Vermont’s Award-Winning Traveling Youth - 30th Anniversary!

The 2017 Presents Big Tour

TICKETS AT SMIRKUS.ORG OR CALL 1-877-SMIRKUS (1-877-764-7587) It’s Our 30th Anniversary! 2017 Big Top Tour Route

July 2 - Opening July 17 & 18 July 20 & 21 August 4 & 5 Greensboro, VT Keene, NH Hanover, NH Newbury, MA Sunday 1 & 6 pm Cheshire Fairgrounds Fullington Farm Field Spencer Peirce Little Farm Presented by Mon & Tues 1 & 6 pm Thurs & Fri 1 & 6 pm Fri 1 & 6 pm, The Circus Barn Presented by Monadnock Presented by Sat 12:30 & 5:30 pm Waldorf School The Circus Barn Presented by July 5 & 6 Theater in the Open Waitsfield, VT July 23 & 24 Kenyon’s Field August 7 & 8 Wed & Thurs 1 & 6 pm Milford, NH Freeport, ME Keyes Memorial Field Presented by Freeport Middle School Sun & Mon 1 & 6 pm Waitsfield Mon & Tues 1 & 6 pm Presented by Children’s Center Presented by Maine Flying Gravity Circus Coast Waldorf School July 8 & 9 July 26 & 27 August 10 & 11

Essex Junction, VT Kennebunkport, ME Sat & Sun 12 & 5 pm Marshfield, MA Marshfield Fairgrounds Rockin’ Horse Stables Presented by Champlain Wed 2 & 7 pm, Thurs 11 am Thurs & Fri 1 & 6 pm Valley Expo Presented by Marshfield Presented by Education Foundation Kennebunkport Consolidated Schools July 28, 29 & 30 August 13 & 14 July 11 & 12 Waltham, MA Bartlett, NH Gore Place Saratoga Springs, NY Sun & Mon 1 & 6 pm Fri & Sat 2 & 7 pm Saratoga Casino Hotel Presented by Sun 11 am & 4 pm Tues & Wed 1 & 6 pm Attitash Mountain Resort Presented by Presented by The Circus Barn Waldorf School of August 16, 17 & 18 Saratoga Springs August 1 & 2 Montpelier, VT Montpelier High School July 14 & 15 Northampton, MA Wed, Thurs & Fri 1 & 6 pm Three County Fairgrounds St. Johnsbury, VT Presented by Tues & Wed 1 & 6 pm Green Mountain Mall The Circus Barn Presented by North Star Fri & Sat 1 & 6 pm Presented by August 20 - Finale Catamount Arts Greensboro, VT Sunday 1 & 6 pm Presented by Circus Smirkus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Circus Barn Thank You For Celebrating With Us! REPORT

MARK LONERGAN TROY WUNDERLE Creative Director Artistic Director

In my research for this year’s show, I’ve taken 20 years ago my wife and I became employees my three year old son to the American Museum of Circus Smirkus and shortly thereafter we were of Natural History a number of times. He has his accepted as family. We have watched both of our favorites - the big blue whale, the sharks, the daughters grow up within the Smirkus ring and have dinosaurs. forged lifelong friendships along the way. We can’t thank Smirkus enough for everything that it has given But what’s really striking is how museums — created us, and we are not alone in our gratitude. centuries ago as displays of exotic items from private collections — can be a source of wonder and magic For the past 30 years, Circus Smirkus has inspired all in 2017. With all of our high-tech distractions, a place of us to unlock our creative minds in pursuit of great of real objects, some hundreds of years old, can still adventure. Hundreds of characters have tumbled into capture our imaginations in a profound way. our ring over the past three decades and each has left their unique mark on history. It is my mission to What better way to celebrate 30 years of Smirkus honor their legacy by sharing our collective knowledge than with a show that looks backwards and forwards and passion with the next generation. “Midnight at the simultaneously, with a joyful spirit and a true Museum” embraces our history and hopes to inspire celebration of everything life has to offer. Happy creative dreams within us all. Anniversary, Circus Smirkus! Grab your ticket and tumble into a magical ring of possibilities. The thrill of the next 30 years begins with you. 30TH ANNIVERSARY

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Vermont’s Award-Winning Traveling Youth Circus Vermont’s Award-Winning Traveling Youth Circus 30th Anniversary Big Top Tour

