showmen
Masters of spectacle
Showmen is the plural of showman—a person who produces or presents entertainment, especially with theatrical flair.
The term covers circus operators, carnival owners, and theatrical producers, but extends to anyone with a gift for dramatic presentation: P.T. Barnum and Buffalo Bill were legendary showmen.
Politicians and salespeople are often called showmen when they favor spectacle over substance.
Agile circus performer
- jugglerMulti-object thrower-catcher
- magicianPerformer of illusions
- illusionistPerformer of visual deception
- clownComedic performer in makeup
trapeze artist · aerialist · contortionist · fire-eater · sword-swallower · stilt-walker · ventriloquist · mime
acrobat
Agile circus performer
- jugglerMulti-object thrower-catcher
- magicianPerformer of illusions
- illusionistPerformer of visual deception
clown · trapeze artist · aerialist · contortionist · fire-eater · sword-swallower · stilt-walker · ventriloquist · mime · tumbler
ringmaster
Circus performance director
- circusTraveling entertainment with performers
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
pageantry · grandeur · pomp · flamboyance · ballyhoo · fanfare · glitz · marquee · tent · big top
burlesque
Exaggerated mockery or risqué variety
monologue · shtick · comedian · vaudevillian · troupe · repertoire · farce · improv · pantomime · hoofer
showmenstagehands
Backstage technical workers
technicians · roadies · lighting technicians · sound engineers · set builders
showmenwallflowers
Timid party attendees
shrinking violets · introverts · minimalists · recluses · homebodies
- The Greatest ShowmanBiographical circus musical film
- greatest showman