Renaldo Joins the Circus

About the Book

Al Calienes was born in Brooklyn New York. His first career choice was that of an artist; he did spot ads and storyboards but longed to create epic storybook adventures for children. One such story is that of a clown named Renaldo. Al had the idea in his mind to actually become the character of his storybook idea. He began his journey in the circus at the age of 26 with the Big Apple Circus. “ The show stopped three blocks from my place in Brooklyn so I didn’t run away to the circus, I walked”. He says. Starting at the bottom rung of the ladder ushering patrons to their seats, he worked his way up and saw the circus from a perspective that many seasoned and multi-generation performers don’t get to experience. After becoming a clown with the one ring wonder and being there for 8 years, Al began teaching his new found skills at the Luna Stage Theatre Company, then went back to performing circus at Sea World in Florida, Circus Sarasota, The Royal Hanneford Circus, The Garden Bros. Circus of Canada and Zippo’s Circus of England. Now after more than 20 years in the circus he still tours around the country and also teaches circus skills with the National Circus Project in New York and is ready to bring his stories to the world.

About the Author

I was an artist before I joined the circus. I thought to myself , “I’ll join the circus, be a circus clown, then sell my storybooks.” After joining, I came to realize that I finally found where I belong in this world. I did become a circus clown and I still do want to put out my storybooks but now the stories come from a deeper, more meaningful place in my heart. I’ve learned a great deal about myself and what I want to do with my life, and I owe it all to the circus. Al Calienes.