The 2016 Presents Up, HUP, and Away! Big Top Tour The 2017 The Invention of Flight Presents AT MIDNIGHTTHEMUSEUM Big Top Tour

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 INTRODUCING THE 2017 BIG TOP TOUR TROUPERS

4th 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Dylan Biedrzycki, 16 William Borges, 16 Ilse Bryan, 12 Patrick Chikoloma, 18 Hannah Grove, 15 Merrimack, NH Baiting Hollow, NY Lincoln, RI Lusaka, Zambia Blacksburg, VA Although Dylan spends most This is William’s first year If not upside down, Ilse loves Growing up in Chibolya, Hannah is a Level 9 of his time upside down and performing on Tour. He has talking, annoying her sister, Zambia, Patrick discovered competitive gymnast at VA training for circus, he also is trained at iFly in New neon spandex, riding unicorns circus as a way to explore Techniques Training Center a big New England sports fan York and at Smirkus Camp. and climbing rainbows. She’s other aspects of life. He has and self-taught circus artist. and loves to play sports with He is thrilled to be in the ring on the cross-country team, trained , hand She’s also a lover of mac- his friends and family. this year performing with the so don’t chase her! Ilse trains and since and-cheese and meeting new at Arielle Extreme, EAC, he was 14. He is one of people, has trained in many Big Top Tour. Overhead Arts, Aerial Arts the first members of Circus places and says her favorite NYC, and Smirkus Camp. Zambia. thing is performing wire.

2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Chase Levy, 16 Isabella Majzun, 16 Lucia Mason, 18 Nemo Mass, 17 Jack Miron, 18 Newton, MA Saint Louis, MO Montague, MA Chicago, IL Bedford, NH Chase is so excited to be Isabella trains at Circus Lucia is super excited to tour Nemo began as a competitive After starting his circus in the ring once again. He Harmony, and receives with Smirkus after years of gymnast before joining the education at the Pine Hill trains and acrobatics juggling coaching from climbing trees, jumping off circus in 2010. In 2016 he Waldorf School/Hilltop Circus, at Eastern Acrobatics and Richard Kennison. She loves rope swings and training at joined Aloft’s professional Jack trained for seven years Circus, Flying Gravity Circus, the circus because it brings the New England Center For training program in Chicago. with Flying Gravity Circus, and in the theater at his people together. When Circus Arts (NECCA). She He has performed with as well as two summers at school. When he is not doing she’s not performing, you’ll loves rock climbing, playing CircEsteem, MSA & Circus Circus Smirkus Camp. This is circus, he enjoys exploring probably find her playing cello Ultimate Frisbee, and cacti, Arts, Aloft, Wenatchee Youth his 2nd summer performing in and making films. or hanging out with friends. but does not like shoes. Circus and Circus Smirkus. the Big Top Tour.

2nd 3rd 2nd 3rd 2nd Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Eva Lou Rhinelander, 12 Liam Ryan-O’Flaherty, 18 Keiran Sass, 17 Aaron Schondorf, 16 Serafina Walker, 14 Melrose, MA Norwich, VT Wilton, NH New York, NY Greenfield, MA After deciding that a unicorn Liam learned to unicycle Keiran is pretty pumped to be Aaron is excited to be back in Serafina has trained at farm was impractical, Eva Lou at the age of eight at Van back on tour again this year. action for his third tour with New England Center For convinced her parents that Lodostov Circus Camp. Since He has trained at the Flying Circus Smirkus. Aside from Circus Arts (NECCA), Circus she should join the circus. then he has trained juggling Gravity Circus and Circus circus, he enjoys teching Smirkus Camp, EAC, Esh, She trains most days in and wire walking at New Harmony, among others. for theatre, doing math, FGC, Overhead Arts, Circus rhythmic gymnastics, dance, England Center For Circus In his spare time he enjoys playing piano and trumpet, Maine, and Sellam Circus and handstands, Arts (NECCA) and Circus cooking, playing the ukulele, and composing music with School. She loves to dance, leaving a trail of dirty laundry Smirkus. He plans to attend and galumphing along with insanely fast tempos. choreograph, eat ice cream unrivaled by most. Reed College in the fall. his doggo. and hang out with her friends. INTRODUCING THE 2017 BIG TOP TOUR TROUPERS

