Circus Smirkus News & Updates 2013

From our June 14, 2013 Newsletter:

Circus Smirkus News     

Circus Smirkus is Coming to Town!

The Big Top Tour Returns!

Monday & Tuesday, August, 5th & 6th

Join us under the big top as Circus Smirkus returns to Merriconeag!

Get Your Tickets Today: Tickets are now available at Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport, Standard Baking Company in Portland and online (for an additional fee) at smirkus.org.

Come on Down to Benefit Night at Flatbread Company in Portland on Tuesday, June 18th! There will be hula hoop and juggling contests with prizes from one of our new collaborators, Rainbow Toys! We'll be raffling off family passes to Monkey C Monkey Do and a fun family basket. Invite you friends and come join the party on June 18th to raise funds for our children in need.

Volunteer to Work a Show: Click  here to sign up to work a circus show or to volunteer behind the scenes (or give Aly Fullagar a call at 274-0057).

Like us on Facebook by clicking here and “share” circus news as the Big Top Tour travels around New England this summer!
Questions? Please contact Mary Martin: 865-3900, Ext. 113, events@merriconeag.org

From our June 4, 2013 Newsletter:

Circus Smirkus News     

Join us under the big top on Monday & Tuesday, August, 5th & 6thas Circus Smirkus returns to Merriconeag!
Plenty of tickets are now available at Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport, Standard Baking Company in Portland as well as online (for an additional fee) at smirkus.org.

Come on Down: Mark your calendars for our Benefit Night at Flatbread Company in

Portland on Tuesday, June 18th! There’ll be raffles, and hula hoop and juggling contests with prizes from one of our new collaborators, Rainbow Toys. Come join the party on June 18th as proceeds go towards our Magic Matinee program!

Shine the spotlight on your business: Support our Magic Matinee program by sponsoring children-in-need. Any amount accepted to offset tickets for these children to attend this magical show. Have a business that is interested in sponsoring this wonderful event? Contact Mary Martin at events@merriconeag.org for more information.

Like us on Facebook by clicking here and “share” any circus news you come across as we roll into summer!

From our May 28, 2013 Newsletter:

Circus Smirkus News     

A huge Shout-Out to the 7th graders who were the featured guests at The Children’s Museum and Theater In Portland on Friday morning! They certainly took a page right out of a Circus Smirkus performance as these “Smirkos” entertained and shared their talent. They patiently taught the tiny “trooper want-to-be’s” how to hula-hoop, juggle, ride a unicycle, tricks with a diabolo, and many more circus skills. Bravo to our talented 7th Graders!

“Oz Incorporated”, this years theme for Circus Smirkus and The Big Top Tour will be coming to Merriconeag. Mark your calendars to see a show on August 5th or August 6th!

Please keep in mind that the circus is a great way to sponsor children in need through the Magic Matinee Program. This is an amazing program that sponsors groups such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, military families, a family from Make-A-Wish and more, who would otherwise not be able to attend this magical event.If you’d like to sponsor a child or group of children, please contact me at events@merriconeag.org.

Fundraising Event at Flatbread in Portland: Join us for benefit night at Flatbread in Portland on June 18th!! We’ll have raffles, and hula hoop and juggling contests with prizes from one of our new collaborators Rainbow Toys. Come join the party on June 18th as proceeds go towards our Magic Matinee program!

From our May 21, 2013 Newsletter:

From the Circus Coordinator     

Circus Smirkus 2013

    For the 9th year Circus Smirkus and The Big Top Tour return to Merriconeag for four performances on Monday, August 5th and Tuesday, August 6th. This year’s show “Oz Incorporated” promises to be more exciting than ever! Grab your ruby slippers and click you heals together as Circus Smirkus goes somewhere over the Rainbow and embarks on this Emerald City Adventure!

     The circus at Merriconeag represents our school’s most extensive community outreach with over 3,000 people coming to our four shows each summer Our sponsorships for the Magic Matinee program allow children in need to attend this magical show, making it a truly special event. Proceeds from The Big Top Tour are directed to our operating budget, our Tuition Support Program and our Circus Arts program. Tickets alone do not cover the presentation fee to bring the circus to our campus. Magic Matinee Sponsorship and Playbill Sponsorship play an important part in this fundraising event. If you would like to be a sponsor for either of these programs, please contact me for more information at events@merriconeag.org.

