We all know what a circus is, but can you answer these circus history and famous acts trivia questions? Some are amazingly simple!
15 Circus History and Famous Acts Trivia Questions
- Question: Who is considered the father of the modern circus, credited with founding the first circus in London in 1768?
- Question: Which famous American showman is known for creating “The Greatest Show on Earth”?
- Question: What is the name of the circus act that involves performing tricks on a tightrope or high wire?
- Question: Which circus performer was known as “The Human Cannonball”?
- Question: Which famous circus features acrobatic performances and was founded in Canada in 1984?
- Question: What is the name of the act where performers swing from one trapeze to another in mid-air?
- Question: Which famous circus clown is known for his sad face and was a star of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus?
- Question: What is the term for a performer who rides and performs tricks on horses in a circus?
- Question: Which circus was founded by James Anthony Bailey and James E. Cooper, later merging with P.T. Barnum’s circus?
- Question: What is the name of the act involving balancing and juggling objects, often performed by clowns and other circus artists?
- Question: Which famous American circus, founded in 1919, became one of the largest and most renowned circuses in the world?
- Question: What is the name of the circus act where performers execute jumps and flips on a trampoline?
- Question: Which circus performer was famous for her tightrope walking act and was known as “The Female Blondin”?
- Question: What is the name of the circus act where performers showcase their strength and acrobatic skills, often involving lifting and balancing?
- Question: Which famous act involves a performer walking on a high wire stretched between two points, often at great heights?
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15 Circus History and Famous Acts Trivia Questions and Answers
- Question: Who is considered the father of the modern circus, credited with founding the first circus in London in 1768?
Answer: Philip Astley is considered the father of the modern circus. - Question: Which famous American showman is known for creating “The Greatest Show on Earth”?
Answer: P.T. Barnum is known for creating “The Greatest Show on Earth.” - Question: What is the name of the circus act that involves performing tricks on a tightrope or high wire?
Answer: Tightrope walking or high wire act. - Question: Which circus performer was known as “The Human Cannonball”?
Answer: Many performers have taken this title, but one of the most famous was Emanuel Zacchini. - Question: Which famous circus features acrobatic performances and was founded in Canada in 1984?
Answer: Cirque du Soleil. - Question: What is the name of the act where performers swing from one trapeze to another in mid-air?
Answer: Trapeze act. - Question: Which famous circus clown is known for his sad face and was a star of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus?
Answer: Emmett Kelly, known for his character “Weary Willie.” - Question: What is the term for a performer who rides and performs tricks on horses in a circus?
Answer: Equestrian or trick rider. - Question: Which circus was founded by James Anthony Bailey and James E. Cooper, later merging with P.T. Barnum’s circus?
Answer: The Barnum & Bailey Circus. - Question: What is the name of the act involving balancing and juggling objects, often performed by clowns and other circus artists?
Answer: Juggling. - Question: Which famous American circus, founded in 1919, became one of the largest and most renowned circuses in the world?
Answer: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. - Question: What is the name of the circus act where performers execute jumps and flips on a trampoline?
Answer: Trampoline act. - Question: Which circus performer was famous for her tightrope walking act and was known as “The Female Blondin”?
Answer: Maria Spelterini. - Question: What is the name of the circus act where performers showcase their strength and acrobatic skills, often involving lifting and balancing?
Answer: Hand balancing or acrobalance. - Question: Which famous act involves a performer walking on a high wire stretched between two points, often at great heights?
Answer: The high wire or tightrope act, famously performed by Philippe Petit.

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