We are excited to announce the premiere of a new CircusTalk Original series, The Circus Designer, available exclusively to CircusTalk PRO members.  After her successful CIRCUS BODIES series, Madeline Hoak, an NYC-based performer, producer, professor, choreographer, and long-time CircusTalk Contributor and Content Producer, brings this new article series to our PRO members. We asked Madeline about the series and its inspiration.

CircusTalk: Tell us about your series.

Madeline Hoak: This series highlights all kinds of circus designers: costume, set, sound, lights, and stage management. It will dig into what makes working as a designer in circus different from design in other mediums. It will offer advice for people wishing to learn more about a career in circus design.

CT: What inspired the series?

MH: First and foremost, designers don’t get enough credit for the phenomenal magic they bring to the stage, ring, street— wherever circus happens! In this series, I want to celebrate circus designers and all they do for circus.

In addition, many artists segued out of performance careers during the pandemic, but there are so many ways to stay in the circus industry even if not on stage. I will ask my interviewees how someone making a career change or entering the circus industry for the first time can get education and experience as a circus designer.

Finally, a successful show requires excellent communication between members of a production team. This series will offer advice from top-notch professionals about best communication practices specific to their position as a designer to ensure a smooth rehearsal and performance process.

CT: Who will you invite as guests? 

MH: The series is kicking off with the outstanding costume designer Jenny Leigh Du Puis! Following that, the next articles will spotlight design professionals that have varied backgrounds, different entry points into the field, and experiences that are as eclectic as circus is today!

Part 1 of The Circus Designer series opens on Monday, April 3rd, and subsequent episodes will roll out throughout the year.  Stay tuned and sign up to Circus Talk PRO to gain career development content and advice, access to job listings, and priority placement in the talent search database.