Even though my last blog post was only a few weeks ago, I am realizing more and more how much happens here in circus world on a daily basis. I feel like I've done, seen, and experienced about a million crazy and fun things since I last posted, and it feels impossible to truly share what goes on here, because it is so beyond anything I could have dreamed or imagined! It also goes to show how truly a unique experience I'm getting by working around some of the most talented individuals in the world. In a nutshell, if you want the full experience, I guess you'll just have to come visit ;) I was in several cities in Ohio and am now spending the better part of November in the Rosemont/Chicago area. I'll give you the cliffs notes version of some of the highlights of the past few weeks, and of course, include some photos of my adventures.
- Attended the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH
- Went to my first House of Blues concert (the arts management in me mostly gushed over the lighting)
- Attended my first ever Circus Mass service performed by nuns & priests who travel to do services for people on the road
- Saw two awesome shows in Chicago: Kinky Boots (starring Billy Porter who I worked with this past summer at Lyric - hey again Billy!) and I Love Lucy Live on Stage (I grew up watching Lucy and I just about died being at the show -so incredibly heartwarming :))
- Experienced my first "Annual Haunted Clown Car." Every year, our clown alley spends weeks preparing a haunted experience for everyone on the train by converting an old school bus and their train car into a haunted house. They dress up and are part of the "interactive" experience as well haha You even have to wear 3D glasses because the inside of the car is painted with neon, 3D paint. It is quite the extravaganza and I screamed/laughed uncontrollably every time I went through. Happy Halloween on the circus.
- Took a trip from Ohio to the Michigan IKEA (made me miss my northern roots!!) and also took a trip to Baraboo, Wisconsin to see some Ringling history (more on that below and again, made me miss my northern roots - cheese curds for all!)
- I am currently attempting to somehow be in every act on our show ;) (what's life without a little risk?), so in the past couple weeks, I've gotten on the Globe of Steel motorcycle, ridden on of the horses in our Cossacks horse act, been juggled around (now I just need to learn how myself), fed some goats and horses (not exactly the same as teaching the goat to walk across a high beam, but you have to start somewhere) ... and I'm just beginning. You'll have to read my next blog post to see what all else I've planned on getting myself into here haha :)
- Last night, I also helped put on and attended my very first circus party. At the end of every year, the arena space is transformed, everyone dresses up, and comes out for a catered banquet, awards ceremony, and this year a No Talent, Talent Show (which - is the most interesting spectacle of *ahem* "non-talent" I've ever seen considering these circus performers can do just about EVERYTHING).
For those that don't know, Baraboo, WI is where the Ringlings are from, and definitely a huge part of our circus history. On Monday, I took a trip with our Train Master (who is in the process of trying to buy the original Al Ringling's home and convert it into a museum/B&B) and others to see the Al Ringling house, the Al Ringling Theatre, the Clown Hall of Fame, Circus World Museum (including an exclusive tour of the library there with artifacts, costumes, relics from the circus dating back to the 1800's), the old location where the train was stored in the winter, and the historic site where the first Ringling circus performance was held. It was quite the trip. I have so many pictures and videos from the day, it would be impossible to upload them all on here!
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| Circus World Museum |
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| Water For Elephants band wagon |
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| There was a gorilla on the show back in the day ... |
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| Circus World :) |
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| Al Ringling House |
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| This was Al's box at his theatre :) |
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| Clown Hall of Fame |
Well, I'm looking ahead and the only things that stand between me and a wonderful Christmas break at home in MN is a few more weeks in the Chicago area, a week in Indianapolis, and a short rehearsal stint in Tampa. The end of the year is coming so soon!
Until the next post ...
