Taking UNC to the Circus

Brian C. Scott

UNC graduate Brian Crawford Scott is off to join "Fully Charged," the 141st edition of The Greatest Show on Earth by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Theatre in 2008.

What are your responsibilities, what (exactly) do you do?
As 36th Ringmaster, I sing, introduce the people and their events, and tell the audience what exactly they are looking at and what is happening. Basically, I am the narrator or announcer for the entire show.

What led you to audition for the circus?
I was living in Manhattan and a friend of mine contacted me about the audition and suggested that I try out. I did some research and realized that it was a great opportunity for me. The more I learned about it, the more interested I became. I auditioned in front of all the producers and the whole creative team and they were pleased with my performance. I signed a one-year contract in the hope of an extension down the road.

What was your family and friends reaction to – hey guys I'm off to join the circus?
I told my mom ahead of time that I was going to audition and she was proud, excited and impressed. When I called my dad to tell him I got the part, he was totally blown away. Overall, I received immediate love and support from my friends and family.

What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
Travelling around the country and working with incredibly talented people from all over the world. They have incredible skills and amazing routines. It is humbling and exciting to perform with them. Also, I live on a privately owned train with all the crew and animals, which is different from anything I have ever experienced before.

What is the most unexpected thing you encountered working in the circus?
It is a lot of work. There were a lot of long, but fruitful days. I also did not realize that there were generations and generations of circus people. It is a completely different environment than anything I am used to.

How did UNC help prepare you for the diversity your current role holds?
The most worthwhile thing UNC taught me was to be a professional and to respect my art and craft. At UNC, I learned to not only perform, but to be a professional actor. Thank you UNC!

Did you have a favorite show/play/ production when you were in here at UNC?
In the fall of my junior year, I had my first lead role in Falsettos. That was my first great opportunity thanks to John Leonard, now the Head of the Musical Theatre program. I learned a lot from him and had a great time being a part of that production.

What advice would you give current UNC students?
Always keep an open mind as to what you can learn and achieve. Always be in a position to learn so you can know a great opportunity when you see one.

What were you doing before you joined the circus?
I moved to Manhattan in October 2009.
I was a starving artist who worked on tiny projects in New York City for very little money. I held two jobs, one as a waiter and another as a personal assistant.

Do you have a favorite "scene" in your current role?
In the second act, I get to sit directly under Brian Miser's human cannonball. It is amazing. I get to watch him fly through the air directly above me.

Where from here? What are your plans after the circus?
I hope to continue working as a performer and succeeding in doing what I love. I hope to be a part of the circus as long as I can.

By Amanda Welder
Photos courtesy of Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey