Author Archives: Circus Smirkus
A New Vision for Circus Smirkus
With new artistic leadership at the helm of Circus Smirkus, a new vision for the future is emerging. Key to this vision is collaboration with a broad range of artistic voices, opening up opportunities for artists with different perspectives, experiences and abilities to explore new ways of creating Smirkus magic in tandem with our coaches and troupers. Because of this shift, Smirkus will look to a new directing team for next year’s Big Top Tour production. Troy Wunderle and Mark Lonergan have enjoyed five successful seasons together, creating shows that have brought joy and wonder to audiences all over New England. These…
And today…We Do Circus!
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Camp Communications Associate Sojourn Gudorf Johnston Session 2 concluded the very busy week with a successful and highly entertaining show! In only 3 days, the coaches and campers undertook the project of creating a show. This meant all hands-on deck; which involved learning all aspects of a circus performance, from rigging, to prop handling, to performing. Each act demonstrated and highlighted the campers’ talents, while also showing off their newly acquired skills. From the exciting pre-show unicycle act, to the hilarious opening clowning act, through the energetic and upbeat closing act, every moment was a…
We’re Out on the Road
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate Lila Chafe After three eventful weeks, Circus Smirkus troupers and staff began the 2022 New England Tour on July 2nd. As we prepared for opening day and gave final notes for each rigging cue, juggling pass, and finale choreography, the show transformed from an exciting idea to a dazzling performance begging to have an audience. The week before the tour began was packed with rehearsals but amidst the rush of preparing for a 46 show run, still included cherished Smirkus traditions. To…
The 2022 Big Top Tour Trailer!
Watch this official trailer of the 2022 Big Top Tour: On the Road AgainTickets available online or by phone. Buy yours today!
Flip, Fly and Focus on Acro!
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Camp Communications Associate Sojourn Gudorf Johnston Our second session of the summer was a 2-week All Levels Circus Camp. Campers participated and shared in Smirkus Camp fun this week and are looking forward to one more week in the session. During the second week, the campers and coaches will begin working on their end of session show. Speaking of shows… the campers had the delight of watching the dress rehearsal of 2022 Big Top Tour: On The Road Again. It was brilliant and inspiring to observe the outcome of training and hard work. It also created…
The Show Is Ready to Go!
Watch this Sneak Peek of the troupers training for the 2022 Big Top Tour: On the Road AgainTickets available online or by phone. Buy yours today!
Session One Smirkus Camp is Wrap!
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Camp Communications Associate Sojourn Gudorf Johnston 6 days, 77 campers, and countless smiles later, Session One is complete! Each morning began with a group warm-up, then off to morning rotations of: Acro, Clowning, Aerial, and Juggling. After lunch, campers participated in activities/game time, and Trick of the Day (performed by one of the coaches), and choice rotations. Choice rotations changed daily, and included: hula-hooping, water spitting, Chinese pole, trapeze, aerial meditation, clown stunts, tumbling, and more. The campers expressed their personalities through dinner dress-ups, with themes including Hats!, It Came From Under the Bed, When…
What Does Circus Smirkus Mean to You?
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Camp Communications Associate Sojourn Gudorf Johnston “Smirkus is the mud and the magic!” “It’s a safe environment to be challenged.” “It’s teamwork.” “Smirkus is magical, joyful, exciting, whimsy, creative, colorful…” “Tradition, generations, timeless” What does Circus Smirkus mean to you? These are some of the ways that Smirkus staff members describe their camp experiences. As the camp staff have been preparing for the camp sessions and fun to begin, they gathered and discussed what Smirkus means to them. Smirkus is an accepting and welcoming environment for everyone and provides an experience to learn the circus…
The Troupers Have Arrived!
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate Lila Chafe It was a breezy summer day in Greensboro when the Circus Smirkus staff welcomed 30 troupers and their family members to the Circus Barn. The arrival of troupers officially marked the beginning of the training period for the Big Top Tour, a moment that would put years of imagination into performance. The morning began with staff members putting together final touches on bunk assignments, clown skit choreography, set development, and Pie Car menu preparation. The once quiet, planned days would soon transform into moments of bursting creative exploration,…
Circus Smirkus Names Steve MacQueen as Executive Artistic Director
PRESS RELEASE Contact: Michele Levy President of the Board, Circus Smirkus 617-645-6672 mlevy@caravanbrandpartners.com Circus Smirkus Names Steve MacQueen as Executive Artistic Director After an extensive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG), nationally-known youth circus organization Circus Smirkus has named Steve MacQueen Executive Artistic Director. In this new role, MacQueen will provide strategic and artistic oversight for the entire Smirkus organization and promote a culture centered on excellence, innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion. MacQueen was most recently Artistic Director at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. Over the course of his 24 years as an arts administrator, he…