If you've always wanted to run away to join the circus, now's your chance. In the next three weeks, at least five shows are opening that celebrate sawdust dreams.

Send in the Clowns: Calling all Bozos and Clarabelles - the New Old Theater in Fells Point, trains teens and adults in physical theater techniques, from Italy's Commedia dell'Arte to creating a clown orchestra. On March 21, the theater is offering a physical comedy workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. taught by Mark Jaster, who studied with famed mime Marcel Marceau.

Big Top Be-Bop: Catch ringmaster, err, conductor Marin Alsop cracking the whip over mischievous trombones and stampeding cellos; the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra still has two weekends left to go in its four-week musical celebration of the three rings. This week, the concerts feature David Little's composition about a circus run amok, and a musical visit to the Circus Maximus of ancient Rome. Next weekend will showcase Igor Stravinski's 1920 "Pulcinella," with a student performance of the ballet.

Banana-peel Appeal: "The Fool at the Circus" is a family show running March 27-May 16 at the Classika Theatre just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Va. "The Fool" is set under the big top, and explores physical comedy stunts in the manner of silent films.

Sideshow: "Illuminopolis," which comes to the Creative Alliance on April 3, combines fire-eating, aerial work, a balancing act, juggling inside a bubble, belly dancing, burlesque, glowing costumes and flaming props. We can't wait.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My: For those who prefer their circuses irony-free, nothing can beat the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which comes to Baltimore April 7-18. Their new show is called "Zing, Zang, Zoom," and features a disappearing elephant.