What: Silvers Circus

When: Until March 30

Where: Ballarat Showgrounds

Tickets: Ticketmaster 136 100

SIMON Tait was 21 years old when a close encounter with a clown took his breath away.

"In his theatrical act he was doing a lot of miming and I just fell in love with this guy," Tair said.

"It was something different. I had studied dramatic art and if I could use my acting skills to do this it would be wonderful."

After his encounter, he bought himself a small caravan and started his new venture on board with the circus.

Initially, Tait thought the stint would be just that - a stint - but he remains an integral part of the circus world.

With more than 25 years' experience, the entertainer is currently the ringmaster and grand illusionist in Silvers Circus and knows exactly how to mesmerise his audience with his celebrated illusions and audience rappor.

"Once the sawdust gets in your veins, no matter how painful it is, you can't get it out."

Silvers Circus has currently set up tent in Ballarat as part of its tour throughout Victoria.

A household name in Australia, the circus has maintained its sparkle, glamour and death-defying acts after nearly three decades on the road.

Established in 1976, Silvers Circus provides world-class family entertainment with extraordinary artists continually arriving from all parts of the world. Silvers are proud of the ever-changing program they are able to present.

The two-hour action-packed show will include the Globe of Death world-famous Phoenix Riders, the hire wire act, bounce-ball juggling, hoola hoops, football-playing dogs and, of course, the clowns.

Tait said Silvers Circus was a great show, having previously been voted in the top 10 circuses around the world.

"We offer a true international cast and incorporate in the performance seven illusions which break up the circus performances and add a bit of mystique," he said.

And with a heated tent, Ballarat residents can rest assured of comfort.

"We are forever changing. Inside there are red carpets and beautiful lighting. It's a very classy circus."