The countdown is on. We’re less than 5 months away from sharing the newly re-imagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey with audiences for the first time!

And as we inch closer to Opening Night of The Greatest Show On Earth, there’s a ton of activity happening behind the scenes, from costumes to set design to music to production. And before performers from around the world gather in Florida this July for the start of rehearsals, there is critical work being done to prepare performers and perfect performances. (Now say that 5 times fast.)

Enter, Creative Labs.

Over the last several weeks, Ringling’s production team has been trotting around the globe, from Vegas to Mongolia and everywhere in between, workshopping acts for the new show. Creative Lab locations also included Barcelona, Milan, Ethiopia, Toronto and Florida.

Tic Tac Trio workshop their Korean Teeterboard act in Barcelona

 

Casting and act creation is managed by Performance Director Giulio Scatola, an internationally-recognized entertainment specialist, who has worked on prominent stage and circus shows. Giulio said, “This is intimate work with the performers where we can really challenge their talent by doing something new and exciting.

 

“By the time we get to rehearsals, having some of these acts already created will enable the team to focus on more details, transitions and the ‘big picture’, and putting all the pieces of the show together.”

Aerialists Julio and Mattia workshop their Hand-to-Hand duo straps act in Barcelona

 

Performers leave workshops with arguably the coolest homework ever to polish what has been worked on and/or practice new tricks that have been chosen.

 

 

Troupe Ethio Selam workshopping their hoop diving act in Ethiopia

 

 

“There is always a possibility that the acts will be slightly modified once in rehearsals, having the full cast and apparatuses in place,” said Giulio. “Once the show opens the acts will still be rehearsed, and, if necessary workshopped even further.”

Argendance Act workshopping Bombos in Barcelona

 

 

“I can honestly say that every workshop had its own shining moment. Probably because the talent was diverse in every location, the settings were very different and matched the type of work.”

We can’t wait to show you what we have in store! Stay tuned here on ringling.com and follow us on social @ringling. Become a Ringling Insider and don’t miss a single update!