WORKING ACTS

In a sideshow, there is a hierarchy with the highest-paid performers being the natural-born freaks. Working Acts-- like sword swallowers, fire-eaters, magicians (especially)-- were considered interchangeable.

Every season the show needed a sword swallower, a fire eater, and a magician. The word would go out and often on the smaller shows the performer willing to work the cheapest got the job.