Running away with the circus seemed almost predestined for Lauren Irving. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show guide (the term “ringmaster” is no longer used to describe the master of ceremonies at the circus) has brought her years of experience as an actress, singer, and host back home to Atlanta. During the performances she is accompanied by 75-plus performers from 18 different nationalities, but no animals. The circus no longer includes performances by animals.
As the current show guide for Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey, Irving stands as the second Black person to ever hold a lead position in the circus company’s 150-plus year history. Continuing the legacy of her predecessor, Jonathan Lee Iverson, Irving is appreciative of how much the world has progressed since 1871 when the circus company was originally founded.
“It really means so much to belong to this thread of history,” Irving said. “It’s just tremendous.”
A native of Georgia, Irving feels at ease performing in Atlanta. Her fond memories of studying at Suwanee High School and then Shorter College (now Shorter University), along with her abiding faith in God, have served as motivation for her to continue performing for the masses.
“I know that a lot of people have this in their heart, to want to do something like this, and it doesn’t come around,” Irving said. “And that’s why I’m not tired. I’m completely grateful for each and every day and each and every show we get to do.”
Irving’s household was constantly surrounded by the arts in every aspect. From church musicals to NPR, she would eventually pursue her passion for performance at Shorter. Her professional career would come into fruition after obtaining her first job in a college program with the Walt Disney Company.
Irving’s resume would continue to expand as she garnered experiences with Disney Channel Rocks, American Idol, Universal Studios, Universal Studios Japan, Norwegian Cruise Line, and eventually made it to Broadway theater. Despite her continuous success, it has not come without its costs.
“I want to be married, I want to have children one day,” Irving said. “But because I’m traveling and I’m constantly moving, I haven’t had a moment to just be in one place.”
In spite of any hardships that plague her mind outside of her work, Irving maintains her composure throughout all her performances. She makes it a point to place her service to the audience at the forefront in all that she does.
“If you’re having a sad day, your job is still to go and make others happy,” Irving said. “You have to leave that in the dressing room. I really don’t even want to bring it to the arena.”
To see Irving perform as the host “Aria” along with the rest of the company, you can catch their next series of performances from Feb. 21-23 at Gas South Arena in Duluth.
