ELLENTON, Fla. — The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus has its first female ringmaster.

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

Wilson, who has a professional background in theater and singing, starts her new role next month and her first performance will be in her hometown of Orlando, Fla., during “Circus Xtreme” show.

She will become the 39th ringmaster in Ringling Bros.’ history. A ringmaster typically introduces each act in the circus.