Archives
2004
Smirkus catapults Through the Looking Glass. Volunteers for Peace join Smirkus with students from Spain, France, England and Poland.Smirkus featured on “The Martha Stewart Show.” Smirkus alumni gather for first professional gig — at Sea World in San Antonio, TX — as the featured stage show. Smirkus founder Rob Mermin receives Vermont Arts Council Award of Merit.
2003
The Legion of Laughter: Superheroes of Smirkopolis soars into action with directors of The Midnight Circus and performers from Sweden’s Youth Circus troupe “Cirkus and Variete.” Circus School Residency programs expand; Summer Camp adds Smirkling Camp and Family Camp sessions. Year-round staff grows to 15, seasonal staff to 100.
2002
Legends of the Wild West rides into town with a six- member bluegrass band, “First Nation” dancers and cowboy rope spinners from the Southwest. Smirkus Advance Camp creates a Road Show to tour hospitals and nursing homes. Smirkus alumni span the globe performing and teaching.
2001
Sci-Fi Smirkus: A Space Idiocy lands in 15 towns with 72 shows in 7 weeks. First appearance of the Chicago Boyz, and full collaboration with Chicago’s Midnight Circus. First Arab-Israeli circus kids from Jerusalem perform in the Smirkus tent; part of a joint peace program. Julia Child joins Honorary Smirkus Board of Directors after dining at the Smirkus “pie car.” Smirkos stand out at first festival of American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO). Smirkus invited back to the International Children’s Festival at Wolf Trap.
2000
Voyage of the Pirate Queen storms New England with troupers from 5 countries and 7 states. IndoKids from Indonesia join the tour. Smirkus performs with Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath. Smirkus acclaimed “The United Nations of the Youth Circus World” at the International Children’s Festival at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. The Disney Channel broadcasts “Totally Circus,” a 14-part Smirkus TV documentary, around the world. Vermont Chamber of Commerce names Smirkus one of “Mom’s Top Picks for Kids.”
1999
The Adventures of Robin Hood romps through Martha’s Vineyard and other New England villages. Entire summer filmed for the Disney Channel. Alberto Zoppe family from Italy joins the tour with Percheron horses. Marcel Marceau gives smashing benefit performance in the Smirkus tent. Smirko high wire walker wins place in Guinness Book of World Records. Hollywood producer Norman Lear brings friend Dom DeLuise to visit the tour.
1998
’50s Rock n’ Roll Tour rocks our new, 750-seat European Big Top! Troupers from the USA, Russia, Israel, Mongolia and China experience first exchange with the Wuqiao School and Chinese Acrobatic Arts Association. Troupers win “People’s Choice” Award at Swedish International Circus Festival. Smirkos perform with Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
1997
Tenth Anniversary Birthday Party Tour! plays 60 shows in 44 days in 18 towns throughout New England. Rob Mermin’s Circus Smirkus: A True Story of High Adventure and Low Comedy published, with foreword by Marcel Marceau. Smirkus wins “Bessie Award” for Excellence. Smirkus founder and coaches perform in “Festival of Circus” at Washington’s Kennedy Center.
1996
Lights, Action, Circus! — a ’20s-style “silent movie” tour. Smirkus again named “Top Ten Summer Event.” First troupers go pro with Ringling, Cirque du Soleil and European circuses. First Smirko Rhodes Scholar. Playwright David Mamet drops by.
1995
Class Clowns includes guest performers from Russia, Mongolia and Hungary. First exchange with Budapest Circus School. Founder Rob Mermin appointed Director of Ringling Bros. Clown College. Two Smirkos graduate the college and win contracts with Ringling Bros.