I worked as a stage hand part-time in college. I would broaden your brush to include the entire entertainment industry. They're one step removed from carnies (notice I didn't say they're one step up). Some of the biggest losers are drawn to the fantasy world of the entertainment industry, from the lowly stage hands all the way to the entertainers. The industry literally drips with sleaze. I don't miss that world at all.
Carnies, I like that. Just a little better dressed. Most of the time anyway.