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Show pitch and a sunny day- Friday, June 14th
Yesterday began as the nicest day so far! It was warm and sunny from the start, and the smiles were even bigger than before at breakfast. It’s definitely easier to get up early (breakfast is at 7:30am, so everyone wakes up at 7) when the sun is shining. From trampoline to clowning to triple trapeze, at rehearsals yesterday, the troupers began building their routines for the show. While they still didn’t know which characters they’d be playing, I enjoyed seeing them combine the skills they’d been working on in each act- it feels like the show is really starting…
Time to get pied!- Thursday, June 13th
Yesterday was another day here at Smirkus, and with the pie car serving homemade donuts for breakfast, the day was off to a great (although gray- the sky was a bit overcast) start. Warm-ups were shorter yesterday morning to allow for half an hour of director’s time before lunch. With days packed full of classes and practices for their own acts, the troupers used breaks in their schedules to rest, catch up on sleep, and- in many cases- watch each others’ classes. It’s pretty cool to see the Smirkos attending classes to watch their friends rehearse. They seem eager…
Casting and getting in to the swing of things!- Wednesday, June 12th
What I’ve learned in my first week at Smirkus is that the circus is a place to grow. For coaches, staff, and troupers, spending ten weeks away from home is a chance to meet new people, explore new places, and learn new things- circus skills, things about the world, but most importantly things about themselves. Towards the end of hand balances class, I overheard one trouper remark to another how he feels he’s learned and grown so much through his four summers with Smirkus. What’s unique about the environment here extends beyond the location (the mountainous scenery extends far beyond…
First day of classes!- Monday, June 10th
Yesterday, June 9th, was the first day of classes for the troupers. It was an early start, with breakfast at 7:30 instead of the previous 8:30. Feelings of nervousness had dissipated, and the troupers’ chatter over french toast and eggs at breakfast turned to what classes they’d be attending that day- should they try something new, or go with the apparatus they’re familiar and comfortable with? Most went with a mixture of both, wanting to practice their specialty but also interested in branching out. After warmups, all of the troupers stayed in the academy tent where coach Sellam taught acro…
The Troupers are here!- Sunday, June 9th
When we woke up on Saturday, there was a certain buzz of excitement in the air, as it was finally the day that the troupers would be arriving! Judy (Operations Director) lead the first full staff meeting after breakfast, where we went over important details and reminders for the day. Finally, it felt like we were all one big group (and an even bigger group now that the troupers are here!). The next few hours were pretty hectic as there was lots to get done before the troupers were to arrive at three: equipment was assembled, rigging was set up,…
Welcome to Smirkus!- Saturday, June 8th
Greetings from Greensboro! My name is Molly Hudelson and I’m the PR Intern for Circus Smirkus’s 2013 Big Top Tour. I never thought I’d be running off to join the circus, but less than a week before my college graduation it was official: I would be joining Circus Smirkus on tour this summer. On Sunday May 19th, dressed in our caps and gowns, standing together as one for the last time, I felt like I was bragging about my post-graduation plans to my classmates, most of whom were bound for graduate or medical school or entering traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Nothing…