Circus Smirkus comes to town for its 30th year
Editor’s note: This story first appeared on WTEN Albany on July 11, 2017 and was written by Jimmy Marlow. Video used by permission. SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Circus Smirkus is back in town for its 30thanniversary “Big Top Tour” and you’ll have four chances to catch it, twice on Tuesday, and twice on Wednesday. Circus Smirkus is a high-energy, enthusiastic show put on by some of the world’s best, and youngest circus actors. This year’s show theme is “Midnight at the Museum.” The show takes you on an adventure through the halls of a museum at night, when everything comes…
Circus Smirkus at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Written by Rob Mermin, founder of Circus Smirkus I recently took five Smirkus alum to the 10-day, circus-themed Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the Mall in Washington, D.C. What a fun event! There were circus luminaries from across the country, artists and directors, like: Dolly Jacobs (the only circus performer in history to be honored with a National Heritage Fellowship award by the National Endowment for the Arts), Rafael Palacios – fourth generation trapeze artist, inducted into Sarasota’s Circus Ring of Fame, has performed for the likes of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco and Pope John Paul II. Elena Panova – Award…
Circus Smirkus sets a red nose record
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mandi Kreisher, one of 3 tour counselors who travel all summer with the young performers. “They’re not female clowns, they’re clowns.” -Barry Lubin AKA Grandma the Clown 2017 is one for the clown books here at Circus Smirkus! Last year the Smirkus Clown Alley consisted of half females and half males but this year for the first time, and hopefully not last, the Clown Alley is made up primarily of females. Five out of the six clowns in the Big Top Tour are female, which is out of the norm for most circuses….
WPTZ: Vermont’s Circus Turns 30
Editor’s Note: This piece was produced by Renee Wunderlich of WPTZ News on July 9, 2017. It will play after a brief ad.
Troy Record: Circus Smirkus marks 30th anniversary
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Troy Record newspaper and website on July 5, 2017 and was written by Weekender Staff. SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Circus Smirkus, an award-winning international traveling youth circus, is returning to the Spa City on its 30th Anniversary Big Top Tour. Click to watch the broadcast below. Families can gather under the Big Top Tent this July 11 and 12 at the outdoor field at the Saratoga Casino Hotel for four “adventuresome” performances by Circus Smirkus, presented by the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. Performances will take place at 1 p.m. on 6 p.m….
Video Preview: Midnight At The Museum
Watch the video preview of our 30th Anniversary Big Top Tour, or click here to purchase tickets. CLICK THE LINKS BELOW GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! July 14 & 15: St. Johnsbury, VT July 17 & 18: Keene, NH July 20 & 21: Hanover, NH July 23 & 24: Milford, NH July 26 & 27: Marshfield, MA July 28, 29, & 30: Waltham, MA Aug. 1 & 2: Northampton, MA Aug. 4 & 5: Newbury, MA Aug. 7 & 8: Freeport, ME Aug. 10 & 11: Kennebunkport, ME Aug. 13 & 14: Bartlett, NH Aug. 16, 17, & 18: Montpelier, VT Aug. 20: Greensboro, VT
Jump Day Troubles
There are no ordinary days here at the circus, but there is always much planning. We plan everything from where we set up site, to when we eat meals; from how we are going to still have a show in the rain, to who is going to take out the trash. However, in life and in circus, we know not everything always goes as planned! Today was a great example of this. Note the photo of the flat tire below! Our mishap occured on what is called jump day – or the day when the crew packs up the lot…
A Day In the Life: Concessions
This post is by Rachel Thompson, the Tour PR Intern for this year’s tour. We are all settled here in Essex Junction, VT and the Troupers are so excited to be performing two sold-out shows here on the first day! It’s all hands on deck today at the circus, and we’re going to give you a glimpse into the work life of a Smirkus concessionaire! The moment you walk into Mille, the concessions tent, the sweet smell of cotton candy being spun and the delectable aroma of popcorn popping fills the tent. The bright lights from dinosaur bubble blasters and light up…
In Uncertain Times For Circuses, Smirkus Thrives
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Times Argus/Rutland Herald newspaper on July 1, 2017 and was written by Stephen Mills. Video used by permission. The year 2017 marks some important milestones in circus history, both nationally and locally. This year marks Smirkus’ 30th anniversary, and also when its longtime executive director, Ed LeClair, will step down. “It’s very much like the politicians say, ‘I’m going to spend more time with my family,’” said LeClair, who has overseen 15 annual seasons of the Greensboro traveling troupe. “I’ve spent my career making stars and now I get to sit back…
Opening Day and First Jump Success
July 2 was opening day for the 30th Anniversary Big Top Tour in Greensboro. It was a huge success! The Troupers performed to sold out crowds in both the 1pm and 6pm show- what a way to kick off the 30th Anniversary of Circus Smirkus! During the intermission of the second show, Patrick Chikoloma, a first year Trouper from Zambia, placed the Zambian flag on top of the entrada, while the Zambian national anthem played in the Big Top. Circus Smirkus celebrates their international community, with past Troupers coming from all over the world. We are proud to welcome Patrick…