Author Archives: Circus Smirkus
Don’t Miss Road Show 2026!
What happens when you let eight deeply talented and incredibly creative youth write, edit, produce, and perform their own traveling circus show? You get a spectacular show full of acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and so much joy. This year’s show, “Summer Spooktacular,” follows a group of young people out on a summer adventure full of thrills and chills. Together, they’ll learn to face their fears with smiles and silliness in an all-ages, family-friendly show. We hope to see you at one of Road Show’s many community appearances–or at SMIRKFEST on August 8, 2026, where they’ll present three shows throughout the day….
Ready, Set, Chapiteau!
Arriving in Greensboro a few weeks ago, my to-do list for staff training was long. We still had kitchen positions to fill, mats and equipment to load into tents, dorms to clean, curriculum to plan, and so, so much more. The most important thing ahead of us was building cohesive staff teams within our big camp community.
WATCH: 2025 Big Top Tour Preview Video
WATCH THIS VIDEO!Have you seen the 2025 Big Top Tour: GAME ON! yet? There’s still time to see the show this summer. The tour is on the road and next stops are MA, ME, NH and VT! Get your tickets at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/ and join us!
All the Action of Week One at Advanced Camp
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Camp Photographer & Communications Assistant Elly Craig There have been so many wonderful things happening this week at smirkus camp. Our Roadshow campers launched into their first tour performances, kicking things off with a high-energy show at the Craftsbury Blueberry Festival on Saturday. The turnout was great—loud cheers and delighted hoots escaped people’s lips as the campers poured their hearts into every act. After the show, director Fritz shared that he felt renewed with the magic of collaborating with such passionate young artists. Their dedication, authenticity, and strong sense of community radiated both onstage and…
Don’t Miss Smirkus Camp Road Show “Order Up!”
Our Smirkus Camp Road Show campers are serving up something spectacular—they’ve hit the road with their brand-new show, “Order Up!”—a delightful and delicious mix of circus skills, comedy, and creativity cooked up by 10 top-tier campers. This flavorful, FREE performance is popping up all across the Northeast Kingdom, so check the schedule and grab a front-row seat at this one-of-a-kind circus feast. Don’t miss your chance to get a taste of Smirkus! July 26: 11:00am – Craftsbury Farmer’s Market July 29: 11:30am – The Lunchbox Irasburg @ Leach Library July 30: 11:30am – The Lunchbox Barton @ Barton Library July 31: 11:30am – The Lunchbox Newport @ Gardner Memorial Park August 1: 3:00 PM…
VIDEO: Watch the New Trailer!
WATCH THIS VIDEO!Have you seen the 2025 Big Top Tour: GAME ON! yet? There’s still time to see the show this summer. The tour is on the road and next stops are MA, ME, NH and VT! Get your tickets at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/ and join us!
Bananas, Rainbows, and Flash Mobs: A Smirkus Summer Recap
Editor’s Note: This post was written by acting Activities Director & Counselor Kathryn Fischmann As I sat in the staff lounge, reflecting on the past two weeks of camp, thinking of how I wanted to start this blog post, I looked over at our Head Counselor, Alevia, and the bottle of Maple Syrup sitting next to her computer. It was in that moment, I was struck with a beautiful analogy: I like to think of the end of a camp session like boiling sugar water; When all the water has simmered away and evaporated, what’s left is a sticky, sweet syrup…
Tent Crew: The Nuts and Bolts that Keep Smirkus Together
WATCH THIS VIDEO!We love our tent crew! Watch this appreciation video of our tent crew and technicians who set up and tear down the tent at each and every site as we travel down the road. It’s no small feat! Then make sure to come and see the show! Get your tickets at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/ and join us!
Reflections from Our Smirkus Camp CITs
The Counselors-in-Training came together this week to reflect on their experiences of what they have learned from being at Smirkus and what they hope to continue fostering by being new leaders at Smirkus.Here’s what our CITs love most about camp: Seeing the tents for the first time, or the first time in a year, is always a magical experience. Being able to hug friends, old and new, is a deeply special moment for everyone, and now, as CITs, we can appreciate this magic more than ever. In just two weeks, Smirkus becomes a tight-knit community where everyone can feel…
Watch the New 2025 Big Top Tour Trailer!
WATCH THIS VIDEO!The 2025 Big Top Tour: GAME ON! is on the road! Watch this talented troupe of 28 youth performers from around the country do circus Smirkus style! Then get your tickets at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/ and join us!