     Mark your calendars for this summer’s benefit evening at Flatbread in Portland on June 18th. There will be hula hoop contests, a raffle with family passes to Monkey C Monkey Do, as well as other items and, of course, wonderful food! Don’t miss this fun evening of reconnecting with your friends!

     Give Jen Fitzpatrick a call if you’d like to be a Homestay family! As the Homestay coordinator, she has all the information about hosting troopers in your home during the performances here at Merriconeag. At this time, she needs just a few more families. Jen’s email:mainemamaj@gmail.com.

     If you would like to volunteer to work the circus shows, please click here to visit the online sign-up page or give Aly Fullagar a call: 274-0057.

     Tickets are availble now at Smirkus.org or to avoid the processing fees, you may purchase them at Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport or Standard Bakery in Portland after June 4th. 

From our May 14, 2013 Newsletter:

From the Circus Coordinator     

     Thank you to everyone who signed up at the May Celebration to work our
Circus shows which will be Monday, August 5th and Tuesday August 6th. If you did not get a chance to sign-up, please clickhere to visit the online sign-up page or give Aly Fullagar a call, 274-0057.

     In this year’s Circus Smirkus Freeport playbill that will be given to over 3,000 attendees, we are acknowledging sponsors by listing their name as either a High Trapeze, Three Ring or Lion Tamer sponsor, depending on the sponsorship level. With the wonderful following Circus Smirkus and The Big Top Tour have in this area, it is a wonderful way to shine the spotlight on your business or a business you collaborate with. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me for more information.

     Our community outreach during this event grows each and every year. We have a Magic Matinee program where we sponsor children-in-need who otherwise could not attend this magical show. This amazing program reaches out to children throughout this region as well as the Greater Portland area. Plus, in the past, we have sponsored military families as well as groups from Big Brothers/Big Sisters and even taken Smirkus troopers to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital to perform since those children can not attend a performance under The Big Top! If you would like to donate toward this wonderful program or donate in honor of someone else that’s special to you, please contact me to discuss this opportunity, or email me at: events@merriconeag.org.

     Don’t forget to give Jen Fitzpatrick a call if you’d like to be a Homestay family! As the Homestay coordinator she has all the information about hosting troopers in your home during the performances here at Merriconeag. I believe she needs just a few more families. You may contact Jen at mainemamaj@gmail.com.

     Tickets are availble now at Smirkus.org or to avoid the processing fees, you may purchase them at Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport or Standard Bakery in Portland after June 4th.

Flatbread Fundraising Event: Please mark your calendars for this summer's benefit night at Flatbread in Portland on June 18th. It is much earlier this year with the hope that many families will be in town and can take advantage of this evening’s festivities to raise money and re-connect with friends. 10% of all flatbreads purchased on June 18th will be donated to our Magic Matinee sponsorship program. There will be hula hoop and juggling contests and also a raffle with a chance to win a wonderful basket donated by TD Bank!

     More to follow about this evening as well as our wonderful Magic Matinee sponsorship program. Please spread the word!

From our May 7, 2013 Newsletter:

From the Circus Coordinator     

For the 9th year Circus Smirkus and The Big Top Tour return to Merriconeag for four performances on Monday, August 5th and Tuesday, August 6th. This year’s show “Oz Incorporated” promises to be more exciting then ever! 
Grab your ruby slippers and click you heals together as Circus Smirkus goes somewhere over the Rainbow and embarks on this Emerald City Adventure!

Thank you to all of you who signed up to volunteer at the Parent Evenings to work our Circus performances, on either Monday, August 5th or Tuesday, August 6th. If you haven’t signed up to volunteer and would like to, please be on the look-

out for the Circus  roustabouts at the May Faire this 

Saturday, call Aly Fullagar, evenings at 274-0057, or sign-up here.

We Need You: Another way for you to be a part of the circus is to sign-up to be a Homestay Family! Be brave and step forward! Give Jennifer Fitzpatrick, our Homestay Coordinator, a call at: 865-1801 or email her, mainemamaj@gmail.com.

Flatbread Fundraising Event: Please mark your calendars for this summers benefit night at Flatbread in Portland on June 18th. It is much earlier this year with hopes that many families will be in town and take advantage of this evening’s festivities to raise money and re-connect with friends. 10% of all flatbreads purchased on June 18th will be donated to our Magic Matinee sponsorship program. There will be hula hoop and juggling contests and also a raffle with a chance to win a wonderful basket donated by TD Bank!

