ORLANDO, Fla. – Kristen Michelle Wilson is living her dream as she prepares to debut as the ringmaster of the Circus Xtreme for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus next week.
She is the first female ringmaster in the company's 146-year history.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to be the first female ringmaster for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus," Wilson told News 6.
The new show opens in Orlando at the Amway Center on Jan. 12.
Wilson has been preparing for this opportunity throughout her entire career.
From working as a television news reporter to a videographer, Wilson is excited to be an ambassador for the company and a role model for everyone.
She is in charge of the entire show, which includes singing songs and presenting specialty acts, as well as acting as an ambassador for the brand.
The process to her becoming the ringmaster started with something that many are familiar with: an online posting for a worldwide search for the newest ringmaster.
“The Ringmaster serves as a Ringling Bros. brand ambassador,” says Alana Feld, executive vice president of Feld Entertainment and producer of Ringling Bros. “This is a tremendous responsibility, therefore, we are looking for an energetic and contemporary man or woman who has the charisma to engage today’s families and immerse them in the fun and exciting experience of Circus XTREME.”
Wilson auditioned in-person in Orlando and sang the song for the audition that she learned, and she also sang a couple of her own songs.
The circus is owned by Feld Entertainment.
Wilson was chosen out of hundreds of applications to be the lead in the show.
"You never know where opportunity is going to come from," she told News 6.
"This has turned into an experience of a lifetime and a dream come true."
Wilson, who is from Tallahassee, said that she is excited for her family and friends to come to the Amway Center and kickoff the show.
After leaving Orlando, the show continues to Jacksonville, Fla., Tampa, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Greenville, S.C., and Greensboro, N.C.
The show is a journey around the world, and representatives from 13 different countries are represented in the show.
In preparation for her role to lead as ringmaster, she talked with former ringmasters, but she also told us about a person who inspired her when she was a child.
Wilson hopes that she will be able to inspire others during her tenure of ringmaster.
"I want to inspire little girls, but I hope that little boys, and older women and older men can also share in the excitement with me," Wilson said.
For more information about CircusXtreme, visit www.ringling.com/shows/circus-xtreme/.
The show begins on Jan. 12 through Jan. 16. Ticket prices start at $15.