The Minor Leagues, but for the circus. Here, it's more polite to hold side conversation, sleep, or text while in the audience. It's fine, the performers know well that they aren't the best of the best. You can be a jerk to them all you want, it will just fuel their hatred for you. It's not a bad gig, doing the side show (better than the latrines) but they're commonly overlooked for the big top.