Author Archives: Circus Smirkus
Smirkos Loading Out
After the final show on a lot, the work is not done for the troupers. Though they may have spent the better part of the day exerting energy doing two performances, they are still responsible for packing up their props, the set pieces, and other equipment before turning in for the night. The task may seem daunting at first, but our Smirkos certainly know how to put a positive spin on any chore or task they must accomplish. A tradition that has emerged with our group to make load-out night a little more enjoyable is the use of “Load-Out outfits.”…
Good morning, Little Rhody!
Overcast and MUCH cooler — a perfect day for a circus!!! Come on down to the Washington County Fair. The Big Top is up! The popcorn and cotton candy makers are getting ready! The performers are in tip-top form! July 25 & 26: Richmond, RI Washington County Fair Route 112/Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond, RI 02892 4 shows: 1 & 6 PM – Monday & Tuesday Presented by Meadowbrook Waldorf School Tickets here and at 1-877-SMIRKUS (1-877-764-7587) See you at the Circus!
Meadowbrook Waldorf: Students “schooled in wonder”
As Circus Smirkus sets up its Big Top today at the Washington Fair in Richmond, RI, we’d like to give a round of applause to the Meadowbrook Waldorf School, which is presenting our 4 Rhode Island performances. It is, as its name indicates, a Waldorf school, which – much like Circus Smirkus –focuses on community and teamwork, says schools spokeswoman Beth Riungu. Other values, she says are “trying your hardest without competition and judgment of others; responsibility and self reliance even when the task is tough; make it beautiful, fun, worthwhile!” “We value artistic and physical work as well as intellectual…
Smirkus is cool…
Two shows yesterday without a hitch despite a real hit of summer. How does our staff and troupers beat the heat? Nat, our tent boss started yesterday morning by opening the flaps on the Big Top’s cupola and lifting the side walls to let the air circulate the tent. Later in the day he employed the sprinkler system to evaporate some moisture in the tent to cool it down. The water in the air can bring the tent’s temperature down about five degrees, which is helpful in the heat of the day. Since the lot was adjacent to Spec Pond…
Playing at a film festival near you…
Circus Dreams, an award winning documentary about Circus Smirkus, is showing at the Newport Film Festival in RI tomorrow at 3:30 pm and at the Wood’s Hole International Film Festival on July 31. This documentary, which chronicles the 2006 season of the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour, has already been screened at film festivals in Toronto, Boston and Sarasota. It recently won the “BestFilm4Families” award at the Seattle International Film Festival! Fans in and near Wilbraham, MA, can see the REAL THING. We have 4 shows, today and tomorrow: at 1 & 7 pm and tomorrow at 2 & 7…
What is W.H.A.T?
W.H.A.T. – the Wilbraham Hampden Academic Trust, Inc. – is the non-profit organization that is presenting the Circus Smirkus 2011 Big Top Tour in Wilbraham, MA, this Friday and Saturday! W.H.A.T. is an organization dedicated to preserving the community’s commitment to excellence in the Hampden Wilbraham Regional School District. The foundation raises private funds to provide innovative, educational, and enriching programs for school children which will foster pride in their community. The money raised by Smirkus ticket sales help fund a variety of valuable educational programs, like bringing a production of MacBeth to high school students, a history field trip for…
There’s nothing like this in Iowa
It’s astounding how time is fleeting and madness takes its toll. A couple of days ago, I realized that it had only been two weeks since Smirkus left home-base in Greensboro, VT. TWO WEEKS! This was so hard to fathom because it feels like the show has been on the road for several months. How could this time warp be so prevalent at the circus? When we first hit the road, I started to notice that I was losing track of time, and I continually had to look at a calendar to remind myself what day of the week it…
The Hectic Traveling Life
Here today, gone tomorrow — the life of the circus. As the tour goes down the road, the entire operation becomes smoother, more concise… and life becomes a bit more routine. After our final show on a lot, the tent crew swings into action dismantling the tent — starting with the sidewalls, followed by removing the bleachers, and then the Big Top — without ever touching the ground — is lowered to the flatbed trailer. Our first load-out in Greensboro was a bit slower than recent days. Our last teardown took fewer than five hours. The next morning the lot…
Good morning, Williamstown!
The Smirkus Big Top is up! Gorgeous weather on a gorgeous site in Williamstown, MA! Saturday, July 16 & Sunday, 17 Mount Greylock Regional High School 1781 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, MA 01267 4 shows: 1 & 6 PM – Saturday & Sunday Presented by Northern Berkshire Healthcare Tickets here and at 1-877-SMIRKUS (1-877-764-7587) See you at the circus!
Meet our Williamstown presenter!
Next stop: Williamstown, MA! Four shows, July 16 & 17, on the gorgeous grounds of Mount Greylock Regional Highschool (go Mounties!) Smirkus is presented in Williamstown by Northern Berkshire Healthcare (NBH), the primary healthcare provider for North Berkshire County in Massachusetts, with generous support from Greylock Federal Credit Union. A private, not-for-profit organization, NBH’s services to the northwest Massachusetts and southwest Vermont regions include: North Adams Regional Hospital Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of Northern Berkshire Northern Berkshire Healthcare Physicians Group: Northern Berkshire Family Medicine, Northern Berkshire OB/GYN, and NorthernBerkshire General Surgery REACH for Community Health Ticket sales from Smirkus…