Rollin’ on the Bola
Hey everyone, Happy Friday to you! As I write this, I am observing Diabolos (Chinese yo-yos) spinning from the window. Diabolo is a type of juggling in which an hourglass-shaped device spins and twirls on a string with sticks. It’s another exciting day here in Greensboro. The troupers are hard at work and continue to make great strides in the progress of their show. Our concession items are trickling in as the debut of the production arrives. Today I spoke with Cindy and Kasey, concessionaires, who were busy organizing T-Shirts in preparation for the tour. I personally can’t wait to…
Water, water Everywhere!
Howdy Smirkus Fans! It was another lively day here in Greensboro. The troupers are well on their way to creating a very memorable show for audiences young and old to revel in. The pleasant weather has continued to stick around, which definitely has raised morale (the weather forecast is threatening to bring back the rain…let’s hope the predictions are wrong!). The clowns took advantage of the 82-degree weather by practicing their water spitting techniques. To a layman, spitting water may not seem to be a difficult task, but surprisingly, there is a certain finesse that allows for optimal distance, fullness,…
Cirque du Jour
Good evening all! Today was a gorgeous Vermont day at the Circus Smirkus Headquarters. This was the first sunny and warm day during rehearsals. The troupers continued rehearsing for the show, which premiers in 17 days. The dedication and endurance of the troupers, and expertise of the coaches is a testament to the the amazing feat that this cast will have accomplished when July 3 arrives. This afternoon Alice Levitt, a food writer for Seven Days, came to do a piece on our very own Pie Car. Levitt interviewed Katie Schroeder, our head cook, and a variety of Smirkus staff…
Back to Our Roots
Good Evening! Thanks for the feedback on this blog. I appreciate all the comments and encourage you to keep ’em coming. This morning, the Smirkos had a special meeting with the Circus Smirkus Creative Team. Jesse Dryden, creative director, and Troy Wunderle, artistic director, explained to the troupers that each one of them is vital to the final product — the 2011 Circus Smirkus show. Troy drove the point home by showing the Troupers a puzzle and then by removing one of the pieces; the absence of just one piece made a difference to the entire aesthetic of the puzzle….
Your Voice from the Road
Greetings Smirkus Fans! I am pleased to welcome you to the brand-new Circus Smirkus blog! This site will provide frequent updates from the road to fill you in on current events from the 2011 Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour. Before we get started, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Alex Zaprudsky and I am the public relations and communication intern here at Circus Smirkus. I attend The University of Iowa majoring in Communication Studies. Upon graduating, I plan to work in public relations for a circus. My very loving and supporting family (Mom,…
Let the 2011 Season Begin!
The 2011 Circus Smirkus season officially began today. The Troupers arrived at the Smirkus Headquarters at 3 o’clock this afternoon, and the atmosphere is buzzing. Old friends have reacquainted and new Troupers have joined the Smirkus family. Tomorrow the Troupers will begin their training for the 2011 Big Top Tour. This group is certainly a vibrant bunch and they will be on an adventure they will not soon forget!