First Woman Ringmaster Hired By Ringling Bros. Circus

ELLENTON, Fla. (AP) -- The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus has its first woman ringmaster.

Feld Entertainment Inc. is the parent company of the Florida-based circus. The company said in a statement Wednesday that Michelle Wilson will be the first-ever woman ringmaster in its 146-year history.

Wilson starts her new role next month and her first performance will be in her hometown of Orlando, Florida, during "Circus Xtreme" show.

She will become the 39^th ringmaster in Ringling Bros.' history.

Wilson has a professional background in theater and singing.

A ringmaster typically introduces each act in the circus.