1st 3rd 5th 3rd 1st Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Andrew Kaefer, 14 Ben Kaufman, 18 Maedya Kojis, 17 Sam Landa, 17 Laska Lèonard, 15 Maplewood, NJ Brattleboro, VT Minneapolis, MN Alexandria, VA Montreal, Canada In addition to summers When Ben isn’t upside down Maedya has been training at Two years ago, Sam moved Laska is a circus performer at Circus Smirkus Camp, he enjoys pretending to be Xelias Aerial Arts since the to Montreal to train at École and her favorite discipline is Andrew has trained at The fancy and petting his cats. age of 5. Circus is her passion Nationale de Cirque as a high the Chinese pole. She has Circus Place, Trenton Circus Ben has trained at NECCA, and she loves . She school student. This fall, he’ll trained with her parents who Squad. Andrew loves all Circus Smirkus Camp and spends her free time jamming be continuing his studies are also circus performers, things tech, photography, and NEYT. He’s honored to be in to early 2000’s R&B with there as a college student! and has also trained at the fashion. He also enjoys being the Smirkus ring again and her cats, and looks forward Besides circus, he loves National in tall. plans to attend Ithaca College to taking a lot of ceramics talking with friends, warm Montreal, Canada. for film production in the fall. classes in college. weather, and iced coffee.

3rd 2nd 4th 3rd 2nd Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Sarah Norden, 18 Jeannette Oubre, 18 Lola Picayo, 16 Cheya Potter, 18 Graham Reicher, 14 Yarmouth, ME East Aurora, NY New York, NY Seattle, WA Piedmont, CA Beyond circus, Sarah loves Jeannette’s hidden talents Lola started circus five Cheya has trained at Kinetic Graham taught himself to fiction, petrichor, cardamom, include spontaneous hiccups, years ago after realizing her Theory Circus Arts in Los juggle with clementines at the quality conversation and being colorblind and having dream of going back in time Angeles, California and at age of 8, graduating to knives being alive. She trains at the a magical lip freckle. She has and befriending a dinosaur the School of Acrobatics & with help from Circus Smirkus Sellam Circus School, Circus trained at Circus Smirkus wouldn’t work out. Lola trains New Circus Arts (SANCA) and Camp and Kinetic Arts. Maine and Esh Circus Arts. Camp and Buffalo Aerial at Aerial Arts NYC and in her Versitile Arts, both in Seattle, When not juggling, flipping or This fall, Sarah will continue Dance. She will attend Adrian freetime eats snacks, tells Washington. clowning around, Graham is a her circus education at École College in the fall to major in stories about whales, and debater, filmmaker, computer National de Cirque. Athletic Training. makes sweet to-do lists. geek & chocolate baker.

1st 1st 4th 3rd 3rd Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Year Trouper Alexa Wang, 15 Saffi Watson, 15 Ariana Wunderle, 13 Anna Zuckerman, 18 Leah Zuckerman, 18 Jamaica Plain, MA Bellevue, WA Chester, VT Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Alexa is thrilled to be a first Saffi trains contortion, Since the age of two, Ariana Anna trains at the School of Leah trains at the School of year trouper. She has trained acrobatics, aerial and hand has been clowning around Acrobatics and New Circus Acrobatics and New Circus at Circus Smirkus Camp, Esh balancing at School of in the Circus Smirkus ring. Arts (SANCA). She loves Arts (SANCA). Her specialties Circus Arts, and her front Acrobatics and New Circus Gymnastics allows her to flip partner acrobatics, unicycle, are acrobatics and unicycle. yard. When not in the big top, Arts (SANCA). A rhythmic upside down, and her training handbalance, the great This is Leah’s third and final she can be found onstage gymnast, she has been active at Sellam Circus School, EAC outdoors and her twin sister year on tour with Circus doing musical theater or in in circus for 10 years and is New England Center For Leah. She will be attending Smirkus and next year she the dance studio. She is quite excited to be a Smirko. Circus Arts (NECCA) grows Brown University in the fall. will be a freshman at Brown skilled with duct tape. her love for circus. University. An independent middle and high school where students are known, valued and challenged to become the compassionate leaders that our world needs. PROUDLY COMMITTED TO ARTS INTEGRATION IN EDUCATION

THERE IS STILL ROOM UNDER OUR BIG TOP “No other school with which I work empowers their students as much as The Sharon Academy to grab hold of the circus experience and make it a critical part of their curriculum.” - Troy Wunderle, Founder of Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures and Circus Smirkus Artistic Director

Join families from over 20 towns in NH and VT who send their students to The Sharon Academy. www.sharonacademy.org PO 207, Sharon, VT 05065 802-763-2500 [email protected] Add to the magic of the day with our Magic Chunks! Use dicount code SMIRKUS for 10% o all Magic Chunks Bites of maple-toasted granola at www.nuttystephs.com Valid June 1- Nov 30, 2017. drenched in ethically grown chocolate. Limit one per customer.

