Circus Arts / Master of Ceremonies BA
The role of the Master of Ceremonies in the world of circus arts
The Master of Ceremonies (emcee/MC), or circus presenter, plays a prominent and irreplaceable role in the world of circus arts. As the heart and soul of the production, they connect the individual acts, set the mood, and establish a direct connection with the audience.
Main responsibilities and roles
- A bridge between the audience and the performers
The MC’s role is to transform the separate elements of the performance into a seamless, cohesive show. They introduce the acts, present the performers, and, with their unique style, create an emotional bridge that connects the audience to the circus artists.
- Creating atmosphere and entertainment
The circus presenter sets the tone for the circus performance. Whether through humor, elegance, or dramatic delivery, they prepare the audience for the upcoming act, ensuring every moment provides a memorable experience.
- Providing information
Beyond entertainment, the circus emcee also informs. They share insights into the performers’ backgrounds, highlight the uniqueness of the acts, and may even reveal behind-the-scenes secrets, allowing the audience to feel more connected to the artistic creation.
- Handling unexpected situations
During circus performances, unexpected situations such as technical difficulties or delays can arise. The emcee remains on stage during these moments, using their improvisational skills to maintain the audience’s attention and preserve the flow of the show.
Personality and skills
A successful master of ceremony is charismatic, possesses excellent communication skills, and commands a strong stage presence. Depending on their style, they can be elegant, humorous, or even surprising, but they always align with the overall mood of the show and the spirit of the circus.
Historical Significance
The role of the MC dates back to the origins of traditional circuses, where they served as hosts, judges, and entertainers all in one. Over time, their role evolved, but the essence remains unchanged: they bring life and harmony to the circus performance.
In the world of circus arts, the emcee is like a conductor leading an orchestra—they ensure that every element of the performance works in harmony, leaving the audience with an unforgettable experience.
Forms of appearance in circus tradition
Circus Presenter
The circus presenter introduces the acts to the audience, typically in a witty manner, but does not participate in the performances themselves.
Ringmaster/Ringmistress
While this title now also refers to the leader of the backstage technical crew, the ringmaster often appears as a circus character. In many circuses, the owner themselves is still the ringmaster, who also serves as the presenter and stage manager. It is common for the ringmaster to perform, often presenting animal acts, illusions, or partnering with clowns in their routines.
The ringmaster’s traditional attire includes a braided coat and boots, reflecting equestrian traditions. In theatrical-style productions, it is often seen that the presenter performs in the costume of the ringmaster.
Monsieur Loyal
The French version of the ringmaster is known as Monsieur Loyal. This role was named after Anselme-Pierre Loyal (1753–1826), though the character was shaped by various performers. Tristan Rémy’s book Entrées clownesques describes many clown sketches featuring Georges Loyal performing alongside Clown and Auguste characters.
Master of Ceremonies
The master of ceremonies is the official host of events and shows. At circus festivals, they take on the dual role of the circus presenter and the face of the event, often serving as a prominent and representative figure. This role is frequently filled by a notable invited guest.
Central Character
In narrative-driven circus performances, a central character provides the connection between the acts. Their story or journey guides the audience through the show. By nature, this role employs creative solutions that diverge from the traditional MC format, adding unique elements to the storytelling.
Blended Teaching Group
For those students of the Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College who participate in full-time education and who during their study period, as can be verified by contract, carry out artistic work or training activities in internationally recognized professional performing arts venues recognized by the College, with the rector’s permission, they have the option of an individual study schedule to continue in the form of “BLENDED TRAINING”.
News / scholarship opportunities
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Tuition Scholarships
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Curriculum
Training areas of the course
The master of ceremonies is a circus artist and leader of circus and performing arts productions, who, based on the dramaturgical impact elements of the performance, is capable of using both scripted and improvised performance tools (including speech, singing, movement, and dance) to connect and present various thematic circus productions within a unified dramaturgical structure. They fulfill ringmaster duties, creatively—if needed, with educational or pedagogical aims—and interactively engage the audience, transforming them into active participants in the performance. Additionally, they contribute effectively to the advertising, marketing, and publication activities of circus and performing arts.
1. They possess the necessary performing arts and theatrical knowledge and tools required for their role.
- Speech technique
- Singing and voice training
- Practice in poetry and prose recitation
- Acting practice
- Stage movement and dance practice
- Dramaturgical, text analysis, and creative composition knowledge
- Integrated, experience-focused circus arts (theory and practice)
- Professional internship
2. They have a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental facts, history, trends, and boundaries of circus arts.
- Circus theory
- Circus history
- Costume and fashion history
3. They are familiar with the fundamental characteristics of physical and mental conditions, coordination, isolation, and spatial, temporal, and dynamic orientation.
- Acrobatics training theory
- Stage movement practice
- The art of mime
- Contact movement practice
4. They are thoroughly familiar with the main genres of circus arts and have a basic understanding of the sub-genres.
- Circus theory
- Circus history
- Circus artist lifestyle
5. They have basic practical knowledge of all genres.
- Basic acrobatics knowledge:
- Acrobatics practice
- Aerial skills practice
- Agility practice
- Juggling practice
- Clowning practice
6. They possess the necessary safety, accident prevention, and life protection knowledge required for practicing circus arts.
- Circus and performing arts safety management and techniques
7. They are familiar with the material and equipment systems of circus arts and their safe use.
- Circus and performing arts safety management and techniques
- Knowledge of the circus artist lifestyle
- Circus technology
8. They possess general and related artistic and cultural knowledge, along with a critical perspective.
- Aesthetics, Dramaturgy
- Theory and practice of drama
- Theory and practice of dance
- Theory and practice of music
- Theory, history, and design of costumes and fashion history
9. They are familiar with the possibilities and requirements of career development in the field of circus arts.
- Circus and performing arts business and marketing
- Knowledge of the circus artist lifestyle
10. They are familiar with the functioning and practice of online and offline communication.
- Circus arts business and marketing
11. They have knowledge in creative writing, preparing and delivering presentations.
- Basic knowledge of text creation
- Presentation skills
- Thesis
- Research paper and presentation for the National Artistic Students’ Associations Conference (OTDK)
12. They possess knowledge related to acquiring knowledge and methods for developing and renewing learning strategies.
- Learning methodology
- Basic knowledge of pedagogy and educational psychology
- History, theory, research, and publication of performing arts
