
About the Event
In celebration of Black History Month, this session will feature Bernice Collins, the first African-American female clown with Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus!
After graduating from Clown College in 1977, Bernice performed as a clown for two years. Desiring to be a showgirl, she studied dance while clowning and was offered a showgirl position. In 1982, she asked Irvin Feld if she could be trained as a tiger presenter. He agreed and asked legendary animal trainer Charly Baumann to mentor her. Bernice went on to become both a tiger and a horse presenter and later a tour manager with Ringling. After leaving Ringling, Bernice became company manager for the Big Apple Circus and later the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. CHS vice president Chris Berry will host this session.
More information about the career of trailblazing African-American circus legend Bernice Collins is available on the Uncle Junior Project website.
How to Register
Circus History Live! is a free series open to CHS members and nonmembers. However, our Zoom Big Top has limited seats and registration is required. To register, click the YES button at the top of the email announcement, or the REGISTER button on the top left of the event webpage.
How to Attend the Event
To participate via Zoom at the time of the event, click here to enter the CHS Zoom Big Top and follow the prompts. Please ensure your microphone is muted and your video is off to help us preserve bandwidth.
To listen to the program on your phone, dial (646) 931-3860. Enter Meeting ID 814 4252 5118 . The passcode is: 525957.
About the Circus Historical Society
We are a tax exempt not for profit educational organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of circus. Nonmembers are invited to join CHS to receive full member benefits, including four issues of Bandwagon: The Journal of the Circus Historical Society, access to the members-only Back Yard and bookstore, discounted registration for our annual Convention, and more! Click here to learn more and join today!
Circus History Live! Recordings
Previous Circus History Live! programs are available for viewing on the CHS YouTube Channel.
Technical Assistance
For assistance, please click Technical Support.