FPF supports the arts in our communities. Did you know FPF is locally grown?

Celebrating more than10 years helping neighbors connect and build community. 130,000 FPF members out of Vermont’s 260,000 households! Join the conversation at frontporchforum.com MUSEUM CREW CREATIVE & PRODUCTION TEAM TOUR OPERATIONS TEAM Big Top Tour Coaches (continued) Rigging Designer Circus Operations Director Head Cook & Concessions Artistic Director Rebecca Starr Cris Clark Judy Gaeth Purchasing Coordinator Contortion and Aerial Troy Wunderle Shapes creation and Andrew Levy act conception. 15+ Production Manager Assistant Circus Operations Big Top Tour years of coaching and Assistant Cooks performing, 2nd year as Joshua Shack Director Creative Director Smirkus touring coach. Sara Wunderle Clark Gaudry Mark Lonergan Abby Suskin Stage Manager Macky Page Tightwire. NYC-based CDL Driver Kevin Pariag Coaches dancer and tightwire Jenna Raithel artist. Ensemble Member Richard Epinette Cris Clark & Choreographer for Technical Director Back Lot & Rigging design and The Midnight Circus. Tent Boss coach. 26 years serving Ben Scheff Maintenance Supervisor the circus arts through Patrick Tobin Nat Brown Nathaniel DuBrule Circus Smirkus. Aerial Fabric, Rope Wire Walker and Aerialist Prop Master Sellam El Ouahabi currently based in Assistant Tent Boss House Manager Straps, handbalance & Chicago. Smirkus ‘04-’05. Steve Oubre pyramid acts creation. Peter Sheehy Joy Powers Founder of the Sellam Chloe Somers Walier Assistant Costume Circus School. Duo trapeze + Cube/ Tent Crew Rope Collaboration, Designer Tour Administration & Aerial Emery Aerialist, Hula Robert Cipriano Concession Assistant Hula hoops. Smirko. Hooper, Bottlewalker, Audrey Nauman Thank you Smirkus for Comedienne, Megawatt Harry Edstrom Gunna Bergsveinsdottir making me the human Smiles. Coming to a Mathew Lyons and circus person I am theater near you! Head Rigger today. Santé!!! Noah Pierce Head Concessionaire Nick Harden Joel Jeske Composer & Andrew Rumery Ryan Spencer This is Joel’s first year at Music Director Samantha Setayesh Smirkus and is excited Lighting Technician Ben Spencer Assistant Head to be assisting Peter Bufano LeeAnne Brown Director Barry Lubin and Concessionaire this collection of ! Choreographer Seat Boss Tour Wardrobe Jenna Raithel Richard Kennison Matt Williams Andrew Rumery Juggling creation and Supervisor Coach at Circadium Concessionaires School in Philadelphia, Scenic Designer Lauryn Moles Homestay Coordinator PA. Steve Brandes Maruti Evans Dani Kehlmann Aaron Cooper Smirkus Band Barry Lubin Cecilia Rosenbloom Director of Clowning. Costume Designer Kathryn Krull – Head Trouper Counselor Barry is thrilled to be Bandleader, keyboards Rachael Schmitt helping with the new Julie Michael Casey Venturelli production’s comedy Josh McEwen – Maks Turner and character needs drums & percussion once again. Lighting Designer Trouper Counselors PR/Communications Intern Mandi Kreisher Jonathon Roitman Anthony Powers Production Intern Rachel Thompson Acro, , Coach Daniel McNicholas on Tour. ENC graduate, Monica Johnson Director and Head Sound Designer/ Coach of the Flying Engineer Gravity Youth Circus (NH). Jason Eckenroth THIRTY YEARS OF SMIRKUS

