Ringmaster (circus)
Encyclopedia
The ringmaster is the most visible performer in the modern circus
, and among the most important, since he stage-manages the performance, introduces the various acts
, and guides the audience through the entertainment experience. In smaller circuses, the ringmaster is often the owner and artistic director
of the circus. Many modern-day ringmasters become an integral part of the performance, singing and dancing along with the other entertainers. He is called "Monsieur Loyal" in French, after the name of Anselme-Pierre Loyal (1753-1826), one of the first renowned circus personalities.
The traditional opening line of many circuses is the phrase "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...", drawn out in dramatic fashion.
In the days before modern lighting equipment, it was the ringmaster's job to literally "direct" the attention of the audience to the appropriate sections of the performance area, even as the previous act was being torn down or the next act was being set up in another area. Most performances were mute by nature, accompanied by resounding brass music. Therefore, the ringmaster's big, booming voice was important as it cut through the clutter and excitement to announce the act.
It is traditionally the ringmaster's job to create a sense of hyperbole
whenever possible while introducing the acts. Declarations of the "biggest", "most dangerous", "amazing", "spectacular" and similar expressions are common, regardless of the actual caliber of the performance.
The ringmaster is responsible for maintaining the smooth flow of the show — or at least an appearance of it. He may be called upon to fill time by talking or by joking with a clown if an act is not ready for its entrance.
A ringmaster is traditionally attired in a bright, gaudy topcoat and tails — often red with gold trim — with a tall top hat. The outfit is designed to look like an 18th century gentleman's riding habit, and often includes a whip, a relic of when the ringmaster directed the performance, not as announcer and host but as director of the many equestrian acts, a specialist stage-manager. It is generally accepted that this costume was first adopted by George Claude Lockhart
on the orders of Bertram Mills
in 1928, when Lockhart worked as ringmaster for his Circus at Olympia, London (source: "The Doyen of Ringmasters", Don Stacey, "World's Fair", 1979)
Circus
A circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists...
, and among the most important, since he stage-manages the performance, introduces the various acts
Circus skills
Circus skills are a group of pursuits that have been performed as entertainment in circus, sideshow, busking or variety/vaudeville/music hall shows. Most circus skills are still being performed today. Many are also practiced by non-performers as a hobby....
, and guides the audience through the entertainment experience. In smaller circuses, the ringmaster is often the owner and artistic director
Artistic director
An artistic director is the executive of an arts organization, particularly in a theatre company, that handles the organization's artistic direction. He or she is generally a producer and director, but not in the sense of a mogul, since the organization is generally a non-profit organization...
of the circus. Many modern-day ringmasters become an integral part of the performance, singing and dancing along with the other entertainers. He is called "Monsieur Loyal" in French, after the name of Anselme-Pierre Loyal (1753-1826), one of the first renowned circus personalities.
The traditional opening line of many circuses is the phrase "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...", drawn out in dramatic fashion.
In the days before modern lighting equipment, it was the ringmaster's job to literally "direct" the attention of the audience to the appropriate sections of the performance area, even as the previous act was being torn down or the next act was being set up in another area. Most performances were mute by nature, accompanied by resounding brass music. Therefore, the ringmaster's big, booming voice was important as it cut through the clutter and excitement to announce the act.
It is traditionally the ringmaster's job to create a sense of hyperbole
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally....
whenever possible while introducing the acts. Declarations of the "biggest", "most dangerous", "amazing", "spectacular" and similar expressions are common, regardless of the actual caliber of the performance.
The ringmaster is responsible for maintaining the smooth flow of the show — or at least an appearance of it. He may be called upon to fill time by talking or by joking with a clown if an act is not ready for its entrance.
A ringmaster is traditionally attired in a bright, gaudy topcoat and tails — often red with gold trim — with a tall top hat. The outfit is designed to look like an 18th century gentleman's riding habit, and often includes a whip, a relic of when the ringmaster directed the performance, not as announcer and host but as director of the many equestrian acts, a specialist stage-manager. It is generally accepted that this costume was first adopted by George Claude Lockhart
George Claude Lockhart
George Claude Lockhart was the first ringmaster to wear the "pink" hunter tails and top hat, and was referred to in his World's Fair obituary as "The Doyen of Ringmasters"...
on the orders of Bertram Mills
Bertram Mills
Bertram Wagstaff Mills was a British circus owner who ran the Bertram Mills Circus. Originally from Paddington, London, his circus became famous in the UK for its Christmas shows at Olympia in West London...
in 1928, when Lockhart worked as ringmaster for his Circus at Olympia, London (source: "The Doyen of Ringmasters", Don Stacey, "World's Fair", 1979)
See also
- Ringmasters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
- George Claude LockhartGeorge Claude LockhartGeorge Claude Lockhart was the first ringmaster to wear the "pink" hunter tails and top hat, and was referred to in his World's Fair obituary as "The Doyen of Ringmasters"...
- Tommy Hanlon, Jr.Tommy Hanlon JrTommy Hanlon Jr was an American-born Australian media personality, notable for his early television appearances as host of It Could Be You....