If you had asked me two weeks ago what I would be doing this morning around 9:45 am, having a little chat with the Ringmaster of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey circus would likely not have made the list. Gulping coffee? Yes. Checking email? Yes. Chatting with David Shipman, Ringmaster? Ummm…no.
As a blogger, I have had some really great experiences. And the opportunity to chat with David was fascinating! He is the 3rd youngest ringmaster in this circus’ history, and he absolutely adores his job. What’s not to love? He ran away with the circus!
Here’s part of David’s story: He has always been a performer at heart, even as a young child. One night around 2am, his mother woke him out of a deep sleep, inspired by her first performance that very evening of ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Like mothers do, she knew that young David would fall in love with this music. They kicked his dad out of the bedroom, and he and his mom listened to the Phantom recording over and over. By the next day, six year old David was performing the show for his parents and siblings. And away we go.
David attended a magnet school for performing arts in Pensacola, Florida, and had the opportunity to see the circus as a child, which always entranced him. After college, he began performing theater, and one day in Orlando, Florida, he happened to see a Facebook posting that said that a National Tour was looking for an MC/Host. Not only was he a week late to get an audition, but the posting didn’t even say it was for Ringling Brothers. He decided to contact them anyway – all they could do was say no. But they invited him for a personal audition in Lakeland, FL. He was advised to ‘freestyle dance’ at one point, and he figured that he had blown the audition when he busted out an MC Hammer move. He thinks he may have tried to Moonwalk, too. But apparently someone on the audition team was a Hammer fan, because David was offered a job with the Greatest Show on Earth!
Coupondipity: How does the circus travel these days?
David: Well, there are actually three circuses. Two still travel by train – that’s just the way it’s always been and won’t change. One travels by bus or plane so that we can bring the circus to those cities that don’t have train access.
Coupondipity: Where do you stay? A Gypsy Wagon?
David: (chuckling) No, no gypsy wagons. About half of the cast and crew stays in trailers, and the other half who travel with the circus stay in hotels.
Coupondipity: What would surprise people about the circus?
David: That the performers are absolutely amazing people. The are world travelers, brilliantly smart, coordinated, many of them knowing several languages, and they’re skilled in a plethora of different areas. They’re not the ‘carnies’ of old. These are unbelievably talented people.
Coupondipity: Have you had any embarrassing moments?
David: There was the time when I was center stage, and I was running to the curtain. I fell and my pants split wide open. There wasn’t even anybody to hide behind, it was only me.
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with this talented young man, and if you’re lucky enough to attend a performance of the show, you can see him in action!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey invites families to a super circus experience like no other at Ringling Bros. Presents Super Circus Heroes! All of the high flying fun and excitement is coming January 10-12, 2014 to the O’Connell Center at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.
Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000 and the O’Connell Center Box Office. If you don’t live in the Gainesville area, the circus will be all over the country – just visit their website here to find a location and event near you.
All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at the O’Connell Center Box Office. For group rates and information, call toll free 866-248-8740.
All Opening Night tickets are $15*. All other performances ticket prices are $15, $20, and $25, with a limited number of $30 Premium and $50 Premium Floor Seats. Student discounts are available with valid student college ID.
*Not valid on Premium or Premium Floor Seats.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Super Circus Heroes, showcasing wonders from the marvelous to the magnificent, every day is extraordinary in this action-packed super circus, filled with superhuman athleticism, power and pageantry that will have Children Of All Ages discovering their own superhuman strength. Amazing Asian elephants, horses, camels and more alongside astonishing acrobats, awe-inspiring aerialists and some over-the-top clowns that will have audiences in stitches… of laughter of course! Come join us in celebrating the bravery, courage and honor that lives inside all of us at Ringling Bros. Presents Super Circus Heroes: far from ordinary, beyond extraordinary!
Ringling Bros. offers real face-time with performers starting at the interactive All Access Pre-show, which takes place on the arena floor one hour before the show and is FREE TO ALL TICKET HOLDERS. One Ring. A Thousand Memorable Moments. Don’t miss this opportunity to get closer than ever to The Greatest Show On Earth!
For more information, visit www.Ringling.com or visit us on Facebook/Twitter.
And of course you know I have arranged a discount for you! You can get $4 off admission with promo code HERO (there are some exclusions – see below)*
*Discount good for Saturday 11am and 7pm performances only
*Not valid on Front row or premium seating
*Not valid day of show
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