     More to follow about his evening as well as our wonderful Magic Matinee sponsorship program. Please spread the word!

From our April 2, 2013 Newsletter:

Circus Smirkus at Merriconeag 2013:
      My name is Mary Martin and I am thrilled to be the 
new Freeport Circus Smirkus Coordinator. Many of you know me as your child’s substitute teacher and I will continue in that position as well.

     For the 9th year, Circus Smirkus and the Big Top Tour returns on Monday, August 5th and Tuesday, August 6th. Mark your calendars as  you don’t want to miss this year’s show, Oz Incorporated.

     Currently we are looking for businesses that would like to sponsor this fun filled, exhilarating family entertainment that over 3,000 people attend each summer on our campus right here in Freeport!

     Stay tuned for how you can become a part of the excitement - being a host family, sponsoring a Make-A-Wish family or underserved children, or coming to a fun fundraising event! Do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in hearing more about it: 865-3900, ext.113 or events@merriconeag.org

2013 Dates and Showtimes for Oz INCORPORATED

Monday, August 5, 2013,  1:00 PM & 6:00 PM

Tuesday, August 6, 2013, 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM

On Merriconeag's Grade School Campus, 57 Desert Road, Freeport

Circus Smirkus News and Updates 2012

From our September 18, 2013 Newsletter:

More Circus Smirkus Gratitude
Make-a-Wish: There are many magical parts of our Circus Smirkuspresentation. One of the most poignant comes when we host a Make-a-Wish Family for a backstage tour and VIP experience in the ring. This year, we hosted the Gallant Family, from Mexico, Maine. Young Nate is undergoing chemotherapy and greatly appreciated the chance to take a break from that grueling routine with an overnight at the Harraseeket Inn, graciously donated by Owner Chip Gray, and a visit to our big top. Merriconeag parent Tricia Toms took these beautiful shots during the Gallants' trip to the circus.

Other local families contributed their professional talent to the Circus:

Merriconeag parent, Patrick Quigg of Riverfront Barbeque in Augusta, donated a sumptuous BBQ feast for the Welcome Bash we threw for Smirkus. It's worth going to Augusta for "the best pulled pork" you'll ever have.

Stacey Sahin-Thurston baked the incredible cakes for that same party.

Meadowood Farm gave us gorgeous flowers.

Derosier's PIzza donated pizza for the tent crew.

Anita Demetropoulos of Island Treasure Toys donated toys and her time to the circus. Professional Organizer Aly Fullagar also lent her immense problem-solving skills to our effort.

Please support all these local merchants and thank them for running away to the Circus.

From our September 11, 2012 Newsletter:

Trace Salter, Circus Coordinator Extraordinaire: 
      Just eight years ago, Trace Salter, a parent at Merriconeag, had a dream of bringing the Big Top Circus to Merriconeag. Thanks to Trace, and her amazing team of volunteers, Circus Smirkus has become a much-anticipated summer tradition for the greater Portland community, and the school is so grateful for her vision and hard work. In addition to providing delightful, family entertainment, the circus has been a fabulous way for Merriconeag to reach out to local businesses who have no prior giving history with our school, it provides free tickets to hundreds of children who could not otherwise come to the circus, it highlights and brings circus arts programming to our students throughout the year, it lets us show off our beautiful campus and Waldorf education to thousands of people, and it is a significant source of income for the school.

     Circus Smirkus has become one of our signature programs, and we are indebted to Trace and everyone who played a role in making this year’s Circus Smirkus a huge success!

Lynne Espy, on behalf of the entire Faculty and Board

Circus Smirkus Thank Yous

Smirkus Thanks to Merriconeag for Another Great Circus: 2012 marked our 8th year on the Big Top Tour and the 25th anniversary for Circus Smirkus. Audiences flocked in record numbers to our big top and we were able to raise close to $24,000 that will go to Merriconeag's operating budget, tuition assistance endowment fund and our circus arts program. The benefits of presenting Circus Smirkus go far beyond that bountiful bottom line though. There are many other joyful and inspirational moments that we'll share with you over the coming weeks. Here's our first installment..

It Takes a Village: It takes a wrangle of roustabouts to make circus magic! Please join me in thanking our key Coordinators: Robert Caron, Anita Demetropoulos, Jen Fitzpatrick, Aly Fullagar, Barbara Guffin, Will Hight, Patrick Quigg, Victoria Stefanakos and Drew Tieman for lending their talent, patience and enthusiasm to this multifaceted mosaic of a circus presentation.

