If you’ve ever seen a trapeze artist at a circus, a show like Cirque du Soleil, or anywhere else, you know that they’re incredible athletes who have the impressive ability to propel their body through the air and from bar to bar, using only strength and momentum.
As a 2017 CNN article noted, while these performers may seem to be defying physics while effortlessly flying through the air, it takes a lot of hard work in addition to coming with a safety risk. They must spend a portion of every day practicing their routine, hanging from a trapeze, swinging from one to another, dangling from swings, or clasping hands with another artist while swaying high above the ground. These performers have to move accurately and quickly to avoid a fall. Trapeze artists also have to put on shimmering costumes, wear beautiful makeup, and work hard to keep their weight down, often only getting to smell those chocolate chip cookies instead of eating them.
The Cost of Hiring a Trapeze Artist
An entry-level circus performer might make just $300 a week, while experienced, featured trapeze artists can make as much as $70,000 a year in addition to free room and board while traveling with a show. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a performer with a large company like Cirque du Soleil earns close to $58,000 a year, but the range can vary significantly depending on education, certifications, special skills, and the number of years spent in the profession.
As trapeze artists don’t always travel with a show, they can also be hired individually, or as a group, for events that can be made even more memorable, from circus-themed birthday parties to business conferences and fundraisers, providing an exciting experience for all. Like the salaries of show performers, the cost to hire them varies widely depending on the level of their experience and other factors, like the complexity of their setup. If you want multiple performers, the cost will obviously be higher. Generally, you can expect to pay at least $600 for an experienced trapeze artist to perform at your event.
How to Save When Booking a Trapeze Artist
If you book someone through a production talent agency, the cost is typically going to be much higher than if you use a booking app that eliminates the fees a middle man charges. By having more options available, you’ll also be able to compare each artist’s rate and experience side by side, selecting the performer who is the best match for your budget and other requirements, potentially saving a significant amount of money.
What to Expect
The trapeze artist’s act can last anywhere from just a few minutes, or you can request a full-length show. What to expect exactly depends on the particular performer, so you’ll want to find out as much about their act and their experience as possible. Some even have impressive accomplishments like world titles in dance at organizations like the World Championship of Performing Arts, so you’ll know the performance is going to be an especially unforgettable one.
