Barrington Clown Lives 'Dream'

Set your DVRs for public television in April to record “Circus Dreams,” an award-winning documentary film that includes a Barrington native now living and working in Las Vegas as a clown.

Spencer Novich is in the film’s supporting cast as a member of Circus Smirkus, the acclaimed youth circus based in Vermont that is featured in the movie. He delivers one of the film’s funniest lines about life and gender on Clown Alley, according to the circus.

After Circus Smirkus, Novich then earned a degree in physical theater from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. He is starring now as the lead clown in Cirque du Soleil’s production, "KA," in Las Vegas.

“Circus Dreams” follows the adventures of the troupe of teens and tweens who entertain audiences around New England on a Big Top Tour. The film captures the energy, perseverance, teamwork and friendships at the acclaimed Vermont-based youth circus as it readies a brand-new show and takes it on the road for 70 performances in 14 towns over seven weeks.

"Circus Dreams" is described as an entertaining and inspiring testament to the power of youthful dreams. It was awarded Best Feature Film at the 2012 Providence Children’s Film Festival in February, where it played before a sold-out audience.

"Circus Dreams" was awarded Best Feature Film at the 2012 Providence Children’s Film Festival in February where it screened to a sold-out audience. WSBE-TV will air the film on April 4, April 6 and again on April 28.

The film will also be broadcast on April 10 and April 11 on the digital channel WSBE-Learn. Visit www.ripbs.org or check local listings for broadcast times.

Circus Smirkus returns to Rhode Island this summer on its 25th anniversary tour. It will play at the Washington County Fairgrounds July 15-16. For more information, visit www.smirkus.org. Click here to see a Circus Dream Hour.