YEAR-ROUND STAFF FOUNDER & TRUSTEES Producer/Executive Director Founder Ed LeClair Rob Mermin Circus Operations Director Board of Directors Judy Gaeth Michele Levy, President Neil Saunders, Vice President Assistant Circus Operations Director Debra Ellis, Treasurer Sara Wunderle Nancy Wright, Secretary Stew Arnold Director of Sales & Marketing Josh Aviner Diane Zeigler Pam Lodish Carole Parker Camp & Residency Director Dick Plotz Bill Merrylees Robert Sanson Kathryn Sarken Project Manager Joshua Wachs Jim Zien Allison Browne Office Manager Honorary Board Members Kim Sargeant John & Lisa Hewett Curtis Ingham Development Specialist & Executive Assistant Ed Koren Norman Lear Scott Robbins Barry Lubin Camp Administration Coordinator Paul Zaloom Julia Child (1912-2004) Tiffany McCormick Marcel Marceau (1923-2007) Office Assistant Tim Holst (1947-2009) Brian Titus SPECIAL 30TH ANNIVERSARY Beautification Specialist THANKS TO: Linda Gilcris Founding Producer Jay Craven Residency Coaches Founding Creative Artists Jill Fleming Stuart Lippe Nettie Lane Donny Osman Josh Shack Joni White-Hansen Chief Good Officer Troy Wunderle Ozzie Henchel Mission and Programs

Sponsor a Residency Our residencies are based in a curriculum approach that is aligned with the principles of Social-Emotional Learning, which are a core component of national school reform aimed at improving student learning outcomes.

Circus arts require the same dedication and discipline of any sport, but stress collaboration, creativity, problem-solving and cooperation over competition.

Teachers also receive classroom-ready curriculum guides of Bring the circus to your school! standards- based lesson Our professionally trained Resident Artists, each one a seasoned circus veteran, provide plans to apply expert instruction in body movement, juggling, , devil sticks, and more. the residency These activities build life skills like resilience, self-confidence, collaboration and creativity. learning to theme-related art, And they’re super fun for everyone! music, science, history, math and 2016-2017 Schools language studies. Ready to host a Smirkus Resident Artist? Contact Residency Director Bill Merrylees at [email protected] or 802-533-7443 ext. 23. Smirkus.org/residencies Amorak Youth Home East Grand School Lesley Ellis School Shutesbury Glens Falls, NY Danforth, ME Arlington, MA Elementary School Canaan Houlton Lexington Shutesbury, MA Elementary School Southside School Montessori School Smith College Canaan, NH Houlton, ME Lexington, MA Campus School Charlton Heights Jackson Grammar School Mill Pond School Northampton, MA Elementary Jackson, NH Hodgdon, ME Stowe Elementary School Arlington, MA Lakeview Mt. Lebanon Stowe, VT Cobb Montessori School Elementary School Elementary School Winooski Middle School Simsbury, CT Greensboro, VT Lebanon, NH Winooski, VT Circus Smirkus is a nonprofit arts education organization whose mission is to promote the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus, and to inspire youth to engage in life-enhancing adventures in the circus arts.

Camp Sessions Ages 5-8: Intro to Smirkus June 17 Ages 6-9: Smirklings June 22-23 Ages 8-16: Session I: June 25-30 Session II: July 2-7 Session III: July 9-21 Ages 12-17: Session IV: July 23-Aug. 4 Ages 13-18: Session V: Aug. 6-18 Ages 21 and over: Aug. 20-27 Adult Camp We think the best way to build core strength is with a belly laugh. Bored with your daily power walk? Try it on stilts!

Challenge your quads with some unicycling...improve your Run away to circus camp! juggling skills...stretch your yoga practice to new heights Nestled in the hills of Greensboro, VT, Smirkus Camp teaches an array of circus arts in spectacular big top tents for beginner, intermediate, and advanced circus artists. Our campers with our aerial silks class! Have have a blast, learn life skills from great role models and enjoy a camp experience like no other! fun and a circus workout too:

2017 Camp Staff Smirkus.org/camp-sessions Visit Smirkus.org/camp-sessions for more information or to sign up.

Camp Director Head Counselor Alyssa Luna Amira Silverman Sarah Waggener Emma Steinert Bill Merrylees Nathan Eckstein Counselors Lily Sullivan Assistant Director Coaches Ren Carter Tucker Lindsey Barrows Mary Blouin-Auffert Julia Baccielleri Tess Weitzner Casey Clifford Delaney Bayles Erika Wentz Admin. Coordinator Sebastian Ferlo Charlotte Bunta Katharine Geber Cooks Tiffany McCormick Carey Cramer Grace Gershenfeld Raymond Cuadrado Kelsey Custard Program Director Ethan Herz Susan Hering Oriana Doria-Quesada Harmony Lyrics Abbey Jermyn Pam Noyes Mariah Fraker Lucy Jermyn Victoria Ingerson Camp Nurse Pher Gleason Samantha Kann Eliza Merrylees Alice Day Lyla Goldman Ellie Levine Noela Rybacka Ethan Herz Head Coaches Austin Long Abbey Jermyn PR & Concessions Intern Crosby Sandoval Rosie Piscitelli Lucy Jermyn Katja Orlow-Ornstein Suzanne Santos Toby Reynolds Tanner Keal Vermont’s Destination Yarn Shop Classes for all levels

