Circus Smirkus: Where Young Performers Shine Under the Big Top

Circus Smirkus, a traveling circus troupe based in Vermont, is captivating audiences across Maine this summer with its talented young performers. The show, which features acrobats, jugglers, and other skilled artists between the ages of 10 and 18, is a testament to the new generation of circuses that are redefining the art form.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Circus Stars

A Family Affair

Sayad Moudachirou, a Scarborough resident, brought his daughters Maya, 9, and Shoshana, 7, to see Circus Smirkus last year, and the experience left a lasting impression. "As soon as the show ended, they wanted to enroll in circus camp," Moudachirou said. "They appreciated that all the performers are still kids, and that makes it so relatable."This year, Moudachirou and his family will be among the many who will flock to the Circus Smirkus performances in Maine. The show will make stops at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, Rockin' Horse Stables in Kennebunkport, and the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, offering a total of more than a dozen shows under the big top.

A Circus for Kids, by Kids

Circus Smirkus is a unique organization that was founded in 1987 as an arts and education program, focused on training young performers and putting on family-friendly shows. The performers, who range in age from 10 to 18, take classes in a variety of circus disciplines, including juggling, acrobatics, and unicycling."The nice thing is this is a show for kids by kids, but we don't dumb it down," said Cora Williams, an 18-year-old performer from Ithaca, New York, who is in her third summer season with the circus. "I love it when the kids (in the audience) come and talk to us. We have lots of little kids who come up to us. That's how I got into it. We teach them some tricks, and we get lots of hugs."

Inspiring the Next Generation

For Moudachirou, the appeal of Circus Smirkus goes beyond the entertainment value. He sees it as an opportunity for his daughters to learn new skills and develop leadership qualities. "For me, as a parent, it was great to see the performers taking ownership of what they were doing. It goes beyond performing; it's almost about leadership," he said.The performers themselves are also aware of the impact they can have on their young audience members. Williams, who is "graduating" from Circus Smirkus this year, is excited to be part of a "new generation reimagining what circus is" without animals and without limits. She believes that the skills she's learned can lead to a variety of career paths, from touring circuses to cruise ship shows and corporate events.

A Unique Circus Experience

Circus Smirkus is a far cry from the traditional circuses of the past, which were often associated with animal acts and daring stunts. Instead, the focus is on showcasing the talents of young performers who have honed their skills through training and dedication.This year's tour theme, "The Imaginarium," promises a magical experience, with performers taking on the roles of tumbling teddy bears, high-flying marionettes, and a jumpy Jack-in-the-Box. The show's intimate setting, with a capacity of 750 people, allows the audience to connect with the performers in a way that is often lacking in larger productions.As Moudachirou noted, the fact that the performers are still kids themselves makes the experience all the more relatable and inspiring for the young audience members. "They were going into the crowd and talking to people, sharing their excitement," he said, reflecting on last year's show.With its talented young performers, innovative approach to the circus art form, and commitment to inspiring the next generation, Circus Smirkus is poised to captivate audiences in Maine and beyond. For those seeking a unique and unforgettable circus experience, this is a show not to be missed.