Before circuses, career counselors could only advise clowns to seek employment as fast-food mascots. Observe jesters in their natural habitat with today’s Groupon: for $25, you get two section B tickets to see the Zoppé Family Circus from UApresents at the Rincon Vista Sports Complex (a $58 value). Choose from the following six showtimes:

• Friday, January 13 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, January 14 at 1 p.m.
• Saturday, January 14 at 4 p.m.
• Saturday, January 14 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, January 15 at 1 p.m.
• Sunday, January 15 at 4 p.m.<p>

Founded in 1842, Zoppé Family Circus draws on old-world Italy’s circus tradition, amazing audiences of all ages with story-driven feats of clowning, acrobatics, and animal training in an intimate 500-seat tent. The performance, which Coast Views magazine lauds as “pure tradition, pure artistry and pure delight!” stars Nino the clown and a supporting cast of acrobats, equestrians, and capering canines, whose training allows them to simultaneously fetch newspapers and shred shoes. Live musicians play rousing tunes as fire-breathers blow flames, gymnasts contort, juggling pins fly, and equestrians leap effortlessly onto horseback. Acrobats twirl on towering trapezes and costumed clowns interact with and offer unwanted makeup advice to the audience. Parking is plentiful, with spaces available across the street for $3 a car.