(no subject)

[taz_39]

Well. That was unexpected.

I've described how the news was broken to us HERE. Please read it, I'm not in the mood to type it out again here :P


And you can read what the media has to say about it HERE. And HERE and HERE and HERE and all over really.

We all knew that something was going to happen, and that it wasn't going to be good. The main theories had to do with downsizing or being sold off to another company. Turns out it was even worse than that.

(Let's see now if I'm asked to take this photo down. Place your bets!)

The day after (today, Sunday) we had two shows. As I type this we've done one, and it was extremely difficult. I don't know how people are running out onto the floor and performing with big smiles on their faces. It's gotta hurt.

It also hurts that now, of all times, there's this giant audience. Clapping and screaming and cheering. At the moment it feels like being surrounded by a bunch of vultures, or rubberneckers trying to catch a glimpse of the dead bodies in the road. And I'm sure this level of "enthusiasm" will continue to follow us as we die out. People are gross.

Anyway, I didn't want to be dark about this, but it's been less than 24 hours and like most people here I did not get much sleep last night. I'm feeling bitter about a lot of things. I'm worried for my future. I'm sad for all of us. I'm angry at how the news was delivered, how things turned out, all of it.

That said, I can't deny that it's been a privelege to work here. I am so glad that I've kept this blog, and documented every week as thoroughly as possible. It will be a great set of memories to look back on. Not many people can say they lived on a train, danced with clowns, walked with elephants. It was wonderful, and unfortunately, those who come after me will not have the opportunity to experience it. So I will treasure it, knowing that I am one of the last to do so. Wherever I go from here, I will carry five years of circus magic with me. And I can't thank Feld enough for that.

At the moment I feel like there's not a whole lot to say. There were warning signs that something like this might happen, but again, I don't think most suspected a plan to totally do away with Ringling Bros. The band had just started negotiations with Feld and were waiting for our next meeting date to discuss a new contract. Heck, we just hired a new female Ringmaster (who I hope will be compensated for the trouble of quitting all of her jobs for this gig). But despite all the warning signs, I think we were all convinced that none of it meant "The End". After 146 years, really?

But yeah, as any musician will tell you, all gigs must come to an end.

So I suppose next week we are to sit down with people from HR and other departments to figure out any kind of severance, incentive to stay through May, etc. I imagine that most troupes will stay through the end...it's probably beneficial to do that. But the band doesn't have an active contract, so I don't know what we should expect.

Each of us has a lot to do. I have to find a place to live, look for jobs, retrieve my car...all kinds of things. Jameson is busy doing the same, but being the incredible thoughtful boyfriend that he is, he is including me in his job searches and in his plans. What a great guy <3

I will continue writing my blog up until the last day, and I'll maintain it after leaving the circus. I'll do my best to show what it's really like around here. Oh, and now that there's no incentive for me to keep quiet about certain things, here goes:

The Truth About Ringling's Circus Animals and The People Who Train Them:

THE ANIMALS ARE NOT ABUSED. RINGLING'S ANIMAL SPECIALISTS ARE PROFESSIONAL, SKILLED, GOOD HUMAN BEINGS.

Oh, sorry! Were you expecting some scandalous revelation?

My opinion on this will not change despite the fact that I've lost my job. In five years here I have never seen any animal abuse, and no amount of PETA propaganda will convince me otherwise. Just sayin'.

Now we have a show to do, and then another on Monday. Then the job hunt begins.
Tomorrow I'm going to share the post I'd originally written to go up today, before I knew we were all getting canned.
Please enjoy as over the next few weeks I document the final days of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

See you down the road.

Comments

[jugglingjuann.livejournal.com]

Hey Megan, I'm honestly just as upset as you are. When the show comes to Atlanta Im coming to all 3 shows for that day. I was hoping I could one day be able to work for the company I loved so much. I support and stand behind you and the rest of the GSOE 100%.And I know that violence isn't the answer to any question but if one of those vultures they call activists disrespects RBBB in my presence I have to knock all of thier teeth out. In advance though thank you for putting your all into those shows,you're well appreciated

[donnad.livejournal.com]

I am heartbroken, even tearful over this, for you and all the other wonderful performers. I am so glad we got to see the show last year, and when tickets become available locally to me (this Tuesday) I plan to do my darndest to get some. One more time before the show ends.

I wish you the best of luck at finding future employment. And I do hope you will continue to blog even after the show is over.

