Ringling Bros' Human Cannonball Skyler Miser Talks Adrenaline Rush

The 23-year-old performer discusses life in the circus, her nutrition plan, and inspiring audiences.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:22pm

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Skyler Miser, the 23-year-old 'Human Rocket' of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, opens up about her life as a human cannonball, the adrenaline rush of being shot out of a cannon, and carrying on her family's circus legacy. Miser and the rest of the Ringling Bros. troupe will be performing a seven-show run at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey from March 19-22.

Why it matters

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, one of the most iconic American circuses, returned from a hiatus in 2023 after shutting down in 2017. The return of the 'Greatest Show on Earth' has been highly anticipated, especially for performers like Skyler Miser who come from multi-generational circus families.

The details

Miser, whose parents both met and joined the circus through a 'human cannonball' act, has been performing as Ringling Bros' 'Human Rocket' for several years. She describes the experience as an intense adrenaline rush, with the rocket reaching forces up to seven times the force of gravity - much more intense than the fastest roller coasters. Miser says the mental aspect of the act is just as challenging as the physical, as she has to talk herself through any pre-show jitters. The circus performer also discusses the unique challenges of maintaining a healthy diet while constantly on the road.

  • Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be performing a seven-show run at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey from March 19-22, 2026.

The players

Skyler Miser

A 23-year-old performer who is Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' resident 'Human Rocket', regularly getting shot out of cannons at arenas all over the world.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

One of the most iconic American circuses, which returned from a hiatus in 2023 after shutting down in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing in the world I can compare flying to. The fastest roller coaster in the world goes about four times the force of gravity. The rocket is about seven. Plus, you're not strapped in, there's no safety gear...it's a big adrenaline rush.”

— Skyler Miser

“I don't get scared. More butterflies but every once in a while, I'll get nervous before I go. That's mostly because something weird happened the show before or I had to fix something. I always say it's more of a mental act than physical. If you can't talk yourself out of this hole, you can't do it.”

— Skyler Miser

What’s next

Miser and the rest of the Ringling Bros. troupe will be performing a seven-show run at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey from March 19-22, 2026.

The takeaway

Skyler Miser's story as a fourth-generation circus performer highlights the enduring legacy and appeal of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, even as the industry has evolved. Her passion for pushing the limits of human performance and inspiring audiences showcases the timeless allure of the 'Greatest Show on Earth'.