Our Generous Sponsors: Our community partners provide the essential fuel for the engine that drives the circus. Portland Volvo & Royal River Natural Foods are our faithful and longstanding sponsors who have boundless energy for Smirkus and Merriconeag. FairPoint and the New England Foundation for the Arts also offer crucial support. Please give them a standing ovation!

Our Hospitable Homestay Hosts: We are so lucky to have such friendly andwelcoming Merriconeag families volunteer to open their homes to the Smirkus Troupers. A heartfelt round of applause for: the Fitzpatricks, Gambles, Goldberg & Courtney's, Harrington & Cashell's, Josephs, Kappelmans, Neveus, Samuelsons, Skinner & Libbys, Tuppers, Walkers and Weiland & Tiemans. Smirkus loves Freeport and it's in large part because these Homestay Hosts take such good care of their troupers.

Look for more 2012 circus gratitude next week!

The Celebration Barn and Merriconeag Waldorf School Present

 Rob Mermin in Circle of Sawdust

at venues in South Paris and Brunswick

CIRCUS SMIRKUS FOUNDER ROB MERMIN PRESENTS
CIRCLE OF SAWDUST,
SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012 at the Celebration Barn in South Paris
SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012 at the Frontier Café in Brunswick

CONTACTS: Amanda Huotari, mandy@celebrationbarn.com, 207/743.8452
       Trace Salter, circus@merriconeag.org, 207/756.9212

      Rob Mermin will be coming to Maine on July 21 and 22 to

present Circle of Sawdust, a multi-media one-man show of high adventure and low comedy from 40 years in the circus. This rare treat to see such a world-renowned performer will be enjoyed by all ages. 

     On Saturday, July 21 at 8 PM, Celebration Barn Theater will host Rob Mermin at their theater in South Paris. 

     On Sunday, July 22nd, the Frontier Cafe in Brunswick will present the same show as a benefit for Merriconeag Waldorf School's Magic Matinee program that provides Circus Smirkus tickets to kids-in-need for the Big Top Tour shows coming to Freeport in August. 
      Circle of Sawdust features personal anecdotes and rare film clips that bring alive the mud, myths, mayhem, and magic of circus from someone who has lived the life and returned to tell the tales.  Rob’s own historical films and engaging stories of wild characters he has known vividly recreate what life is truly like under the big top. This picturesque history illuminates the relevance of circus culture to rural life in America over the past 200 years. This program has been selected under the national “American Masterpieces” program.

     Rob Mermin trained in classical mime with Etienne Decroux and Marcel Marceau and has performed in European circus, theater, TV and film for forty years. He is an author, director, university lecturer, former Dean of Ringling Bros. Clown College, and founder of the award-winning international company Circus Smirkus. FMI:  www.smirkus.org and www.robmermin.com.
      Honored around the globe, Rob's awards include Copenhagen's Gold Clown, the Bessie Award, Best Director Prize at the former Soviet Union's International Festival on the Black Sea, the Lund Family Center's "It Takes A Village Award,” the Vermont Arts Council Award of Merit, and the 2008 Governor's Award for Excellence, Vermont's highest recognition in the arts. 
Advance sale tickets are highly recommended for this popular performance. 
TICKET INFO FOR SATURDAY 7/21 at THE CELEBRATION BARN, SOUTH PARIS
The Saturday July 21st Celebration Barn show's tickets are available by calling Celebration Barn’s box office at (207) 743-8452. Circle of Sawdust starts at 8 PM on Saturday, July 21. Doors open at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $14 adults, $12 for seniors, and $8 for students/kids. Celebration Barn Theater is located just off Route #117 at 190 Stock Farm Road in South Paris, ME, 04281. For more information, visit the theater’s website: www.CelebrationBarn.com.

TICKET INFO FOR SUNDAY 7/22 at THE FRONTIER CAFE AT THE FORT ANDROSS MILL IN BRUNSWICK
The Sunday, June 22nd Frontier Cafe tickets for this show are available by calling the Frontier Cafe at(207) 725.5222. Circle of Sawdust begins at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:30. Tickets for this fundraiser for needy children are $15/adult, $12 for Seniors and $10 for kids.  The Frontier Cafe offers a full dnner and children's menu and is located at 14 Maine Street in Brunswick, inside the Fort Andross Mill. FMI:www.explorefrontier.com. 

