When Johnathan Iverson '98 graduated with a degree in vocal performance from The Hartt School, he knew that life could offer him an interesting path. But how could he have known that the path would take him to the circus? As the first African-American and the youngest ringmaster for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Iverson began his postgraduate life in a way that most kids can only dream of -- under the big top, in the spotlight, wearing a sparkling red topcoat. Had the 23-year-old's dreams of singing ended? No, he had simply blessed the circus with his operatic tenor voice, singing "Welcome to the World of the Circus" and other music written for him by Broadway composer Michael Starobin with lyrics by Glenn Slater.

In a moment he will never forget, Iverson delivered the first song on opening night of the circus while lights flashed, music played, acrobats spun, clowns clowned, and animals with their trainers paraded around the rings. The audience was already under his spell when his booming voice announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, children of aaalll ages . . . . The Greaaaatest Shooow On Eaaaaaaaarth!" The son of a postal worker and a firefighter, Iverson was born and raised in Manhattan and began performing at age 11 with the world-renowned Boys Choir of Harlem. Traveling the globe with the choir, Iverson had experiences to which few children are privy. Among the events he treasures, for example, are seeing Placido Domingo perform in Japan and singing at the intermission for Luciano Pavarotti's concert in Central Park in New York City.

After attending the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, Iverson was awarded scholarships to the University's Hartt School to continue his study of vocal music. Upon graduating from college, he had intended to continue studying opera, but his plans for graduate study and travel were interrupted when he landed a role in "The Fireside Christmas Show" directed by Philip McKinley. McKinley, director and choreographer of the circus, was immediately impressed with Iverson and invited him to audition for the position of ringmaster.

"I was just planning to earn some extra cash for travel. I never anticipated that I would be invited to an audition for this incredible role," said Iverson. "But I knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I went for it."

Kenneth Feld, producer for the circus, said aid that Iverson "had the look of a superstar and the gift of an amazing voice; there was no doubt that he was our man."

Holding the circus' most coveted job, Iverson is responsible for leading the audience through each magical experience -- shaping the presentation, pace and personality of every performance. He must improvise to cover mistakes and send in the clowns if there is an injury. Iverson is modest, however, about being the center of attention. "I feel like I have the easy job -- I get to present all of these amazing acts," he commented. "But I'm not the guy standing on the high wire, riding in the Globe of Death, or standing inside the tiger cage."

As a part of his Connecticut tour, Iverson took the time to visit his alma mater, bringing many of his circus friends along. Students, faculty and staff were invited to take a break from the rigors of final exams and end-of-semester worries and enjoy a taste of the circus with a performance in Suisman Lounge. Also included in the audience were students from Annie Fisher and Aiken elementary schools. As the show began, two clowns immediately won over the crowd with popcorn and kisses. Then Iverson entered the room. With his wide, charming grin he shouted, "How are you, everybody? Ready to have fun . . . ? Let me hear you scream 'Circus!'" Among the performers were Brazilian and Russian pogo stickers, a one-person band, aerial athletes, dinner plate spinners, and, of course, clowns!

During his campus visit, Iverson was reunited with his voice teacher from Hartt, Jerry (Jerome) Pruett. "I was fortunate to have him as my teacher."

After the performance, the young ringmaster stayed to catch up with old friends. "It was, after all, my friends from Hartt who helped to make me who I am today. Of course, 99% of my success is my mother," said Iverson with his contagious smile. As for his voice, "Thank Jerry (Jerome) Pruett," he said. "He was my voice teacher here. He's a wonderful singer himself, a great singer. I was just fortunate to have him as my teacher."

Students from Hartt will always remember not only Iverson's beautiful voice, but also his sense of humor, stage presence, perseverance, and easy smile.

What does Iverson foresee in his future? "It's a two-year tour... after that, I want to make billions of dollars," he joked. "No, after that I plan on trying to look into Hollywood, Broadway, movies -- the whole thing, I want to put my hands into everything."

So now, when concerned parents ask their children what a music degree from The Hartt School will get them, they can reply, "A job with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus!" As Iverson can attest, it's not a bad way to go.