[suzzlucy.livejournal.com]

I've followed your journal for a while and have really enjoyed it. As soon as I heard the news  i checked your journal. My heart went out to you and all of your coworkers immediately.
I've enjoyed the circus my whole life, and your journal brought a whole new joy to that seeing the behind the scenes workings. I loved seeing someone who had true passion and joy with their profession!
I hope the next few weeks and months are an easy transition for you. Best wishes to you and the rest of the crew! I will never forget all the wonderful moments the circus bright to my life. Thank you so much.

Well. That was unexpected.

[staffordmotion.livejournal.com]

Dear Megan, I am so very sorry for you, Jameson and all the members of the circus. You have all devoted your lives to this historic venue and will be very interested to see how Feld treats you all. Basically most of what I know about circuses is what I have learned from your outstanding stories here. I do know a little about the music business and it covers so many broad genres and venues. I really hope you can find another gig that is personally rewarding for you and Jameson. Just now I am hearing the official reports on Fox news as I type and again I am so very sorry to see this great and historic institution come to an end. I will share one link with you which I am sure you already know: https://www.feldentertainment.com/PerformerAuditions/ . I was checking your profile at LinkIn and see you have an excellent resume and feel sure you can find another successful endeavor. You are a member there of some wonderful groups that I am too and they offer some great info. Perhaps later I will send you some excellent music links after you have fully digested this situation.
Anyway, always wishing you and Jameson the very best and am confident you will have a successful and rewarding life. Have fun. be well,
Howard

[silvergirl0007.livejournal.com]

I'm so SO sorry that this is happening. I've loved reading your blog about your experiences and I'm sorry that propaganda has forced this course of action. I hope that you and Jameson are able to work everything out to make the transition as easy as possible.

[oneandonlytara.livejournal.com]

I thought of you immediately when I heard the news last night. Thinking of you Megan! <3

[(Anonymous)]

I'm so sorry for what your and your peers are going through. Thank your for documenting it beautifully and thoughtfully in your blog. As a fan, I feel like I'm losing a part of my childhood that I thought I could carry with me forever and continue sharing with others. I never imagined it ending. I've been attending RBBB for most of my life. I wish you and Jameson the best, and I will continue looking forward to your blog. I hope to see you in New Hampshire this spring one more time.

[(Anonymous)]

Devastating. I'm sorry Meagan. I began following your blog around the time last year when the elephants left and have been hooked. Being a lifelong circus fan I was naturally drawn to it but you have an interesting perspective from the band , all the insight of the train, and also as a Union Steward. Being out here in Los Angeles --- an area in my childhood that RBBB was so popular it would play for a month--- to now--- hearing how paid off councilman KORETZ ( he was actually busted for pay offs in the la times last minth) and the PETA folk are claiming victory--- it's an awful feeling. Especially since I'm surrounded.

I will follow your blog to the end.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

Alex Smith
The Circus Report

Circus

[(Anonymous)]

I was very sorry to hear about this. I took my kids to the circus two years ago in Auburn Hills and we had a great time. Afterwards, I was googling circus life and found your blog through Quora. It took awhile but I went back and read from day 1. I've really enjoyed it. You've had a great adventure and I hope you have many more!

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

I thought of you instantly when the news hit my Facebook feed and because I know you and of the life you've shared, I've been able to reassure people of just what you've stated here. I am so sorry and did not realize that people at the company were unaware of it.

It's been a real pleasure to read your blog and I hope you'll still update. I think it's also completely fair to say that people are acting sick and like vultures - I struggle constantly with humanities pratfalls. However, I also agree that you've been leading a magical and unique life.

Cirque du Soleil managed to kill someone, but I didn't see any outrage. Their style doesn't do it for me really, watching humans doing arty acrobatics in a sensual fashion over-and-over; it's not the same as what Barnum does -- the variety, the pomp, the band, and of course those animals. I saw my first lions and tigers that way. I was disappointed that the female version of Ghostbusters, that I happened to watch last night, literally starts with a crack at you guys (about "enslaving elephants") in the first few minutes. What the fuck?

However, if you can get a job with Cirque, of course I'd be happy for you (not sure if they employ live musicians at any of their shows). I miss being able to watch Sesame Street because my family cannot afford cable and rarely ever could. But again, I wish you & everyone luck with that if it's a possibility. Interesting.

