Cirque Italia - an interview with the ringmaster

Our teen blogger David is back with another interview of someone with a really different and interesting profession! Cirque Italia is coming to Ottawa June 27 to July 7 and David got to interview ringmaster Alex Acero.

From June 27 to July 7, Cirque Italia will be having a circus in Ottawa. I interviewed ringmaster Alex Acero to get an idea of what goes on behind the scenes and what the circus will look like.

How did you become a clown and get into this circus?

Well, I’m a 4th generation performer. My whole family is in the circus, so it’s what I grew up with.

I chose to be a clown specifically because it’s one of the best ways to entertain people and make them laugh. I was initially working at a different company, but then the owner of Cirque Italia hired me, and I’ve been here for 8 years.

Cirque Italia will be having its water circus show in Ottawa from June 27 to July 7.

What is a water circus, and what will the show look like?

It’s definitely a very technically advanced show. We have a stage that costs half a million dollars, and there’s only one of them in Canada. It is 35 feet high and is operated by 27 computers, which coordinate the water behind and around the stage to create different designs that really enhance the show.

What is your role on this tour, what sorts of stuff will you be performing?

My central role is ringmaster, but that entails a wide skill set. I am a clown, host, and stunt performer. I will be moving on and off stage throughout the show, and at one point I will perform a trick involving a diving board and trampoline. It takes hours of preparation, and I believe that will be clear from the quality of our show.

What is your favourite part about being a member of the circus?

Everything about the job is amazing, but I particularly love traveling. I have already been all over the United States, and I’m about to see all regions of Canada. It’s definitely a perk that doesn’t come with many careers.

Aside from the Water Circus, what else does Cirque Italia have to offer?

We also offer Paranormal Cirque, which is geared towards an older 17+ audience and has elements of cabaret and horror all in one great show.

Water Circus Gold will be in Ottawa from June 27 to July 7 at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre. Tickets cost between $35 to $80 depending on seat placement. For more information about Water Circus Gold, click here, and for tickets, click here.

David is a fifteen-year-old aspiring adventure and travel writer living in Ottawa.  Skydiving is on his bucket list.