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,…
That’s A Wrap!
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Tour Communications Intern Teagan Allen This week the 2021 Big Top Tour troupers and staff finished filming the last of the Smirk-o-Vision Finale! All summer, our Smirkus Troupers have been creating acts, performing and filming their show, Flare, A Campfire Story, which will stream on August 21. Filming a show was a new experience for everyone involved and it came with many stories and lessons. Without giving away too much of the show, here are a few things we learned: Always have bug spray nearby for outdoor shoots. Rely on Vermont to rain at the most…
From Trouper to Counselor: Lindsey Barrows
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Tour Communications Intern Teagan Allen Lindsey Barrows is one of this year’s fantastic Smirkus Tour counselors. One of the things that makes her a great counselor is that she was a Smirkus Trouper. From the ages of 15 to 18, Lindsey went on tour and experienced Smirkus magic through being a performer and trouper. Now, she is helping create magic for troupers as a counselor. In this conversation with Lindsey, learn about where her experience as both a trouper and counselor intersect. When you were a trouper did you want to be a counselor?…
When the Unfamiliar Becomes Everyday Life
Editor’s Note: This post was written by 2nd year trouper Grant Bishop, from Los Angeles, CA In my head, New England and Smirkus are one and the same. My first time stepping onto East Coast soil was my trip to participate in the Circus Smirkus live auditions in 2020, and ever since then New England has been a home for me in many ways. Growing up in Los Angeles, I had little to no knowledge of a Northeastern lifestyle and was pretty content with my day to day surrounded by palm trees, ocean breezes, and the excitement of the city. However,…
Every Trouper in Every Act?
Editor’s Note: This post was written by summer Tour Communications Intern Teagan Allen This past Friday the coaches had a surprise in store for our troupers. When they walked into the tent during the time they would usually warm up for the day, they were handed a note. The note instructed them to create a show for their coaches with no guidance. This was to be done in an hour and a half. If that doesn’t sound difficult enough, they couldn’t use any circus equipment, perform any tricks, and every trouper had to be in every act. The troupers instantly circled…