The circus was born in the amphitheaters of Ancient Greece and Rome. After centuries of evolution in Europe, the circus made its American debut in April 1793. Railroad expansion and improvement in tent technology in the 1800s allowed the American circus to flourish. By the mid-1800s there were nearly 30 circuses touring the country. At a time when small towns couldn’t afford theaters, the circus provided an affordable source of entertainment and contributed to the growth of American culture.

Wisconsin played an undeniable role in the development of the American circus. The state began its storied history with the circus in 1884, when the Ringling Bros. established their winter quarters in Baraboo, WI. The original site, which is now home to a performance center and the world’s largest circus research facility, is the largest remaining collection of original circus structures in the United States. In the years following 1884 Wisconsin became the wintering quarters for countless other circuses. In addition, the world’s largest and longest-running clown school operates out of La Crosse, WI.

Despite the advent of television, video games, and the internet, the circus continues to excite the imaginations of people of all ages. The PBS series Circus will provide a modern-day glimpse into the inner-workings of this unique cultural phenomenon. “Big Top Wisconsin: A Circus Digital Storytelling Project” is inspired by Wisconsin’s distinct role in the development of the circus in the United States.

As the EngageWisconsin team produces this project, you can join us Behind-The-Scene through dispatches posted by our journalists. Click here to see an archive of BIG TOP WISCONSIN dispatches.

PARTICIPATE: Were you -or- do you know of someone who is/was a Wisconsin resident and in the circus? If your answer is yes, please contact Amelia Pisapia to learn more about how you can get involved in WPT’s digital storytelling project, chronicling Wisconsin’s unique circus history. Email: amelia.pisapia@engagewisconsin.org

ABOUT CIRCUS, A PBS DOCUMENTARY

Hit the road with CIRCUS, a new six-part series premiering this fall, and take an unforgettable trip with the legendary Big Apple Circus. From the big top to the “back lot” — where the real heart of the circus beats — explore a distinctive world with its own rules, lingo and no fixed address. Get involved with the diverse characters who make up the Big Apple family. Share their fears and frustrations, triumphs and failures and find out what it really means to live life in the ring.

© 2010 EngageWisconsin,
a Wisconsin Public Television community engagement project.