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Boss Impresario Debra & Mark Ellis Joan Dexter A SPECIAL Mark English Michael Fraser ($5000 and up) Judy Geer & Dick Dreissigacker David & Willow Graham American Securities SMIRKUS THANKS Mickey & Wendy Kann Clive Gray & Nancy Hill Anonymous Jason & Jennifer Kiefer Rob Huntington & Susan McCafferty Cellars at Jasper Hill Ed LeClair and Beth Comolli Brad & Cathy Irwin Andy Bell Miriam Rosenblum & Sheldon Benjamin Barry Lubin Debra & Fletcher Coddington Angelia Rorison Kathryn & Tim Sarken Genevieve Martineau & Ned Rhinelander Mark Dalzell Betsy van Gemeren Neil Saunders & Ingrid Holcomb Kjirste & John Morrell David and Barbara Hirschhorn Foundation Ralph Sheridan & Anne Steer Caroline Norden & Curtis Bohlen John and Lisa Hewett Bob Calcagni Signe Taylor & Joel Stettenheim Katherine Regan Hugh & Shana Griffiths Chris Riddell The Agnes M Lindsay Trust Herb Robbins Barrie Jordan The Peninsula Charities Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Dark Star Lighting & LLH/LHM Foundation Helen Thomas Bill & Cherry Rowell Production Pam & Harvey Lodish Judith Tygard & Mitch Weitzner Grace Sanson Sarah Lutz & John van Rens Elizabeth Stubbs Vivian and Paul Olum Foundation Joanne Sharpe & Henry Minot Mary W. Harriman Foundation Genevieve Martineau Jack Wentz & Marty Nagy-Wentz Kitty & Clay Simpson Brian Miron & Monica Vegelj Ann & Burton Wilson Brett Smith & Elisa Freeman Dick & Judith Plotz Jack & Ellen Travelstead Jim Zien & Helena Binder Margaret Stubbs Redducs Foundation Jacob Levitin Carol Talley Dick & Pam Reynolds Ringmaster Marc & Sarah Tischler Jenny O’Flaherty Eric Schondorf & Anne-Marie Wood ($500 to $999) Neil Tolciss & Karen Brinkman Debby & Jim Stein Sharpe Larrabee’s Building Supply Anonymous (2) Kenneth & Nancy Vona Lisa Steele & Scott Hammond LWI Metalworks of Morrisville Cathie & Doug Barrows Marvin Wang & Alicia Powell Stony Point Foundation Henry & Caroline Brown Richard White Patrick Silver Vermont Arts Council Anne & Mike Cassidy Scott Wise & Linden Havemeyer-Wise Vermont Community Foundation Robert Sanson John & Diane Dunn Kathy Zweir & Susan Crowell Susan Gellert & Mitchell Gershonowitz Stacey Peters Web Design Producer Karen & George Gowen Clown The Mailing Center Greensboro Association ($2,500 and up) ($100 to $249) Holly Windrush Pierce Fund for the Arts Vanessa Preston Stew & Becky Arnold Ernest & Pearl Albrecht Susan Houston Boeing Corporation Thomas Anastasio & Virginia Jenkins Vermont Designworks Liese Kambour & Larry Rubin Carl Brosman Ellen Andersen Alan Lyles Jason Burns & Bronia Clifton Anonymous John Menzel Jane Culbert & Henry Olds Toby Ayer & Abbey Noble Sara & Ted Meyers Jane Fisher & Tom Brosnahan Carol & William Bisbee Ann Mills Caroline Herter & Ben Winship Elizabeth Bishop Ruey Morelli Michele & Andrew Levy Susan & Jeff Bond Jenny O’Flaherty & Beth Ryan Fred & Deborah Nanni Lydia Brosnahan Please support Beth & Jeff Schoellkopf National Life Foundation Jennifer Burkard Circus Smirkus and Robert & Anne Shapiro Carole Parker & Dan Reicher Janet Burns Spates Construction make your tax deductible Betsy van Gemeren Carol & Robert Calcagni The GE Foundation donation to: Joey Corcoran Bruce & Lillian Venner Christopher Coutant Circus Smirkus Director Peter Woodson & Kelly Sayre Rich Curvelo 1 Circus Road ($1,000 to $2,499) Nancy Wright & Steve Lidle Peter Dale & Emily Jones Greensboro, VT 05841 Trish & Bill Alley Judy & Andy Dales Anonymous (2) John Daly Belmont Savings Bank Magician Or donate online at: Maureen Devlin & David Zuckerman Ben & Jerry’s Foundation ($250 to $499) www.smirkus.org Kathy & Richard Diamond Carol Browner & Thomas Downey Anonymous Beth Ann & Phil Drinker Melanie & John Clarke Autodesk Foundation Durant Foundation Concept2 Rowing Valerie & Charles Carter Please direct your attention a special exhibition that we have on display today: the museum’s extensive collection of rare jewels. Is it the Hope Diamond? The Koh-I-Noor? The Fabergé Egg, perhaps? No, this display showcases our priceless THIRTY YEARS OF collection of friends, fans, and donors who have driven the evolution of Circus Smirkus from a ragtag group of circus-lovers into the vibrant, thriving and joyful organization it is today. And yes, this exhibit is interactive. You are warmly invited to step over the velvet rope and become a part of this distinctive display. SMIRKUS

