This summer, three Vermont teens are performing under the Big Top.

Al Mireault, Maia Gawor-Sloane and Noah Nielson join 25 other young acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers and clowns in Circus Smirkus’ two-month Big Top Tour.

“It’s almost an entirely new genre of circus, because we’re teenagers,” Mireault said.

“We’re more passionate about it, because we don’t have the pressure of having to make a living off of it yet. It’s always a great show. You will leave definitely not forgetting it.”

Many of the performers, Mireault and Gawor-Sloane included, started out as delighted audience members.

 “I started seeing Smirkus when I was four-ish with my Dad, and I wanted to do it since then,” Gawor-Sloane said.

Circus Smirkus, established in 1987, is a Vermont-based travelling youth circus, performing in 70 shows in 16 cities across New England. This year’s theme is “Wilderness Wonders: Outdoor Adventures Under the Big Top.”

The tour kicked off June 25 with shows in Vermont.

Mireault, who juggles and does tricks with a diabolo—a large spool that is whirled and flung on a string between two sticks— also performed last year.

“It was a total blast,” he said. “It’s an excellent way to spend a summer.”

Mireault, 16, said the performances, though a bit nerve-wracking, are the best part of being in the circus.

“Putting the show together and seeing it progress and watching the training pay off … that’s what it’s really all about for me,” said the Waterbury resident.

Nielsen, 15, from Montpelier, who also performs with a diabolo, could not be reached for comment.

Gawor-Sloane, 15, from Richmond, is a wire walker.

 “I think the best part for me is performing and being able to see everyone in the crowd being so pleased and making their day better just watching it,” she said. “That’s what it was like for me.”

Gawor-Sloane said she can feel the tension in the audience while wire walking.

“When you watch it, you hold your breath,” she said. “When a person lands a trick you can hear the audience let their breath out and then hold it again … it’s so magical to be able to do that.”

To find a show near you or learn more about Circus Smirkus, visit www.circussmirkus.org. 

 

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