenes. Whether you’re a circus fan or just curious about this vibrant form of entertainment, you’re in for a treat. Get ready to impress your friends with your newfound circus knowledge!
Circus Trivia
Curious Facts from the Circus World
1. What is the name of the founder of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus? (Answer: Ringling Brothers)
2. In what year did the Ringling Bros. acquire Barnum & Bailey Circus? (Answer: 1919)
3. Who was the first female aerialist to perform in a circus? (Answer: Juanita McGowan)
4. What is the traditional time of day for circus performances? (Answer: Evening)
5. What do circus clowns traditionally wear that symbolizes their comedy? (Answer: Big shoes)
6. How many elephants were part of the circus during its peak in the 1930s? (Answer: Over 100)
7. What type of circus is known for its acrobatics and artistic performances? (Answer: Circus Arts)
8. What is the name given to the ring where performers display their acts? (Answer: Arena)
9. Which circus was known for using a train to transport its performers and animals? (Answer: Ringling Bros.)
10. What is the unique name given to a circus production without animals? (Answer: A human circus)
The Amazing Animal Performers
1. What animal is commonly known as the “king of the jungle” and is featured in many circuses? (Answer: Lion)
2. What breed of dogs is often seen performing tricks in circuses? (Answer: Mixed breeds)
3. Which animal is known for its ability to paint pictures in the circus? (Answer: Elephant)
4. What type of bird is often trained to perform in circuses? (Answer: Parrot)
5. What is a popular trick associated with horses in circuses? (Answer: Jumping through hoops)
6. How many years does it take to train a circus elephant? (Answer: 5 to 10 years)
7. What do you call the act of riding multiple horses at once in a circus? (Answer: Roman riding)
8. What type of animal acts may involve trapeze-like maneuvers? (Answer: Monkeys)
9. What is the name of the platform that trained animals perform on in circus shows? (Answer: Stage)
10. Which animal is often referred to as the “clowns of the jungle” in circus performances? (Answer: Monkeys)
Behind the Scenes: Life in the Circus
1. What is the common name for the group of people who travel with the circus? (Answer: Circus family)
2. How do circus performers usually travel from one city to another? (Answer: By truck or train)
3. What is the term used for the preparation of circus shows? (Answer: Rehearsal)
4. What is the role of a “ringmaster” in a circus? (Answer: To lead the show)
5. What special area do circus employees use to store their equipment? (Answer: The storage tent)
6. How many hours per day do circus performers typically practice? (Answer: 4-6 hours)
7. What is the primary challenge of living a circus lifestyle? (Answer: Being away from home)
8. What do circus performers call their living quarters while on tour? (Answer: Trailer or caravan)
9. What do circus families do during their downtime between performances? (Answer: Bond and rest)
10. What is a popular festival that many circuses participate in? (Answer: Circus Day)
Iconic Circus Shows Through the Ages
1. What circus is known as “The Greatest Show on Earth”? (Answer: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey)
2. What unique performance was Cirque du Soleil famous for? (Answer: Aerial acrobatics)
3. In what decade did the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus begin performing? (Answer: 19th century)
4. What type of circus became popular during the 1800s, featuring multiple acts? (Answer: Vaudeville)
5. Which circus was known for spectacular animal acts and large spectacles? (Answer: Sells Floto Circus)
6. What city in the United States was home to the first circus in the country? (Answer: Philadelphia)
7. Which famous circus was created in New York City? (Answer: The Big Apple Circus)
8. What military group created a circus as a form of entertainment during World War I? (Answer: The US Army)
9. When did the last performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus take place? (Answer: May 21, 2017)
10. What European city is known for its annual circus festival? (Answer: Monte Carlo)
The Fascinating Tools of the Circus Trade
1. What kind of equipment is essential for a trapeze act? (Answer: Trapeze bars)
2. What protective gear do tightrope walkers often use? (Answer: Safety harness)
3. What is needed for clown performances? (Answer: Props and costumes)
4. Which tool is used by jugglers to keep the balls in the air? (Answer: Hands)
5. What kind of safety net is commonly used in circus performances? (Answer: Trampoline net)
6. What do acrobats use for vaulting and jumping? (Answer: Springboards)
7. What type of rope is needed for rope tricks? (Answer: Ropes specific for stunts)
8. What do circus animals often require for safe transport? (Answer: Climate-controlled trailers)
9. What is essential for creating special effects in circus shows? (Answer: Pyrotechnics)
10. What item do clowns typically carry for comedic effect? (Answer: A rubber chicken)
Legendary Circus Performers You Should Know
1. Who was the most famous trapeze artist of the early 20th century? (Answer: The Flying Wallendas)
2. What was the name of the famous clown known for his sad face? (Answer: Emmett Kelly)
3. Which circus performer famously walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls? (Answer: Nik Wallenda)
4. Who was known as “The Lion Tamer”? (Answer: Clyde Beatty)
5. What illusionist became famous for their elaborate magic tricks during circus shows? (Answer: Harry Houdini)
6. Who was the first female ringmaster in a Ringling Bros. circus? (Answer: S. H. Barnum)
7. Who was the first acrobat to perform a triple somersault? (Answer: The Flying Wallendas)
8. What famous circus performer was known for his elephant acts? (Answer: Clyde Beatty)
9. Who pioneered the modern use of animals in circus performances? (Answer: P.T. Barnum)
10. What famed aerialist often performed with her partner in the circus? (Answer: The Daring Duo)
The Colorful World of Circus Terminology
1. What is the term for a clown’s funny makeup? (Answer: Face paint)
2. What is the “big top” in circus lingo? (Answer: The main tent)
3. What is a “carnival” in the circus world? (Answer: A fair with rides and shows)
4. What does it mean to “audition” for the circus? (Answer: Demonstrate skills for selection)
5. What name is given to the smallest circuses? (Answer: Tent shows)
6. What does “ring” refer to in circus terminology? (Answer: The performance area)
7. What is known as “the spotlight” in a performance? (Answer: A light focused on performers)
8. What do we call the area in front of the audience in a circus show? (Answer: Front row)
9. What is the term for the dog acts in a circus performance? (Answer: Canine performers)
10. What is referred to as a “finale” in a circus show? (Answer: The closing act)
Final Thoughts
The world of circus is full of history, excitement, and fascinating characters. From its origins to incredible performers, the circus continues to captivate audiences around the globe. Whether you learn about the amazing acts of trapeze artists or the incredible animal trainers, circus trivia is sure to bring a smile to your face.
If you’re curious about the summer festivities, check out trivia for the summer games. There’s also exhilarating trivia to discover if you’re a thrill-seeker looking for roller coaster facts. Both will add more fun to your knowledge of entertaining experiences.