David Edsall Jay & Gina Mireault Roy Olivera Brady & Laura Acrobat Hawkins Nicholas Edsall Ed & Elizabeth Nef ($50 to $99) Meg Ostrum & Tom Leytham Rhoda Ellers Northeast Kingdom Youth Services Gail Agans Sallie & Edward Papenfuse Gail Epstein Sharon Layn Norton Anonymous (2) Miranda Phillips Janet & Mark Fagan Gretchen & Steve Oubre Timothy Bastian Zoe & Jesus Picayo Stephen Ferber & Elaine Fournier Joseph Pacheco Charles Bates Carol Pierce & Chris Philips Carol Fitzsimmons Lisa & Foster Palmer Edith Benjamin Michael & Julia Porrazzo Louise & Paul Fitzsimmons James Peale Susan Bickford Laura Rappaport & Scott Blaha Patricia Fontaine James Peters Kristin Bray & Ross Dickson Carol & Hugh Renwick Andrea Forrest-Brock & Randy Sara Potter Sandal Cate Beth & Michael Reynolds Brock Janet Powers & Christopher Alexandra Cheng Philip Rhinelander Rita Lea Freudberg Yannoni Philip Cook Mitchell Rosenberg & Amy Kim & Nancy Fried Anne Pritchard Schectman Serin & William Decherd Gene Friedlander & Maureen Courtney & Charlie Pulire Paul Rutz Moore Barbara DeFelice Stephanie Reininger Ann Sanders & Timothy Laynor Eddie Gale Steve Derby Jennifer Robillard Elliot & Kalli Schultz Peter Galison & Caroline Jones Brian & Karyl Drew Jon Roitman Jacqueline & Jennifer Shank Walter & Laura Giles John Duryee Mildred & Martha Rose Janet Showers & Day Patterson Peter Givertzman John Fassett & Miriam Bolotin Ann Rosenblatt Jay Silberblatt & Lori Sisson Phil Gray & Jane Birrell Travers Forepaugh-Lubin Tent Scott Saef & Lisbeth Levine Scott & Karen Slater David Greenwood Eileen Frazer Jeffrey Sass Karen & Brian Smith Mary & Bruce Grene Marsha Gadoury Alison Schondorf Sarah Smith Shelley Grieve-Zerkel & Danny Anthony & Glynn Graham Sam Skove Jack & Evelyn Stokvis Zerkel Craig Heindel & Judy Chaves Ronald Sencer Annie Stubbs Loren & Beth Hall Barbara & Peter Heller Bob Shepherd Rebecca & Ray Surprenant Bob & Phyllis Hanfling Michael Horowitz Sam & Robin Smith Dorothy Talcott Colin & Martha Hayward David Hunter Jim & Sydney Sowles Tanya Thomas Deborah Heath-Rogers & Paul Hope Hutchinson Rogers Jane Sprenger Union House Nursing Home Amie Hutchison Jonathan Heaton Kathy Stevens Melissa Wafer William & Susan Jefferys Shaun Hebert David & Jean Stoner Shannon & Jeremy Wallis Jennie Johannesen & Matt Sally Hedberg Gordon Stoner & Cindy Rose Conway Mary & Bernie Waugh Lucy & Charles Hickey Caroline & John Stubbs Harold & Adelaide Johnson Dean & Sally Whitlock Nancy & Lewis Hill Elizabeth Stubbs Marisa Jones Sally & Will Williams Carol & John Hoeffler Kerry Stubbs Steve Karas & Lynne Satlof- Arthur & Patricia Wright Karas Fr. Jerry Hogan Phil & Jane Thorick Lee Wright & Marion Stegner William Kirk Craig Hoyt Susan Treacy Darlene Young & Jerome Susan Klein & Henry Lowendorf Andrews IBM International Foundation Julie Van der Feen & Keith Illumina Foundation Doyle Hugh Knox Sara & Jonathan Jacobson Charles & Lorraine Wain Gail Kuhl Roustabout Patricia Kammerer & Erick Elizabeth Walsh Matt Levin & Cynthia Meise Stephens Betsy Weill & Tim Bennett Liberty Mutual ($1 to $49) Carolyn Kehler Tom & Bev Westheimer John & Anna Belle Loeb Please visit our website to see this exhibit; we don’t have the David & Evangeline Kelly Derek Williams & Nancy Amy & Ken Mann Huelsberg gallery space to fit it here! Seta Lepore Nicole & Frederick Mann Peggy Lipscomb Ellen & Thomas Wolf Leon Marasco & Kate Harper This manifest acknowledges Barry Logue & Bettina Strack- Hugh & Linda Wyles Logue Cindy Marino all our wonderful friends who Mary Young made our work possible from Maureen Love Elizabeth Marks & Paul Taylor YourCause May 2016 to April 2017. It Tod & Gwen Mann Jan McCoy Linda & Andrew Zeswitz was loaded by our trained Maribeth McKinney Gordon McFarland & Elizabeth Smirko museum crew Buchanan Juliet & Doran Morford who (almost) never make Lalise & Jerry Melillo Keith Morgan mistakes. If information is Justin & Karen Miel Linda Mullestein missing or incorrect, please Arthur & Elizabeth Milliken Otto & Eileen Newman let us know. your homegrown 24/7 statewide online news source We bend over backwards to keep you informed and We don’t clown around with the facts!

