Letter from a Trouper: Theo LeBlanc
Editor’s note: This post was written by Theo LeBlanc, 1st year trouper. Before circus (B.C.) I did your typical after-school activities – soccer, baseball, and marching band. I never really fit in or felt like I was in the right place. Around age 9, I started doing magic tricks for my friends and family. Magic developed into a very fun hobby. After seeing one of my favorite magicians juggling knives, I decided juggling was the coolest thing ever. My dad had some basic juggling skills and I asked him to teach me – I was hooked! One of my middle school friends did an…
Glover Youth Joins Circus Smirkus
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Barton Chronicle on June 26, 2018 and was written by Joseph Gresser Asom Hayman-Jones of Glover stood with a crowd of casually dressed troupers in the Circus Smirkus ring on June 21. The first performance of the 2018 season was a little more than a week away, and there was plenty of work left to do to get the show ready to go. The sides of the big tent, or more properly the top in the language of the circus, were rolled up to let in light and air. Mr. Hayman-Jones, taller than most of…
Spice Up Your Summer with a Circus Celebration!
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Sentinel Source on June 29, 2018 and was written by Caroline Tremblay Grab your popcorn, take a seat and get ready to be dazzled by this year’s vaudeville-themed Circus Smirkus extravaganza! On Sunday and Monday, July 15 and 16, locals will flock to the Cheshire Fairgrounds for a Big Top experience like no other. With aerials, acrobatics, wire-walking, juggling, lively music and an array of brilliant costumes, this magical event is sure to awe audience members. Circus Smirkus’ performances in Swanzey are part of a 68-show tour across the Northeast, featuring top youth performers from…
A Circus Smirkus Sneak Peak
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the The Valley Reporter on June 28, 2018 and was written by Katie Martin Circus Smirkus comes to The Valley next week with its new show Vaudeville and it promises to be an amazing event with extravagant and glorious costumes, stunning acrobatics and so much more. The Waitsfield Children’s Center hosts Circus Smirkus at Kenyon’s field in Waitsfield on July 2 and 3 with shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The event is Waitsfield Children’s Center’s primary fundraiser of the year. Recently, this reporter was able to attend a rehearsal at the Greensboro home…
Finding Home at Circus Smirkus
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Arlington Advocate on June 7, 2018 and was written by Abbi Matheson. Some kids dream of running away and joining the circus. One Arlington resident did just that, but with less running away and more acrobatic flips. Glenn Doyle, 14, leaves on June 8 for the annual Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour, which spans five states and almost two months. Doyle is an acrobat with Smirkus, but he also does some clowning and juggling. “I’m OK at partner acrobatics but I’m more of a person that likes to be thrown around and do flips…
Opening June 29: Teaser Video
Watch a few moments behind the scenes as troupers prepare in the final week of rehearsals before opening show in Greensboro, VT on Friday June 29 – buy tickets here!
Video: Smirkus Sneak Peak
Watch the troupers in rehearsal for the 2018 Big Top Tour: Vaudeville. Tickets on sale now.
Smirkus A Family Affair for Newton residents
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Newton TAB on June 19, 2018 and was written by Nick Greenhalgh. Whether you call them ‘Smirkos’ or troupers, jugglers or trapezists, or father and son, Vermont’s Circus Smirkus operates as a tightly knit circus family. In Newton, one family has taken the family atmosphere literally. When the Big Top Tour kicks off next week, 17-year-old Newton resident Chase Levy will be front and center. In his third year on tour, Chase will showcase his growing skills in partner acrobatics and diabolo, or chinese yo-yo. His father, Andrew, won’t be far off as he…
Vaudeville Show Pitch
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Tour Communications Intern Jenna Danyew Longtime Smirkus Composer Peter Bufano slowly turned up the volume on his laptop. His original score filled the rafters of the circus barn and wrapped itself around the troupers huddled on the floor a few feet away. They paused, coconut and strawberry popsicles hovering a few inches from their mouths as they leaned back into each other, a collective unit. Mark Lonergan’s theatrical voice spoke over the music. “OK troupers, it’s time for the show pitch!” he announced, turning on the slide projector and starting his presentation. For those of…
Letter from a Trouper: Lola Picayo
Editor’s note: This post was written by Lola Picayo, 5th year trouper. Smirkus has taught me more in the past five years than I ever imagined I’d learn in a tent. More than just incredible circus skills and performance ability, I’ve learned how to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, hold my own in unfamiliar spaces and truly revel in being myself. Smirkus has given me my best friend, a network of familiar faces across the Northeast, and a confidence and faith in myself I’m not sure I would’ve found had I not been accepted on tour in 2014. My first year…