Starting points
- Circus artists and companies need to face present challenges and social expectations.
- Circus must get back and maintain its credibility.
- Quality discrepancies must be screened in order to distinguish between good, average and substandard circus companies.
- Circus stands for values and principles which must be clearly demonstrated by a transparent, operational and credible business approach. It is precisely such transparency that can enhance the credibility of circuses, together with a basis for a reliable policy and corporate image.
- The BTL-project is open for all type of circuses – therefore it could build a common platform for the divided circus industry.
Main and fundamental goals of the Big Top Label
- To recognize and accept differences between high quality- and poorer quality circuses
- To warrant that the circus concerned complies with all legal and social requirements, while providing the audience with a high-value artistic experience.
- To develop a strong partnership with the tourism sector and to set up effective promotion for the assessed and recognized circuses.
- To put circus quality assurance on an official European level.
- To build a common platform for all types of circuses and artists to cooperate, learn from each other and ensure the quality of their art.
Check-list
Prerequisites
- Registration at Chamber of Commerce or similar (e.g. tax number)
- Permanent address and/or winter quarters
- Free from known cases of breaking contracts, unpaid wages etc.
- License according to national laws (Germany §11, France Cert. de Capacité, etc.)
- Permanent winter quarter with adequate stables
If applicable:
Total prerequisites (any “no” = no quality evaluation)
Quality of the Framework
-
Exterior impression (vehicles, box office, entrance, fences etc)
Point deductions: Difficult accessibility / lack of parking opportunities Inconsistent appearance Deteriorated condition
Extra points: Use of traditional circus elements and exteriors Unified appearance Clear and easily readable information boards Cleanliness
-
Condition and comfort of seating (individual chairs, benches etc.)
Point deductions: Lack of individual seating – benches instead Selling seats at full price that do not provide a proper view of the arena Poor quality and cleanliness of seating Inadequate seating arrangements for disabled spectators
Extra points: Individual seating Proper price/value ratio between seats sold at different prices
-
Availability and condition of sanitary facilities for audience/personal
Point deductions: No properly separated and equipped sanitary facilities for workers and performers Inadequate equipment and cleanliness Insufficient number of facilities (in proportion to capacity and audience size) Lack of facilities accessible for disabled persons
Extra points: Restrooms equipped with additional features Substantially separated male and female restrooms Baby-changing/nursing facilities when necessary Disabled-accessible restrooms usable without assistance
-
Outfit, attitude and friendliness of box office, ushers and riggers
Point deductions: Inappropriate attitude, unfriendly behavior from staff Inconsistent or worn-out uniforms
Extra points: Proactively communicating staff, possibly in multiple languages Uniform appearance aligned with brand identity
-
Value for money (vs. average price per ticket, adults and children)
Point deductions: Significant discrepancy between the quality of the show and ticket prices Excessive differences in the quality of seats sold at different prices Base ticket prices excessively high compared to the average income of the country or region Lack of group discounts, age-related discounts, or discounts for those in need
Extra points: Diverse discounts, pre-purchase opportunities Affordability of tickets for premium seating
-
Advertising, information & public relations (incl. online ticketing etc.)
Point deductions: Lack of online ticket purchasing options No card payment option at the box office, souvenir shop, or buffet Lack of a multilingual website (at least basic information in English) Complete absence of an open doors policy
Extra points: Informative and trend-following social media presence Own Wi-Fi service / login option Multilingual (and affordable) booklet Open doors policy
-
Condition of transportation vehicles, stables and paddocks
Point deductions: Restricted access to vehicles/inspection during evaluation Poor quality and improperly sized equipment
Extra points: Open doors policy extending to animal care conditions
If applicable:
Quality of the Show
-
Overall impression of the show (appreciation by the audience)
Point deductions: Significant differences in the quality and/or presentation of individual acts Clearly critical audience reactions (e.g., people leaving before the end)
Extra points: Dramaturgical unity Conveyance and articulation of a social message Value-preserving use of traditional circus elements
-
Acrobatic acts (e.g. festival winners, special tricks etc.)
Point deductions: Above-average number of mistakes during acrobatic acts Complete absence of special/unique acts
Extra points: Inclusion of festival-winning acts Unique, special acrobatic performances Flawless execution
-
Clowning and/or comedy
Point deductions: Absence of clown/comedy acts Negative audience reactions (e.g., overly aggressive involvement of audience members) Poor dramaturgical placement of clown acts within the show
Extra points: Successful inclusion of traditional clown elements Diversity, novelty, and active but non-aggressive audience involvement
-
Set design, design of costumes and props
Point deductions: Worn-out or dirty costumes Noticeable differences in the quality of props used for individual acts
Extra points: Visibly well-thought-out and cohesive design In-house tailoring workshop and services
-
Light and sound system and effects
Point deductions: Disruptive lighting that negatively impacts the quality and enjoyment of the show
Extra points: Use of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient equipment Use of special lighting effects
(1– very poor; 2 – poor; 3 – acceptable; 4 – appropriate; 5 – exemplary)