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at BEGINNERS Want to hear something funny? I joined Circus Smirkus thinking I would get rich. Seriously. I was hired with promises that would’ve NECCA! PROS made PT Barnum blush. Stepping into the tent, I was sure my dreams had finally come true. GRANDPARENTS TOO! It didn’t take long to realize those dreams were made of cotton candy. But in that short space of time, something else happened. I fell in love — walked into doors, slipped on banana VISIT NEW peels, fell flat on my face — totally, unabashedly, in ENGLAND’S love. NEWEST CIRCUS It’s been a rewarding romance. FACILITY FOR Parents talk about the privilege ACROBATICS of watching their children grow up. I’ve had that honor hundreds of times. As they progress from backstage to GERMAN WHEEL center ring, I’ve watched nervous, gawky, star-struck BALANCING tweens grow into self-confident leaders: role models JUGGLING happily reaching across the ring curb to inspire the next generation of dreams. CHINESE POLE These changes don’t stop with the kids. I’ve watched this miraculous, one-of-a-kind circus teach generations of staff that a satisfying life can flourish in the compost POLE of hard work and service to others. I’ve seen parents, fans, audience members all fall under the Smirkus magic AND SO MUCH and experience the feeling of belonging, of being part of MORE! something larger than life. As the recipient and caretaker of decades of donations, I have been showered with generosity and kindness, witnessing the best of human nature again and again and again.

I guess those original promises weren’t so ephemeral after all. As I retire from Smirkus at the end of this 30th Anniversary year, my life has been enriched beyond my wildest dreams. I want to thank you all: kids, crews, staffs, families and fans. For almost fifteen years, every single •

E day of my life has been a circus. C New England Center for Circus Arts N New England Center for Circus Arts A RM And I am the richer for it. O • RF W PE O • RKS ES See you down the road, HOP ASS S • CAMPS • CL Ed LeClair 802-254-9780 Producer & Executive Director www.necenterforcircusarts.org