Smirkus Benefit at Flatbread Pizza in Portland

Tuesday, July 31, 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Come have delicious pizza, celebrated with us and support a great organization!

Flatbread Portland will donate a percentage of the take to Circus Smirkus!

Circus Smirkus News - June 6, 2012

STEP RIGHT UP! The Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour is returning to Merriconeag on Monday, August 6th and Tuesday, August 7th.

Plenty of tickets are available online now at smirkus.orgor avoid the processing fees by going Royal River Natural Foods after July 1st.

Don't delay since these shows sell out! Please note that any available tickets are released at the door one hour prior to show time and that

we usually fit in everyone off our waiting list.

RUN AWAY WITH THE CIRCUS! Join us under the big top by volunteering for a show or backstage. Sign up here to be one of our roustabouts. Everyone who signs up before the end of the school year will be entered into a drawing for 4 free tickets to the circus show of their choice! Winners notified by e-mail on June 9th.

RARE CHANCE TO SEE CIRCUS SMIRKUS FOUNDER ROB MERMIN PERFORM

This summer, you'll find us at the Frontier Cafe in Brunswick on Sunday, July 22nd and Monday, July 24th for shows that will educate, inspire and delight you. Please join us for these entertaining and Magic Matinee fundraising evenings.

A GREAT TIME FOR A GREAT CAUSE Come find us at Flatbread Company in Portland on Tuesday, July 31st for a benefit night that's a huge party. We'll have hula hoop contests, giveaways and excellent food in the company of many friends old and new. It feels like a big Merriconeag reunion and more definitely makes merrier so tell all your friends!

SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS Reach out to our more than 3,000 Circus-goers by advertising in our playbill (Link to ad rate sheet )ink to the ad rate sheet attached). Contact Victoria Stefanakos,bigtop@merriconeag.org

STAY IN TOUCH! We'll be keeping you posted on all the circus news over the summer. Be sure to like Merriconeag on Facebookand follow MerriconeagWald on Twitter. Have a great summer...we'll see you down the road!

Circus Smirkus News - May 22, 2012

Run Away with the Circus!
Eight years ago, our school began presenting the Big Top Tour put on by Circus Smirkus, a non-profit arts and education organization from Greensboro, VT. Each year, they select the best in circus arts talent from across the country and around the world for their Big Top Tour. The 25th Anniversary show, "Topsy Turvy Time Travel", will return to Merriconeag for four performances under the big top onMonday, August 6th and Tuesday, August 7th.

The Circus at Merriconeag
Circus Smirkus represents our school's most extensive community outreach with over 3,000 people coming to our four shows each year. We have raised nearly $150,000 over the past eight years with those proceeds directed to our Operating Budget, to the Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund and to our Circus Arts program. Ticket sales alone do not cover our costs as we have a substantial presentation fee to pay to Smirkus for bringing this incredible show to our campus. Sponsorship (Click here for Benefit Levels 2012) and playbill ad sales (Click here for Playbill ad rate sheet) play an important part. Please let us know if you'd like to showcase your business, or that of a friend or colleague, through the Circus. Victoria Stefanakos, bigtop@merriconeag.org, would love to hear from you so pass along your leads and she'll follow up for you.

The Magic Matinee
The heart of our Smirkus presentation is where we welcome more than 750 kids-in-need and their families to the circus. These special guests are sponsored by generous businesses and individuals. Community groups served through our Magic Matinee program include: Big Brother/Big Sister, Easter Seals, Freeport Community Services, Make-a-Wish, National Guard Families and scores of summer campers from local towns such as Noble, Freeport, Portland and Yarmouth. 100% of any donation goes to these children's tickets. Please contact Trace Salter, circus@merriconeag.org, to help make magic happen.

FUNdraising events for Smirkus 2012
Please note that we'll have two extra Magic Matinee fundraising events this year: 1. Rob Mermin, the Founder of Circus Smirkus, will perform at the Frontier Cafe in Brunswick on Sunday, July 22nd and Tuesday, July 24th. This is a rare opportunity to see Rob's talents on display and to hear from a true Master in this field 2. Flatbread in Portland will give us a Benefit Night on Tuesday, July 31st. It's a great party for a great cause. We hope to see you in Brunswick and Portland!

We need you!
Another way for you to be a part of the Circus is to volunteer for one of our shows or behind the scenes. Please check out this sign-up page (click here for on-line sign up sheet) on Google docs. Anyone signing up before the end of the school year will be entered into a raffle for 4 free tickets to the show of your choice. The winner will be notified on June 9th. If you have trouble seeing what jobs are available, please get in touch with Aly Fullagar at jane_nomore@yahoo.com. It's so much fun to work under the big top...we hope you'll join us!

