Show Notes
BIO
From growing up an Appalachian farm kid to becoming a blue-collar worker, then recovering from a spinal injury to become a record-holding athlete, and now performing spectacular Feats of Strength on stage... Rick StrongBack, the Appalachian Circus StrongMx has always been a Muscle For Hire, someone whose strength has always been their moneymaker.
Rick StrongBack has been practicing olde-time feats of strength their entire life, and performing since 2010. They are an Award winning Fringe Fest performer, touring with the World Oddities Expo, and recent addition to the Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival.
Outside of their avid fascination (or AuDHD hyperfocus) of Physical Culture, they are a TransQueer activist, Mutual-Aid Organizer, Congressional Medal Recipient for their work during Hurricane Helene, Illustrator, Gym Owner, and co-owner of the Archives of the Strange & Unusual Art Gallery & Curiosities Shop in Franklin, NC.
Taglines for Event
-They are an Award winning Fringe Fest performer, and touring with the World Oddities Expo and recent addition to the Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival.
-They are a Record Holding Powerlifter, and our “Muscle for Hire”.
-They are famous online for their activist work and for performing Feats of Strength.
-They are Rick StrongBack, The Appalachian Circus StrongThem
Outro Plugs
If you want to see more, you can check out www.RickStrongBack.com or find them on social media as @RickStrongBack
Tech Requirements
All equipment must have a space that is able to be out of the weather if the event is outdoors.
LAV Mic is a Phenyx Pro. The receiver requires a 6.35mm jack. Headset Mic is 3-pin
Stage area must be clear of obstructions and wires, with ample overhead room.
Set Up is minimal. Clean up is 2-5 minutes depending on stunts performed.
PERFORMER INFO
Stagename: Rick StrongBack - The Appalachian Circus StrongMx
Real Name: Richard Tarleton (Do not use publicly)
Home Base: Franklin NC, USA
Phone: 828-342-8862
Email: RickStrongBack@gmail.com
Website: www.rickstrongback.com
PERFORMER INFO
Stagename: Rick StrongBack - The Appalachian Circus StrongMx
Real Name: Richard Tarleton (Do not use publicly)
Home Base: Franklin NC, USA
Phone: 828-342-8862
Email: RickStrongBack@gmail.com
Website: www.rickstrongback.com
PAYMENT LINK (For Online Deposits/Booking)
Payment Link (PayPal is Preferred)
COSTUME
The uniform of a performer helps set the mood and tell the story. Let's figure out which works best for your event. Below are some examples of costuming from the 2026 season.
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THE CLASSIC
Evoking the image of the classic Oldetime StrongMx
MOONLIGHTER
Need some muscle for your wedding or corporate event?
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THE BIG TOP
Bring the circus to your stage!
THE ROUSTABOUT
The Muscle for Hire for any occasion.
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THE ADVENTURER
The "BardBarian" is perfect for your Ren Faire entertainment.
THE RED ROUSTABOUT
"Red" is the Muscle Clown.
Show Styles
Short Set: 5-7 minutes:
Standard Set: 14-20 minutes
Long Show: 30-45 minutes
Convention: 2-3 hrs, multiple short demonstrations with audience interaction
Corporate Speaking: 20-30 minute motivational speaking engagement with stunts
Base Performance Rates
The following are base rates for different event styles. These are a starting point for your event and not an exact quote.
Show - $150 (2 short sets or 1 full set)*
Festival - $300/day (2 sets per day + Crowd work 1hr)**
Expo - $500/day (Up to 3 sets per day)**
*Deposit is 50% (+travel) for all first time bookings.
**Multi day events require lodging to be paid for at time of booking.
***Fuel Surcharge added for all events over 80 miles away from Franklin, NC. This is based on mileage ranges. +50 for 80-150miles, +100 for 150-200, +150 for 200-250, +200 for 250-300.
**** Additional Crowd Work requires +200 for the day (2 hrs extra)