Archives
2014
Anchors Away for Atlantis! Smirkus ventures beneath the waves flooding the Big Top with maritime merriment. Fans under the tent are treated to a circus first with head rigger Cris Clark’s newly developed aerial boom, while fans in cyber-space pay a virtual visit to clown alley with Eva Sollberger’s “Stuck in Vermont.” Construction begins on a permanent home for Smirkus Camp right down the road from Circus Smirkus World HQ.
2013
The Troupers take fans somewhere over the rainbow with Oz Incorporated while Smirkus goes “Emerald”, greening up and reducing the carbon footprint of our clown shoes. Cause for celebration includes a trouper designed shower house in partnership with Yestermorrow, a new pie car, and new midway and back lot tents. Graduating Smirkos continue their adventures with École Nationale de Cirque, Dans och Cirkushögskolan and Ringling Brothers.
2012
Circus Smirkus travels through time in more ways than one with Topsy Turvy Time Travel, our 25th Anniversary celebration and a beautiful commemorative book by Rob Mermin and Rob Gurwitt. Our 25th Anniversary alumni show and reunion celebration will not be forgotten for another 25 years.
2011
Smirkus’ makes news with Frontpage Follies as Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Dan Barry visits the Big Top Tour for The New York Times, and Smirkus is highlighted by the influential parenting blog CoolMomPicks.com. Our Residency Program reaches a record number of school children. Smirkus administrators initiate a cultural and artistic exchange with the National Circus School of Cuba. Smirkus documentary Circus Dreams wins awards at national and international film festivals!
2010
Hail to the Chief! Former US President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush take in Wilderness Wonders. Smirkus collaborates with the National Park Service to promote the joys of outdoor adventures. Teen Kids News introduces Smirkus to its 10 million viewers as “one of the nation’s most fun circuses!” Smirkus Camp welcomes kids from 24 states and seven countries and 15 other circus programs, including Brooklyn’s Cirque Du Monde, Indonesia’s Red Nose Circus, and Palestine’s Al Rowwad Cultural and Theatre Center in the Aida Refugee Camp.
2009
Juggling pigs, a witch on trapeze, three acrobatic bears and a host of magical characters draw a record number of “straw houses” (sold out shows) to Smirkus Ever After: A Big Top Fairytale. The editor of Spectacle magazine calls the show “the most successful and creative circus I have seen in a very long time.” The Vermont Arts Council highlights Smirkus School Residency programs as a way for kids to master learning strategies while having fun. Smirkus Summer Camp takes a final bow at Sterling College. Next stop, Lyndon Institute.
2008
EthioCircus and CirColumbia form new bonds with Smirkus for Smirkusology: A Science Extravaganza. Big Apple’s “Grandma,” Three Smirkos sign with Ringling Bros. Smirkus garners coverage from the AP, Fox, NPR and Reuters. Smirkus Camp lauded as a “model of safety” in How to Keep Your Children Safe: A Guide for Parents. Founder Rob Mermin honored with Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.
2007
Audiences thrill with the swinging spy escapade,The Zoot Suit Caper. Four international troupers join the tour, from Colombia, France and Mongolia. Smirkus wins grants to provide over 20 free school residencies throughout Vermont.
2006
Smirkus kicks back on a Tropical Vacation as directors Troy Wunderle and Jesse Dryden make their debut. Circus Smirkus Camp welcomes kids from the Big Apple Circus after school programs in a first-ever collaboration between the downtown and hometown circus camps.
2005
Smirkus brings Pinocchio alive, in collaboration with the master puppeteers of Sandglass Theater. Miniature donkeys, Jiminy Cricket and Figaro, steal hearts at ringside. Smirkus Camp celebrates 15 years of allowing kids to run away and join the circus … one week at a time.