Click on a topic to see the answers to our most frequently asked questions...
How much and where does the circus travel?
How long is the circus season?
How long does the show stay in each city?
How many performances do you do per year?
How many people does it take to put on the circus?
How long does it take to setup the show?
Can you have a show in more than one city at the same time?
How is the production put together?
How much rehearsal is there before a performance?
How do you hire the artists and crew?
How do the shildren in the circus get their schooling?
What animals are a part of the Zerbini circus family?
How much and where does the circus travel?
Our main unit travels approximately 15,000-18,000 miles with performance stops in approximately 70 cities across the US and Canada yearly. Occasionally we also take special trips to more exotic places such as Bermuda or the Bahamas.
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How long is the circus season?
An average circus season runs from January to October. During that nine month period, the show only schedules about 26-30 working weeks. This leaves time for safe travel and scheduled rest.
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How long does the show stay in each city?
Depending on the city, our show may stay in town for 1 to 30 days or more.
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How many performances do you do per year?
Between 300-400 depending on the year
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How many people does it take to put on the circus?
Our core show (tent and one-ring building events) carries 20-25 performing artists, 10 concessonaires, 4-6 people on tent crew, 4 people on stage crew, box office personnel, 1 sound technician, 1 lighting technician, and a manager.
At our larger arenas (three-ring events) we suppliment our show, often adding an additional 20-25 performing artists, 20-30 more concessionaires, 2-3 additional stage crew and occasionally a live band.
Oh yea... there are always extra family members, children and household pets.
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How long does it take to setup the show?
Our tent setup takes 12-16 hours (tent, seats and performance area), one-ring buildings setup in 4-6 hours, and three-ring buildings setup in 8-12 hours.
FYI, teardown takes anywhere 2-8 hours depending on venue type.
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Can you have a show in more than one city at the same time?
Although we prefer to concentrate on producing the best possible main unit show, TZ Productions has enough equipment and personnel to produce shows in several cities at one time.
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How is the production put together?
Each year, producer Tarzan Zerbini and his key production staff view live performances and videos from all over the world to find the best artists available. Some artists deal directly and others are represented by agents.
After the artists are chosen the lineup is assembled. Careful consideration is given to the flow of the show, artistic impact, tempo and safety. Once the show order is set, our technical staff arranges the music, lighting effects and choreography.
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How much rehearsal is there before a performance?
Interestingly, there is little or no combined rehearsal in advance of the entire show. Yes, the opening, production numbers, and finale are rehearsed... but in general there is enough confidence in the quality of the initial planning and the experience of the production staff that there is little need to rehearse the individual acts.
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How do you hire the artists and crew?
The majority of the artists will either work through an agent, or submit their information directly to our management. Many foreign artists will find us through the internet and submit their documentation and videos through links to their websites.
Our technical staff and key crew members are often recruited from within the industry. Although experience is not mandatory for most general labor positions, lack of experience in a technical position can cause a dangerous situation.
Our general labor and comercial drivers often visit our online employment opportunities page. Interested applicants can simply contact us by phone or email to discuss available opportunities.
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How do the children in the circus get their schooling?
The children who travel with the circus have to go to school just like everyone else. The majority of the children are home schooled while on the road, and many go to public or private school when the are at home. Not only do these children learn an exceptionally good work ethic at a young age, many learn multiple languages do to the diversity of nationalities on the show.
Some of the accredited home school programs used are: Calvert School, American School and the American Christian Academy.
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What animals are a part of the Zerbini circus family?
Even though Tarzan Zerbini was one of the most famous and revolutionary lion and tiger trainers of the 20th century, the Zerbini's no longer have exotic felines of their own. At this time, they currently care for 6 asian elephants, 6 Arabian horses and 1 gypsy vanner (special European breed of draft horse). All other animal acts are sub-contracted.
We take great pride in the fact that we have a exceptional track record with the USDA and international CITES organizations. The Zerbini's have always been know for their exemplory animal care practices and inovative techniques.
More information can be found on our animal care page. If you don't find the answers to your questions their, you are always welcome to submit your questions by email.
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