https://silverscreenriot.com/del-toros-nightmare-alley-a-sor...
What you're describing is called an internet troll.
I'm unsure whether geeks often travelled with the troupe, though. Men hopelessly addicted to drugs were probably desperate enough for money and easy enough to come by that you might not bother dragging one with all the other performers. Especially since addicts tend to behave unsettlingly and steal stuff to feed the addiction. Talk about local talent.