Skip to main content

With elephants out, hear what's next for Ringling Bros.


play
Show Caption

Death-defying feats. Exotic animals. Zany clowns. For 145 years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has offered classic circus entertainment. But things are changing under the big top.

Elephants will be phased out. Shorter routines, designed for kids' waning attention spans, have been brought in. And a new generation is being groomed to take control at The Greatest Show on Earth.

Come behind the scenes with Paste BN to hear how Ringling hopes to maintain its relevance and to learn why a ringmaster, tightrope walker, human cannonball and clown all decided to run away with the circus.

WATCH: Afraid of clowns? This funny guy defends his profession

play
This clown doesn't think you should be afraid.
Ringing Bros. Boss Clown Taylor Albin says that clowns shouldn't seem frightening. (Perhaps he never read Stephen King's It.)
Matthew Colby

WATCH: "Someday is now:" A human cannonball gives tips on how to achieve your goals

play
Life advice from a daredevil
Ringling Bros. performer Gemma “The Jet” Kirby offers tips on how to get out of your comfort zone.
Matthew Colby

WATCH: A ringmaster gives advice on how to get an audience's attention

play
Hear a ringmaster's advice on how to get an audience's attention
Ringing Bros. ringmaster David Shipman gives advice on how to get over stage fright and capture an audience's attention.
Matthew Colby