NBC Visits Circus Smirkus

Watch this video of NBC Nightly News Kids Edition with Lester Holt: The NBC Nightly News team came to visit Circus Smirkus in Greensboro, VT. Reporter Kristen Dahlgren got to know our troupers, watched the show and met with Interim Co-Executive Directors Josh Shack and Rachel Schiffer. You can watch the episode above. For more information about the Big Top Tour or Smirkus Camp, visit smirkus.org.
Watch the 2023 Smirk-o-Thon!
Watch this video of our 2023 Smirk-o-Thon: On July 28, we hosted a live stream of our 2023 Smirk-o-thon Fundraiser where our troupers and alumni competed in circus contests of skill and endurance (with lots of fun sprinkled in), hosted by Big Top Tour alum and coach Patrick Tobin and alum Sarah Tiffin! You can still donate to help us meet our goal of raising $10,000 to support the programs and mission of Smirkus and create life-changing experiences of memories, friendships, and a summer of success under the Big Top! Donate here!
Watch the 2023 Big Top Tour Trailer!

Watch this video trailer of the 2023 Big Top Tour: The 2023 Big Top Tour: A Midsummer Night’s Circus is on the road! Check out this trailer created by trouper Ian Kent and you’ll see what the show is all about. We’d love to see you at a show this summer. The tour travels all over New England from July 1 – August 19. The schedule and tickets are available at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/
Circus Smirkus Works its Big Top Magic at Farr’s Field
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Waterbury Roundabout on July 9, 2023 and was written by by Olivia Conti and Sadie Ensana with photos by Gordon Miller As performers wearing colorful costumes entered the Circus Smirkus ring, they captured the gaze of wide-eyed children among the 750 audience members seated under the big top tent on a hot July afternoon. Performers Avery Steere and Cora Williams playing the roles of a king and queen effortlessly and elegantly rode unicycles as audience members’ eyes followed them in circles. Although this was Waterbury’s first year hosting the Vermont-grown youth circus, ticket sales were…
Opening and Our First Jump!

Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate June Mello The time since our last update has been full to the gills with activity, as well as new experiences and fun. After concluding the final week of creation, we opened the touring season with two shows on July 1st at our home base in Greensboro. Both shows were sold out and we had some press coverage that day as well. The troupers did an amazing job, and it was great to see all the work they had done come together at last. But there was no time to rest! Immediately after the…
Circus Smirkus Rolls into Three County Fairgrounds

Editor’s note: This story first appeared on MassLive.com on July 6, 2023 and was written by Keith O’Connor Photo by Justin Miel Eva Lou Rhinelander loves clowning around. But even more, she likes wrapping herself up into all sorts of contortions, not to mention going round-and-round with the hula hoop. Rhinelander, 18, who hails from Melrose, is one of the many young stars of Circus Smirkus, which rolls into the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton on Saturday and Sunday. Showtimes are Saturday at 1 and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This year’s tour continues the tradition of Smirkus’…
The Show is On the Road!
The 2023 Big Top Tour is out on the road! Watch this video for a preview: We’ve sold out our first two sites! Don’t wait to purchase your tickets ! The troupers and all the staff are thrilled to present the 2023 Big Top Tour: A Midsummer Night’s Circus for you! The tour travels all over New England from now through August 19. The schedule and tickets are available at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/
The Show is Almost Here!

The 2023 Big Top Tour opens July 1! Watch this video for a sneak peek: Catch a glimpse of our rehearsals, hear a bit of our music! The troupers, the creative team and all the staff are preparing the 2023 Big Top Tour: A Midsummer Night’s Circus for you! Come see the show this summer. The tour travels all over New England from July 1 – August 19. The schedule and tickets are available at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/
Energy, Passion and Extracurriculars

Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate June Mello Creation Week 2 was one bursting with activity. Not only have the acts been getting more and more polished each day, we’ve also moved on to the stage of production where run-throughs happen each day. Scene transitions and character work have now become just as important as refining tricks and practicing skills. The costumes and concessions departments have also both arrived since my last update, making the start of the tour feel even closer. They did first fittings for costumes this week, and next week I’ll be working with some…
Big Top Tour Sneak Peek!

The 2023 Big Top Tour show is in rehearsals. Watch this video for a sneak peek! The tents are up and the barn is buzzing with activity. The troupers, the creative team and all the staff are preparing the 2023 Big Top Tour: A Midsummer Night’s Circus for you! Come see the show this summer. The tour travels all over New England from July 1 – August 19. The schedule and tickets are available at smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/