Overnight it to Sandwich!
Our jump from Waltham to Sandwich, MA, was a bit out of the ordinary. Usually, our final show at any site finishes at 8 or 9 p.m. But on Sunday, July 31, we had no evening show in Waltham, so the curtain closed about 1 pm, after a morning show. This meant that for the first time during the 2011 tour, we got to “tear down” (take down the tent) and “load out” (pack up and leave) in daylight. This schedule threw my body clock off. Usually three to four hours after the last show at night, I am fast…
Good morning, Cape Cod!
We’ve set up our Big Top on the grounds of the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich for five shows tonight through Wednesday. It’s our 11th year at this Cape Cod gem. Check out this article on Smirkus on the front page of yesterday’s Cape Cod Times. it profiles Nick Zellle, a 16-year-old Orleans summer resident who is performing for his second summer with Circus Smirkus. The tract of land now known as Heritage Museums & Gardens played an important part in the history of the town of Sandwich, dating back to 1677. Today, this venerable Cape Cod non-profit promotes and fosters the…
Just a Fun Post About Interviews
When our troupers aren’t performing in the spotlight, some of them have the opportunity to be interviewed by the press. Recently, Sam Ferlo was featured on the FRONT PAGE of the New York Times, Olivia Saunders was interviewed by The Boston Globe, and several local newspapers have had the opportunity to chat with many other performers from the troupe. The other day, Nick Zelle, MiNs, was interviewed over the phone by a New England newspaper. The interview was going normally; he answered questions about performing with the show, what he did, and so on. I turned to talk to his…
Pride
Greetings from Waltham, Mass., everyone! We performed four fantastic shows in the past two days and will be at Gore Place through Sunday. Get your tickets here! At our first performances in Waltham, our audience was peppered with parents of our troupers — some of whom have never seen this year’s performance, and others who have seen it four or five times. But first-timers and multi-timers shared something in common: All of the troupers’ parents wore proud smiles as they watched in amazement the hilarious clown antics, balancing feats, and the defiance of gravity before their very eyes. Everyday I…
Smirkus clown makes the front page!
That’s Smirkus trouper and clown, Sam Ferlo, in the photo below the men in suits. Story here. Slide show, here. A thanks to Sam and his family for opening themselves to this writer, and to writer Dan Barry for such a sweet and sensitive story.
Good morning, Waltham!
It’s a gorgeous day for a circus! Patch.com numbered us as among the “Things You Need to Know for July 28.” Boston.com listed us as notable event this weekend. So come on down to Gore Place for one of SEVEN shows today through Sunday morning: July 28-31: Waltham, MA Gore Place 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA 02453 1 & 6 PM – Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 AM – Sunday Tickets here or at 1-877-SMIRKUS (1-877-764-7587) See you at the circus!
Waltham, MA here we come!
We’re raising the Big Top in Waltham, MA today on the grounds of Gore Place, a “hidden treasure” in the Boston suburbs. Gore Place encompasses 45 acres of fields, orchards and gardens framing a stunning, symmetrical, red brick home considered to be one of the most magnificent federal mansions in the country. Visiting Gore Place is like taking a trip to the early 19th century, when wealthy gentleman-politicians like Christopher Gore and his wife Rebecca – who built Gore Place in 1806 – entertained in the gracious formal rooms while servants labored in the warren of smaller family and service…
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…