Thomas Wheaton Talks Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey!
With the announcement of The Greatest Show on Earth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, closing its doors in May 2017, we thought it would be a good time to celebrate the immense amount of enjoyment it has brought the world! In the next couple of weeks, we will be interviewing performers who have worked for the Ringling Bros Circus. They will reflect on the good it has brought them and what the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has contributed to the future of Circus Arts!
Long live the circus!
This week I talk to Thomas Wheaton. Thomas is an amazing performer that we use often here at FoF & Odd-o-Ts'. He is an awesome asset as his charisma & talents are always a winner with our clients (yet another thing to thank RBBB for)! His tagline is so perfect it makes me think about stealing it: Thomas Wheaton is SMALL, BUT MIGHTY (FUNNY). Oh....and his balloon act is super funny (click the link...you shouldn't miss this).
Q: What is your name?
A: Thomas Wheaton
Q: When were you with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus?
A: Graduate of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, 1995
Q: What did you do with Ringling?
A: CLOWN
Q: What are you doing now?
A: I still do PR for Ringling. I did my last PR on the day of the announcement. I am a
professional clown and performer.
Q: What was your most memorable moment with Ringling?
A: My first day. It was the day that my childhood dreams came true. I told my parents when I
was 11 that one day I would be a clown in R.B.B.B. Circus.
Q: Is there anything special that you carry on with you from Ringling? Maybe, something you will never forget?
A: The people and the relationships. I met my life long best friends that are down the street
and around the world. It is also where I met my husband of 19 years and counting. I really do
owe Ringling so much appreciation because it set me on this path of such a blessed life!
Q: Is there anything else you would like to say about Ringling?
A: It’s a shame that so many people are losing jobs that they loved and invested their whole
lives to it and that there will be so many people that won’t be able to accomplish their
childhood dreams.
Q: Finally, when you watch the show, what is your favorite part?
A: The memories, things that I had forgotten about come rushing back. Plus, looking at the
audience and knowing a whole new generation was finding a love of circus.
Thank you very much, Thomas! I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with me. Long live R.B.B.B.!
Is there something you want former performers from Ringling Bros. to answer?! Leave a comment below!
Get your tickets for the remaining Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey shows here!
