Ringmaster: Entrances, Links and Exits

Groups rehearse the parts of a circus act that aren't tricks: the entrance, the ringmaster's announcement, the links between tricks and the final bow. Everyone takes a turn as ringmaster.

How to play

1. Entrance: each group practices walking into the ring with energy, taking their spots and greeting the audience together (5 min).
2. Ringmaster: taking turns, each student announces the act in 20 seconds with a clear voice and big gestures (6 min).
3. The group sets up three linked tricks with transitions: a look, a clap or a change of spot between each trick (8 min).
4. Full run-through with a new ringmaster on each pass (6 min).
5. Quick showings: two groups at a time watch each other (5 min).

Rules

• Everyone in the group is ringmaster at least once.
• Announcements never make fun of anyone.
• If a trick fails, carry on with the transition as if nothing happened.
• The audience claps for every entrance and every bow.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who struggle with public speaking: announce with a sign or with a partner beside them.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: transitions between tricks are always visual.
• Wheelchair users: design the entrance as a semicircle with the ringmaster beside them.

Learning goals

• Give structure to a circus act.
• Speak in public with confidence.
• Respect and support classmates on stage.

Equipment for a class of 25

• juggling scarves: 30
• juggling balls: 30

Teacher tip

Teach "failing with style": if something drops, pick it up with a gesture to the audience and keep going. Write three sample ringmaster lines on the board for anyone who freezes.

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