LEAVING THE RING Promo Video

Tentative Performance Dates

November 4, 2010 @ 7:00 PM
November 6, 2010 @ 5:00 and 7:00 PM

Stay tuned for more on the LEAVING THE RING revival!

Quote of the Week

“Nothing can replace the instant gratification of being a clown.”

- David Kiser (Talent Manager for Ringling Brothers Circus)

Orlando Sentinel - Ringmaster Audition

Ringling looking for big talent in ringmaster tryouts in Orlando

Orlando tryouts draw 10 candidates to lead
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's circus

By: Jon Busdeker

With arms open wide and a grin like a big top across his face, Peter Strecansky gave it his all.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of all ages!" he bellowed. "Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth!"

Across the mirrored dance studio, the judges watched Strecansky, took a few notes and thanked the 26-year-old for his audition.

On Tuesday morning, Strecansky and nine others displayed their showmanship for a field of producers and talent directors in hopes of becoming the next ringmaster for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus.

The circus held auditions at the Spotlight Dance Studio off Sand Lake Road in Orlando in their search to find a man to lead the 141st edition of the "Greatest Show on Earth."

"This has been a lifelong dream of mine," said Strecansky, who flew in from New York to audition. Another applicant came from Oklahoma.

Before the tryout, the 10 candidates sat outside the dance studio talking about life as a ringmaster, which entails two years of traveling the world with the circus.

"It's just something that's been a secret passion," Matthew Belopavlovich of Lakeland said.

David Kiser, the show's director of talent, greeted the group, explained the audition process and encouraged the candidates to do their best.

"You're going to be in a small room," Kiser said. "But think big."

Kiser said the perfect ringmaster is someone who can reach the "extreme back row of the fourth tier of the Boston Garden" and make the show come to life.

The other qualifications: male, taller than 5-foot-10 and able to sing, act and command the attention of 40,000 people.

"We're looking for somebody who embodies the role of ringmaster," Kiser said. "It's the most important role of the Greatest Show on Earth."

In the show's 141-year history, Kiser said there have been only 35 ringmasters. The job also entails acting as the circus' promotional spokesman in media interviews.

Every few years, the show's production company, Feld Entertainment, tries to create a completely different edition of the circus and, in doing so, must find a new ringmaster. Kiser said he had hoped for more applicants in Orlando. He attributed the small turnout to the early-morning time and the number of local entertainers who are under contract.

Set up like American Idol, the candidates, who mostly came from performing-arts backgrounds, first had to sing. One sang "Be Our Guest." Another belted out "Luck Be a Lady." The candidates were then asked to recite circus announcements, including one with a lot of tongue-twisting alliterations.

More than one candidate tripped up on "a comical cavalcade of canine chaos."

After Shavar Horton's audition, the 27-year-old from Kissimmee had a chance to try on the full-length, deep-red ringmaster's jacket.

"Ooh, that fits," said Horton, a character performer at Walt Disney World.

The producers said they will continue their search in New York City and Las Vegas before choosing the next ringmaster. The winner will begin rehearsals in November and be ready to appear in Orlando when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus opens at the new Amway Center in January.

Is LEAVING THE RING returning to the stage?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls...LEAVING THE RING may be returning to the stage soon! I am going to view a performance venue called The Box in Tampa, Florida today. Make sure to check back often for more updates.

Clown Website

Visit www.Scott-T-Clown.com