Circus Kids And The Parents Who Love Them

Running away to join the Circus may sound like a cliche, but for the kids of Circus Smirkus, it's the stuff dreams are made of.

Circus Smirkus, the nationally acclaimed youth circus, visits Rhode Island on July 25 and 26 at Washington County Fairgrounds to benefit the Meadowbrook Waldorf School in West Kingston.

What began as a small Vermont show 20 years ago has grown into a two-month summer tour throughout New England. And this circus is run almost entirely on kid power. Kids ages 10 to 18 are the stars of the show, as well as the crew and concessions staff. Their summer with the Circus teaches responsibility, teamwork and valuable performance skills; but since the troupe hails from all over the county and as far as New Zealand, it also means a summer of travel, away from their families. 

Talk about an exercise in "letting go" for parents! 

As a parent and someone who works with families, I'm fascinated by the kids in the show. They go through a rigorous audition process to secure one of the coveted troupe member spots. Once a part of the show, they perform in their area of expertise, which may be juggling, acrobatics, trapeze, wire walking, clowning — anything that you'd expect to see in a full-length professional circus show.

Parents: Would you let your child run away to join the circus for the summer? I had a chance to chat with three of the performers about how their parents support this circus passion. The kids are brave, but I'd say that the parents are, too. 

Troupe member Olivia Saunders from Acton Mass. started out as a camper in Circus Smirkus's Beginner's Camp and said she was hooked after one week. From there, she progressed onto the advanced camp, where the logical next step was to audition for tour.

The support of her parents has made it possible for her to pursue this passion that she says "combines everything I love: gymnastics, theater, and fun into one."

Saunders says she thinks her parents are happy that "I found what I really love to do." However, she says she also appreciates that they still keep her focused on homework and jobs as well. Her parents often remind her to be true to herself and do what really makes her happy. 

She sounds pretty happy this summer. 

Collin Miclon from Buckfield, Maine, says he was hooked after seeing a Circus Smirkus show. His father, a performer himself, has given Colin "100 percent of his encouragement in pursuit of his performing career." When Colin left for the Circus his parents reminded him to never lose sight of who he is and who he wants to become. Wise words! This summer he's become a member of a traveling circus. 
 
And finally, Emily Gare crossed oceans to perform with Circus Smirkus. She lives in New Zealand where she trains with circus coach, Jenny Ritche, who encouraged her to audition for the show. Emily's parents understand her desire to perform as they are both involved with theater themselves. Her mother's advice is always "put your horse blinkers on!” — a helpful reminder to stay focused. 

Find what makes you happy, stay true to what you want to become,  and keep focused — good advice from some brave parents who've let their children leave the nest on a whirlwind summer adventure. I'm sure it wasn't easy to let them go, but I admire their ability to put their own reservations aside so that their children can trapeze, juggle, cartwheel, and clown their way throughout New England for a summer they will never forget. 

While most of us do not have kids who possess the circus skill set, our kids are talented in a lot of other ways. Let's remember the circus parents the next time we have an opportunity to support and encourage our children's interests and talents — you never know where it could lead. 

Support this inspiring group of kids and see the show this summer! Tickets are available for purchase online or at the AAA office in Narragansett or Warwick, as well as at Lickety Splits in Richmond.

Johanna Corcoran is a Johnston resident, member of our Mom's Council, and founder of Familytopia. She tried Trapeze — once — and probably will never try again!