Circus star Skyler Miser is a nineteen-year-old Human Rocket in The Greatest Show on Earth.

Can you imagine if your parents were circus stars? Well, that lifestyle is a reality for Skyler Miser. Her mom, Tina, and dad, Brian, are former circus performers. (No, really!) Skyler Miser, 19, grew up watching her parents soar through the air. Coolness and creativity definitely runs in THIS family!

Skyler has some great news to share with American Teen…she’s one of the leading roles in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s The Greatest Show On Earth. That’s right—the most famous circus is BACK after a hiatus, and YOU can see Skyler perform live in a city near you. After years of practice and study, she’s going to be a professional, human cannonball in the newest Ringling Bros. show. We’re thrilled to interview her in this issue.

What was your childhood like?

For me it has always been “normal” to travel with my parents. It wasn’t until I attended public school for a few years while I wasn’t traveling that I realized how cool circus life really was! My favorite part of growing up in the circus was having this amazing multi-cultural family where we all worked and lived together. I was able to gain friends from all corners of the globe who were able to teach me so much including other languages like Spanish and Russian! 

How did your parents get involved with circus life?

My dad, Brian, has always been very talented and after graduating from high school, he tried out for a performer’s job at Ringling Bros. Circus World in Florida and was hired on the spot. He ended up working there for a few years and eventually ventured out onto his own adventure as a trapeze artist and built his first cannon. Twenty-four years ago, just after my dad finished building his second cannon, he met my mom, Tina, and asked her out by asking if she would like to shoot him from his newly built cannon – and she said YES! They continued dating and performing together until he taught her how to shoot from a cannon as well. They became the world's only ‘cannonball couple’ and were later featured in several editions of The Greatest Show On Earth.

What’s the difference between circus school and regular school?

‘Circus School’ at Ringling Bros. was essentially a formal homeschooling program that all the performers and crews' children attended. It was held in a one-room schoolhouse where all the different grades attended together. It was a really great experience because all the older kids helped the younger kids, and we were all able to learn from each other. After a few years I eventually returned to my hometown and attended public school, so I got to experience both. 

Outside of circus life, what are your hobbies?

I love checking out the latest movies and finding new restaurants to try out.

What can we expect from your role the upcoming Ringling Bros. show?

In this new Reimagined Ringling, I will be launched from the Ringling Rocket where I will fly through the air traveling over 100 feet! Audiences will be able to see me being launched up to 65 mph across the arena floor each show! 

How did you prepare for your role?

I prepared for my role as the Ringling Rocket by learning the art of the trampoline and flying trapeze and using those skills to gain body control and proprioception. As the World’s Youngest Human Cannonball, I was shot from a cannon before I even learned how to ride a bike! So, once I set my mind on following in my parents’ footsteps, I began special training for the Rocket at our property in Indiana.

What's it like working with your parents?

It’s actually been really great working with my parents to prepare for this role! Their different personalities have helped benefit my different needs. My dad helps push me out of my comfort zone because he knows how to tell where I need a little challenge. Where my mom is positive and helps me mentally get through those tough training days.

Some people don't like circuses because they believe they harm and trap animals. Would love your thoughts on this.

Throughout its 150-history, Ringling has always evolved to meet the changes in consumer preferences and showcase trends in pop culture. The show has been completely reimagined now putting a spotlight on spectacular human performance with 75 amazing performers that test the limits of human capabilities.      

Is it hard traveling from city to city?

I personally love traveling! So, I look forward to each new town and the unique experiences it offers. Growing up on the road has always been ‘normal’ to me – in fact I get a little stir crazy if I spend too much time in one place.

Drop your skincare routine and fave products?

Skincare has always been very important to me, especially since I must wear makeup for the shows that tends to be very pore-clogging. Typically, after every show, I remove all my makeup and wash my face with various products and follow that by using The Ordinary Nicinamide 10% and Aquafor. Every morning I wash my face with water and apply Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin, Rhode Blazing Milk, and Elf Holy Hydration. And twice a week at night, I apply Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream.  

Written by Rachel Soko 

For more info about The Ringling Bros. Circus, and for tickets, visit: www.ringling.com.