The Making of the 2023 Poster
You may have seen the beautiful poster art for the 2023 Big Top Tour: A Midsummer Night’s Circus. What you may not know is that it was illustrated by our own Joy Powers, an alum who has worn many Smirkus hats! It was then digitally finalized by another long-time Smirkus artist, Jason Eckenroth. Joy first became interested in circus and clowning after seeing a Circus Smirkus show at age 13. After attending Smirkus Camp, she auditioned for the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour, in which she performed in the summers of 2006 and 2007. She is featured in and narrates Signe…
Introducing the 2023 Troupers
Watch this video to meet our 2023 Big Top Tour troupers! Congratulations to the 30 young circus artists, ages ranging from age 11-18, who will go on the road this summer performing over 60 shows all over New England in our beautiful Big Top circus tent! There are 20 returning troupers and 10 new troupers from the following United States (CA, CO, CT, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI and WI) and Canada. Stay tuned for our tour schedule and ticket information this spring. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2023. Special thanks to Andy Bell for creating this beautiful video!
Circus Smirkus Names Stephanie Abrams as 2023 Big Top Tour Show Director
Greensboro, VT. – Circus Smirkus announces Stephanie Abrams as the 2023 Big Top Tour Show Director. In this role, Abrams will lead the creation, development and execution of the 2023 Big Top Tour production. To the role of show director of the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour, the country’s only touring tented youth circus, Abrams brings 30 years of experience working with circus performers of all ages. Steve MacQueen, Executive Artistic Director for Circus Smirkus, outlines a vision for the organization focused on collaboration and diversity. “Bringing in artists with a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and abilities allows us to…
2022 Big Top Tour Closing Weekend Video
Thank you for spending the summer with Circus Smirkus!
What Goes Up, Must Come Down!
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate Lila Chafe What goes up must come down! This truism takes form every few days for Circus Smirkus on our six week New England tour. At each new site, the tent crew, a group of experts in the assembly of big top tents, leads the cast and staff in raising three tents essential for the show. This year, troupers have gotten to experience the full teardown process. Miki Hertog-Raz, a fourth and final year trouper, exclaims that getting to stay on lot and be a part of the action is…
Smirkus Traditions
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate Lila Chafe Invisible to the audience yet part of every performance under the big top, Smirkus traditions create a culture of celebration that is central to life on the road. Long standing traditions like the Smirko circle – a full cast meeting before every show– or the unique way we celebrate birthdays (hint: it gets messy) are supplemented by trouper-created rituals introduced each year. Blu Catanzaro, Cora Williams, Ian Kent, and Athena Montori wait for their entrance in Greensboro. Pre-show traditions are central to the life of a Circus Smirkus trouper….
We’re Out on the Road
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate Lila Chafe After three eventful weeks, Circus Smirkus troupers and staff began the 2022 New England Tour on July 2nd. As we prepared for opening day and gave final notes for each rigging cue, juggling pass, and finale choreography, the show transformed from an exciting idea to a dazzling performance begging to have an audience. The week before the tour began was packed with rehearsals but amidst the rush of preparing for a 46 show run, still included cherished Smirkus traditions. To…
The 2022 Big Top Tour Trailer!
Watch this official trailer of the 2022 Big Top Tour: On the Road AgainTickets available online or by phone. Buy yours today!
The Show Is Ready to Go!
Watch this Sneak Peek of the troupers training for the 2022 Big Top Tour: On the Road AgainTickets available online or by phone. Buy yours today!
The Troupers Have Arrived!
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Associate Lila Chafe It was a breezy summer day in Greensboro when the Circus Smirkus staff welcomed 30 troupers and their family members to the Circus Barn. The arrival of troupers officially marked the beginning of the training period for the Big Top Tour, a moment that would put years of imagination into performance. The morning began with staff members putting together final touches on bunk assignments, clown skit choreography, set development, and Pie Car menu preparation. The once quiet, planned days would soon transform into moments of bursting creative exploration,…