Thank you, All!

Trace Salter, Circus Coordinator

circus@merriconeag.org

News from the Circus Coordinator - May 15, 2012

     Thank you to all the roustabouts who signed up at the May Faire to work our Circus shows on Monday, August 6th and Tuesday, August 7th. Please visit this online sign-up page to enter your name. Every person who volunteers before the end of school will be entered into a drawing for 4 free circus tickets to the performance of their choice. 
      Please keep in mind that the Circus is a great way to shine the spotlight on your business, or that of a friend, to our 3,000+ Circus-goers during the busiest week of the summer. We'd like to invite you to advertise in our beautiful playbill (ad rates here) and/or to sponsor children-in-need for our Magic Matinee program that reaches out to over 750 kids from community groups across the state. Join us under the big top by helping to make magic happen. Thank you!

Trace Salter, Circus Coordinator

News from the Circus Coordinator- May 8, 2012

Calling all Roustabouts to the May Faire: Smirkus Impresarios will be at the May Faire looking to rustle up able-bodied volunteers for our shows on Monday, August 6th and Tuesday, August 7th. Everyone signing up at the good Faire will be entered into a drawing for four free, VIP tickets to the performance of your choice during our presentation of the 25th Anniversary Big Top Tour. See you down the road!

News from the Circus Coordinator - May 1, 2012

Step Right Up and meet the newest member of the Circus Smirkus team at Merriconeag, Victoria Stefanakos: She will be our Director of Sales and Marketing for our Circus Smirkus shows to be held on Monday, August 6th & Tuesday, August 7th. Victoria can help you to shine the spotlight on your business to our 3,000+ circus-goers from the greater Portland area. She will also be grateful for any contacts you may have who would be interested in partnering with us to share the joy of the 25th Anniversary Big Top Tour as either Playbill Advertisers or Magic Matinee Sponsors. Please take a look at these ad rates - Playbill ad rate sheet - and get in touch with Victoria atbigtop@merriconeag.org. She'll do all the follow-up; we need only your suggestions. Many thanks and hope to see you down the road! Trace Salter

From the Circus Coordinator, April 3, 2012

Circus Dreams:

     Mark your calendars and set your Tivos because Maine Public Broadcasting Network will show the fun and inspiring film Circus Dreams on April 5 and April 7! Winner of audience awards at film festivals from coast to coast, Circus Dreams follows the adventures of a troupe of teens and tweens who astonish and delight audiences around New England on a Big Top Tour.

     Watch Circus Dreams on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network Television – WPBN-TV at 10 p.m.on Thursday, April 5, and 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7. The documentary will air again on MPBN – WORLD on April 24 and 25th.

Visit www.mpbn.net for broadcast times and to find out where to tune in to MPBN-TV and WORLD on your television. Trace Salter, Circus Coordinator, circus@merriconeag.org 
Join us for the 25th Anniversary of Circus Smirkus in 2012 when the Big Top Tour returns to Freeport on 8/6 & 8/7!

From the Circus Coordinator, February 14, 2012

Mark Your Calendars: Smirkus returns to Freeport with "Time Marchine" on Monday, August 6 & Tuesday, August 7! You'll be able to hop aboard the circus-powered Time Machine as we explore endless eons of fractured fun throughout history and beyond! Enjoy a split-second spectacle as we arc through the ages with acrobats, soar the centuries with aerialists, jump decades with jugglers and discover preposterous, playful, pre-HYSTERIC clowns...more details after February break...See you down the road! Trace Salter

Circus Smirkus 2011

For the past five summers Trace Salter, our Circus Coordinator, and Merriconeag parents have organized to bring the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour to our campus, raising funds to support our movement program and tuition assistance. Below you will find the news and updates about Circus Smirkus 2011.

2011 Dates and Showtimes:

Thursday, August 11, 2011,  1:00 PM & 6:00 PM

Friday, August 12, 2011, 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM

On Merriconeag's Grade School Campus, 57 Desert Road, Freeport

How can you help make the FRONTPAGE FOLLIES Big Top Big News! shows at Merriconeag a success?

