Circus Smirkus Celebrates Fairytales with “Smirkus Ever After” One of summer’s beloved traditions returns to Essex Junction from July 1 through 3 as Circus Smirkus brings its renowned spectacular to the Champlain Valley Exposition. Shows will be presented at 12 noon and 6:30 pm each day. 
Circus Smirkus, Vermont’s own international traveling youth circus, will turn the pages on Aesop, the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, bringing classic stories to life through the spectacle and enchantment of circus. Q uicker than the Big Bad Wolf can say “Rumpelstiltskin!” center ring will be transformed into a fairytale kingdom, where fabled figures come to life, circus-style. It’s fee, fi, fo fun!, sure to delight circus-goers of all ages. So race the tortoise all the way to Grandmother’s house, grab a seat by the Storyteller, and get ready to hear your favorite tales told once upon a big top. The summer Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour showcases the best young talent, ages 10 to 18, in the Circus Arts today, selected by audition to share the ring with professional circus artists. Backed by coaches, cooks, crew, and musicians, the Troupers perform to sell-out crowds in a 750-seat European-style one-ring Big Top tent. Every year, organizers choose a new storyline and develop an original full-length show that combines the best of traditional and contemporary circus styles. It's a complete immersion in circus life, including rigorous training, daily chores, loading in and loading out the Big Top, and performing in over 70 shows in 14 towns in just seven weeks.  The Smirkus Troupers are truly the heart of our summer Big Top Tour. Selected by audition, recruited from the circus camp, or invited from other circus programs across the US and around the world, the Troupers (including several Vermonters) experience a complete immersion in the joys and rigors of circus life. A number of former Troupers have gone on to professional careers in circus and the other performing arts. For more information - www.smirkus.org |