'A dream job' -- Dave SaLoutos, Scott O'Donnell leaving Circus World after decades (2024)

Two Circus World icons are calling it a career at the Baraboo attraction, leaving legacies that span multiple decades.

Executive director Scott O’Donnell is stepping down Sept. 27, and former ringmaster Dave SaLoutos is retiring Sept. 13.

SaLoutos held 16 positions during his 40 with Circus World, and O’Donnell has done two stints, from 2003 to 2005, and since 2013. Both plan to remain in Baraboo and are open to being consultants with the Wisconsin Historical Society after their departures.

‘Part of the DNA of Baraboo’

“Circus World provided the opportunity to learn about circus as an art form, and I became fascinated by the logistical details that brought the circus to life,” said SaLoutos, 67, who spent his last two years as marketing and performance director.

“All of this is part of the DNA of Baraboo,” he said. “I have no regrets. The work was all-consuming and demanded everything I had to give … and I loved every minute!”

SaLoutos, 67, began at Circus World in 1973 as a concessions employee, where he said he helped increase department sales by 500%. He also helped coordinate repairs and restoration efforts for The Great Circus Train and led efforts to transport circus wagons to Milwaukee via rail for the Great Circus Parade, which ended after 2009.

He worked three summer seasons at Circus World in 1973, 1978 and 1985. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications arts from UW-Madison, he worked in the hotel industry in Madison and Atlanta, Georgia, before returning to Circus World full time at the beginning of 1986. SaLoutos worked as a ringmaster in 1978.

In 1990, SaLoutos returned to the ringmaster role for 32 years and was the attraction’s first singing ringmaster, which he said was “the honor of my life.” He retired from the role in 2022. Robert Trader, who worked under SaLoutos for nine years in the ring, replaced SaLoutos as ringmaster in August 2022.

After his retirement, SaLoutos said, he is willing to help current Circus World staff on occasion. He also plans to help the Sauk County Historical Society with Christmas displays after leaving Circus World.

“I’m especially proud as a Baraboo citizen born and bred that I shared my pride in Baraboo’s circus heritage with the people of my hometown,” he said. “While many view my life as the road less traveled, it was a dream job and wildly fulfilling. I cherish every moment spent bringing circus history to life.”

SaLoutos has also performed with the Madison Chamber Orchestra as a carillon player. A carillon is a towering bell instrument often seen on circus wagons.

“Quite simply, Dave is the best,” said O’Donnell. “To work alongside him for multiple decades has been a joyful journey full of heart, trust and talent.”

‘Capturing stupendous life stories’

O’Donnell, 54, has served as Circus World’s executive director since he returned from an eight-year hiatus in 2013. He referred to his 12 total years with Circus World as “the most fulfilling and proudest of my career working alongside the amazing staff, volunteers, donors and cast.”

During his first stint, O’Donnell worked as a performer and operations manager. His performances often involved animals, including former dogs Lucky and Rex and elephants, and he worked as a clown and emcee. He said he was a “fierce champion” for including animals in circus performances during his time with Circus World, which stopped featuring elephants in its shows last year.

“I think the community, like me, is still grieving over elephants, and I get it,” he said. “I hope in time, that will diminish as we continue to grow and provide new opportunities in the circus arts.”

Last year, the Wisconsin Historical Society acquired the Al. Ringling Theatre, and its ownership of that venue, along with Circus World, brings “long-term sustainability to two of the crown jewels in the Ringling Bros stories,” O’Donnell said, adding that their future “remains vibrant.”

O’Donnell has helped Circus World obtain historic circus-related artifacts and documents to help the attraction further tell stories of circus icons, such as the Ringling family, and other aspects of circus history.

“A personal objective for me has been adding to our oral history collection, capturing stupendous life stories of circus performers, business leaders, train crew, musicians and more in their own words and cadence,” he said.

Between 2005 and 2013, O’Donnell worked as the Boss Clown for the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, a traveling circus show, and performed shows with dogs Lucky and Rex. He also worked as a talent director for the Ringling Bros. circus and was the vice president and general manager for New York-based Big Apple Circus until 2008.

O’Donnell took a break from the circus industry from 2010 to 2013 when he worked as vice president of special events and festivals for entertainment company Live Nation, before returning to Circus World in his current role.

“Dave SaLoutos called me in the summer of 2013 and said Circus World was looking for a director and would I ever consider coming back,” said O’Donnell.

The outgoing Circus World executive director will seek “encore opportunities” in the Baraboo area. He did not elaborate on what those could be.

“I found a kindred spirit in Scott,” said SaLoutos. “We shared a deep love for circus, and a drive to do what was necessary, any time of the day or night, to care for the people who bring the circus to life and spread happiness to our audiences.”