How to Prepare for a Circus Audition (and Actually Get Hired)

By Joseane Martins
Cirque du Soleil performer | Founder of Cirquenastics

A practical guide to preparing your body, standing out in your application, and increasing your chances of getting hired.

Most people think getting a circus job is about talent.

It’s not.

 I’ve seen incredibly talented performers not get hired and others with less “wow” skills land contracts.

The difference?

 Preparation, positioning, and understanding what companies are actually looking for.

 Whether you’re aiming for Cirque du Soleil or any other production, this is what really matters.

1. Preparation: Train Beyond Your Act

This is where most performers get it wrong.

They focus only on their act.

But auditions don’t test just your act,
they test your body as a whole.

You need:

• Strength (not just for tricks, but for control under fatigue)
• Endurance (can you still perform after multiple rounds?)
• Mobility (clean lines, injury prevention)
• Consistency (can you deliver every time, not just once?)

In professional environments, you’re expected to perform day after day, not just hit one good moment.

👉 If your training doesn’t reflect that, you’re not ready yet.

2. Your Online Application: This Is Where You Get Seen (or Ignored)

Before you ever step into a room…
your video decides everything.

And most people sabotage themselves here.

To stand out:

• Keep it clean and simple (no distractions, no chaotic editing)
• Show your best material first (you have seconds to grab attention)
• Include full sequences, not just highlights
• Make sure your body is clearly visible (no weird angles or dark lighting)

And most importantly:

👉 Show how you move, not just what tricks you can do.

Because casting isn’t just asking:
“Can they do this trick?”

They’re asking:
“Can we trust this person on stage, every single day?”

3. Standing Out: It’s Not About Doing More Tricks

This might surprise you.

Standing out is not about being the most extreme. 

It’s about being:

• Clear

• Confident
• Memorable

What makes someone stand out:

• A strong presence

• Clean execution
• A clear identity (who you are as a performer)

You don’t need to do everything.

You need to do your thing, really well.

4. How You Actually Get the Job

Getting hired isn’t one moment.

It’s a combination of things:

• You’re physically prepared

• Your material is clear and strong

• Your video represents you well

• You look reliable and coachable

• You fit what they need

 That last one matters more than people think.

Sometimes it’s not about being “better”, it’s about being the right fit at the right time.

The Truth Most People Don’t Hear

You can be talented and still not get hired.

That doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

It usually means:
👉 You’re missing structure in your preparation
👉 Or you’re not presenting yourself the right way

 If You’re Serious About This

This is exactly why I created Cirquenastics.

Not just to train harder, but to train with direction, like a professional.

If you want to go deeper into this and start building real audition readiness, you’ll find everything you need inside Cirquenastics Pro.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be perfect.

 But you do need to be ready.

 And readiness is something you build, not something you wait for.

Ready to take this further?