Le Cirque

Traditionnel :
An Analysis
Groupe Uno (1)

Comparisons between Traditional

and Contemporary Circus
Similarities

Differences

Sideshows such as menageries, human

and animal curiosities and carnival games
Four elements of classical circus that are
Equestrian acts, clowns, acrobats and
jugglers are present in both
Drifters and dreamers with gaudy clothes,
aggressive hawkers and a standard route
of acts

Only common people used to partake in the

traditional circus entertainment whereas
contemporary circus appeals to the
sophisticated strata also
Use of animals is avoided due to possibility
of violation of animal rights acts
Famous personality performances
Distinctive themes and stages
Dances and gymnastic acts on songs

Scattered category
structure

Data suggests that the circus industry is highly segmented and localised.
In 1997, approx 90 travelling circuses existed in the US
27 of them operated only on seasonal basis
Most touring companies were regional, privately owned and employed very
few performers
Exceptions were few big names: The Ringling Brothers, Barnum and
Baileys Company, The Great London Circus, Sangers Royal British
Menagerie etc.

Identity of the Circus

Industry
The circus was started mainly as a source of entertainment, with the most
important target audience being children
To make the acts more appealing, bright and gaudy colors, exotic animals,
incredible performances, use of famous personalities became a common routine
It wasnt just a circus for the people, it was The Circus
It wasnt just a one day show, but was a 3-4 days festival in the town

Marketing Strategy of Traditional

Circus

Most appreciative audience were from small villages and towns

Making a show of its entrance to town, marching its performers menagerie
of elephants lions, camels and zebras from train station through the town to
performance site
Setting up tents was also a show for the people
Posting fliers and posters around the area

Revenue Model

Tickets sales and merchandize that accounted to around 20% of

overall revenue
Larger circuses with seats in tiered pricing structure based on
proximity and view
Smaller circuses recovered costs with tickets and made extra
revenues by sale of food and novelties
Discounts for families
Free kids schemes.

Competing with the rest

Roping in different personalities to be the main attraction

Changing acts from time to time
Using different animals
Using fine tuned touring schedule to reduce costs

Merci pour
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