1. Sign up for a shift under the big top. Sign up online here.
2. Advertise in the playbill. Playbill Ad Rates 2011
3. Sponsor a child for the Magic Matinee. Contact Trace Salter, circus@merriconeag.org

4. Purchase your tickets: http://www.circussmirkus.org/htm/tour/index.html

News and Updates

From our May 17, 2011 Tuesday Newsletter:

Run Away with the Circus:
We need plenty of roustabouts to staff our shows (on Thursday 8/11 & Friday 8/12), to work behind the scenes in August and to poster greater Brunswick and Portland in July and August. Please sign up online here or contact Trace Salter, circus@merriconeag.org, 207.756.9212, with any questions. Please also let Trace know of any leads you have for potential Playbill Advertisers and Magic Matinee Sponsors. (Click here for Playbill Ad Rates 2011.) She'd love your help and will take care of all the details. It's your personal connection that makes magic happen. Many thanks! Trace Salter, Circus Coordinator

From our May 3, 2011 Tuesday Newsletter:

Step Right Up: With summer just around the corner, we're busy planning for the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour. Frontpage Follies - Big Top Big News will return to Merriconeag on Thursday, August 11th & Friday, August 12th. Tickets are already on sale at http://www.circussmirkus.org/htm/tour/index.html and we'll have Royal River Natural Foods selling tickets after July 1st. Don't delay too long...we've already sold over 700 tickets!

     It takes a lot of roustabouts to pull off our circus presentation. You'll soon have a chance to sign up online for a shift under the big top. We also have about three slots left for people interested in hosting two Smirkus troupers during their 3-night stay in Freeport. This is a fun, engaging way for your family to feel a part of the action. Please contact Drew Tieman, weiman@maine.rr.com, to join the circus family.                                                         

     Our Smirkus shows attract over 3,000 people to our campus every summer. This is a wonderful chance to partner with Merriconeag to shine the spotlight on a local business. Please think about how you can support both the school and Circus Smirkus by advertising in our Playbill (Playbill Ad Rates 2011) or getting even more exposure by becoming a Sponsor (Benefit levels 2011). If you have friends or colleagues who would be interested in these opportunities, please pass their names along to me and I'll be happy to follow up.

     Many thanks for your help in making our presentation of the 25th Anniversary Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour a Frontpage Success! Trace Salter, circus@merriconeag.org, 207.756.9212.

From our February 1, 2011 Tuesday Newsletter:

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

     The 2011 Circus season is off to a roaring start with the Smirkus Freeport Roustabouts already busily planning for August 11th and 12th when Circus Smirkus will bring FRONTPAGE FOLLIES Big Top Big News! to our campus for four fabulous shows. Broadcasting live from under the Big Top, Smirkus newshounds and newsclowns seek the headlines and beat the deadlines, circus-style! In a swell tribute to old-time journalism, those paparazzi clowns capture all the daredevil derring-do. Juggling paperboys, acrobatic announcers, high wire hacks and one wacky weatherman score the sensational Smirkus scoop.

     There are 30 troupers spanning the globe. You’ll see old friends and new on this list: Una Bennett, Aaron Berman, Chase Culp, Sam Ferlo, Emily Gare, Maia Gawor-Sloane, Magnus Giaever, Julia Greenberg, Sam Gurwitt, Sonya Gurwitt, Alyson Mattei, Bekk McGowan, Willem McGowan, Collin Miclon, Al Mireault, Noah Nielsen, Anna Partridge, Morgan Pinney, Jessica Roginsky, Emma Rogers, Leah Samelson, Olivia Saunders, Brin Schoellkopf, Zoe Silberblatt, John Stubbs, Sarah Tiffin, Ezra Weill, Owen Winship, Emily Wunderle & Nick Zelle.

     Our own local cast includes, Aly Fullagar (recruiting volunteers), Barbara Guffin (helping run the back office) and Drew Tieman & Catherine Weiland (coordinating Homestays). Your Head Clown is once again Trace Salter, circus@merriconeag.org, with a new office in the Farmhouse. Drop by any time to throw your fedora into the ring…we’d love your help!

From the January 25, 2011 Tuesday Newsletter:

Hup Hey! Attention all Circus-Goers: THE 2011 CIRCUS SMIRKUS BIG TOP TOUR RETURNS TO FREEPORT ON THURSDAY 8/11 & FRIDAY 8/12!  Watch this space for the full scoop on “Frontpage Follies: Big Top Big News!”

See you down the road,
Trace Salter, Circus Coordinator, circus@merriconeag.org