Unveiling the Vibrant World of Morgan James and Ricochet Circus: A Candid Look Behind the Curtain

Question 4. Where do you get inspiration for new shows? How do you come up with these ideas?

I get inspired by everything in the world around me, I can’t switch it off! For instance, I listen to music, then that song will get me thinking about an act I could to it. I’m also really privileged to work in an industry where brainstorming is encouraged; I’m constantly sharing ideas with other performers, who are always up to listen to my latest crazy business idea or new act.

Question 6. Why do you do what you do?

Because I absolutely love it!

I grew up in a small town, and I had a big dream- to travel the world and make everyone just a little happier.

I have this huge circus family now, and I know that I can travel anywhere in the world and there will always be people who accept me. I don’t think I could ever do anything else; this is the life for me.

Question 7. What's a performer's life like? What keeps you going?

You know how they say “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life”?

It’s not true, I work every single day, and there are no days off.

But I love it so much, it’s worth it. I love being able to create my opportunities; I grew up with a dream to perform in a big top here in Perth, and I’ve just recently gotten my big top. It's been incredible making my actual dreams come true.

Question 8. Describe the creative space where you come up with these shows?

I live in an old townhouse, with a converted shopfront downstairs.

You get into the shop by ducking your head through a little passageway, filled with circus posters!

It’s really separate from the rest of the house, which has been great in terms of keeping a work/life balance.

Question 9. Take us through a typical day... what's it like being Morgan James and running Ricochet Circus?

Well, being a circus performer is fun, but running a circus company is very much like running any other business.

I wake up and usually take my coffee straight to my office and check my emails. I generally do a few hours of admin in the morning, unless I have a gig on during the day. I do any prep needed for gigs, like re-stringing diabolos, packing circus equipment and preparing my costume.

In the afternoons I try and get some training in, usually at the warehouse. I also love going to watch shows; I think it’s really important to watch other forms of entertainment for inspiration, so a few times a week we are out watching a play, or an opera, or a comedian.

Question 10. How do you stay disciplined in your craft?

One of the most important things for me is keeping connected with my circus family all over the world. Talking to them, sharing ideas, being inspired.

There are several juggling conventions in Australia, and whenever I go, I always get so much better. When it’s a concentrated group of highly talented people, I’m so driven to improve; they keep me disciplined.

I also really value keeping in shape, as my job is so physically demanding. On a normal show day, I will easily do 10,000 steps in a single show.