[somgirl.livejournal.com]

This is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry to hear this. Both for you personally and your loss but also for how sad it is that such a tradition is ending. It's a sad day all around.

[(Anonymous)]

You and Jameson thinking of each other for job searches warms my heart. Y'all were my fave couple on tour. Always. Love you both bunches and will see you in February when you come to NC. <3
-Maddie Poole

Thank You for the Music

[(Anonymous)]

I've always loved the circus especially the band. Please pass along my gratitude to your fellow musicians, cast and crew. Sorry it's ending.

Barrett

Thank you for the music

[(Anonymous)]

A link to a rail fan website listing the 2015 Red train is below. Your house number is included. Also, about two-thirds of the way down this page are photos of band members taken during your Anaheim visit.
The photo taken on the March 2015 trip to Huntsville is of a coaling tower. Also known as coaling stations these structures were used to replenish a steam locomotive's coal supply.
Finally, thank you for referring to rail fans as trainspotters. A lot of people, ourselves included, simply refer to us as "foamers" - after Pavlov's dogs.

Jim

http://www.trainweb.org/carl/Circus2015/

PETA AND HUMANE SOCIETY

[staffordmotion.livejournal.com]

Here is an email I just sent:

Humane Society of the United States <humanesociety@hsus.org>

To
HOWARD STAFFORD

Today at 10:23 AM
Hi HOWARD, you've likely heard the extraordinary news about Ringling Bros. and its decision to shut down the circus in May. Read more on our blog»

Ringling Bros. brings the curtain down

Photos by Meredith Lee/The HSUS

© 2017 The Humane Society of the United States | All rights reserved
1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450 | Washington, DC 20037
donorcare@humanesociety.org | 202-452-1100

This message was sent to staffordmotion@yahoo.com.


staffordmotion@yahoo.com

To
Humane Society of the United States

Today at 10:52 PM

I have followed you and supported you for a lifetime and am so shocked that you would actually be happy about this. I personally know a lot about animals and also have a friend who has been with RBBB for five years where is no poor treatment of all their animals. You have allowed yourselves to fall for the lying propaganda from those assholes at PETA who at the top are only interested in making money and lying about animal welfare. Sadly, if this is the leftist, extremist route you are going to take I can no longer support you. Fortunately there are many wonderful groups who really support wildlife and I will continue to support them.

Howard Alexander Stafford

Stafford Farms

941 NW 110TH CT

OCALA, FLORIDA 34482-6838

So sad...More trained musicians loosing out.

[(Anonymous)]

Megan, so sorry to hear about this. Another case of good musicians (as well as others)loosing out on a great gig. Stick with it the best you can. Don't forget the folks that will attend and be your audience...the real reason you became an entertainer. You can do it. Good luck in your future.

[hansalan.livejournal.com]

Hi Megan,
I am a fairly new reader and fan of yours. I also work in the entertainment industry and feel deep sympathy for you and your circus family. I rarely comment on anything and prefer just to read and reflect. Admittedly, the last few days have been filled with hurt for the loss of a national treasure.

I have always loved the circus, but I am sad to say that my three kids have never been to a show. This is mainly because our budget is too tight to buy tickets. My wife and I have discussed that we are going to try our best to save enough money for tickets when you are in Cincinatti. Traveling from Wisconsin, this will be a stretch to find funds, but we want our kids to experience a 150+ year tradition and piece of history before it is gone.

Thank you for all the joy you provide and we hope that everyone will be able to keep the spirit up through the end of the tour. Please pass along my and my family's best wishes to all of the cast and crew. We will be saving up and hope to see you in March!

I'm so grateful

[julie campbell (from livejournal.com)]

I hope that you don't think that because shows are overbooked and crowds filled that it's all to see the circus go. There are lots of us who remember all the times we enjoyed the circus as children, took our children and want one more time to enjoy it or two if you come close enough to me👍 please smile and give those of us who love the circus the best shows ever. I can't even begin to fathom the pain of knowing your losing your jobs, homes really and all of the animals who will not have those who love them and cared for them as much as the circus. Just know some of us are there to support you and yes cheer you on as you have cheered us up so many times.

Heard the news

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Megan,

This is Daus - I sold the Raleigh folding bike to you! I've enjoyed seeing you take it around the country. I heard the news and thought I would check your blog. Thanks for the truthful insights. It sounds like it will be a very trying time, but hang in there. Best of luck to the future!

Daus