COMPETITION: Ever considered joining the circus?

The circus isn’t all just about performing, as Donna Sousa of Aqua Circus Spectacular explains.

“The behind-the-scenes workers are also a vital part of the act.

Those who set up the stage and take it down need to know exactly which piece goes where.

So if you want to see the world, have talent for the stage and want to make friends from all countries, why not join the circus?

Some people escape their boring lives by literally “running” away to join, while others turn to it as a means of gainful employment.”

But not Mingo. Mingo was born to do one thing: be a clown.

With 33 years of experience Mingo, who currently performs at the circus currently in Centurion, is the fourth generation of clowns in his family.

“It started with my great-grandfather – four generations of clowns,” Mingo told Rekord.

Mingo is from Mexico and has used his profession to see the world – he has been to Germany, Italy, Turkey, China, Chile, Argentina and the US to name but a few.

“This is my second time in South Africa. The first time I was here for three weeks and now it has been five months. Places that stand out for me are Durban and Richard’s Bay.”

So what is a day in the life of Mingo the clown like?

When Mingo isn’t putting a smile on your face he spends his time sightseeing, going to the mall and even the gym. But he is happiest when he is on the stage, interacting with the audience and getting them to burst out with laughter.

“My job is comedy and attracting the audience. I interact with them, take them on stage and play games with them.”

But just because you are a circus clown doesn’t mean there isn’t time for family. Especially when your spouse is also one of the performers.

“My wife is a juggler and she and I are always performing together. I love being with my family.”

And Mingo’s advice for those considering joining the circus?

Practice, practice, practice.

“You have to have an act and you have to practise it. Everything you see here is very difficult and you need to train your body. It takes months of preparation.”

Aqua Circus recruit via its Facebook page – performers send a video of their act but just take a chance and ask for a job.

Some, like Mingo and his daughter, are born into it. Their family travels with the circus and they become performers like their parents before them. For them, the circus is life.

But if you don’t feel like joining the circus, why not just go and see the Aqua Circus Spectacular performers on the corner of John Vorster and Lenchen avenues, Centurion. The daily shows (two in the school holidays) until 15 July 2018.

We are giving away five double tickets.

Enter the keyword CIRCUS in the form below to enter.

Competition closes 1 July at midnight.