Come One, Come All
THE CIRCUS IS BACK—AND EVERYONE’S INVITED
July 2024
By Taylor Staubach
Photos courtesy of the Circus Arts Conservatory
Aerialist Garrett Allen defies gravity and stuns audiences.
THE FIRST TRAVELING CIRCUSES in the U.S. rambled from town to town, performing shows in rural areas where a troupe’s spectacular arrival would often herald an impromptu holiday, shutting down schools and workplaces. The days of wagons and trains rolling in with big tops, performers, and exotic animals in places like Pittsfield may be history, but this summer, the circus is setting up camp at Duffin Theater in Lenox with “SummerSaults in the Berkshires” from July 19 to 28. Hailing from Sarasota, Florida, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) is embarking on a groundbreaking cultural exchange aimed at connecting the vibrant arts communities of the “Circus Capital of the World” and the world-famous cultural hub of the Berkshires.
The CAC’s history is rooted in the world of circus performance and education. Co-founder Pedro Reis began his circus journey in Cape Town, South Africa, where he trained at a local YMCA, eventually transforming it into a circus school for youth. Co-founder Dolly Jacobs Reis, raised in Sarasota, comes from a renowned circus lineage. Her father, Lou Jacobs, performed for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for more than 60 years, starring in Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth alongside Jimmy Stewart.
Their paths crossed in Venice, Florida, where they met, married, and together took over the Sailor Circus, founded in 1949 as part of the gymnastics program at Sarasota High School. Under their leadership, the program evolved into the largest nonprofit circus training facility in the U.S., offering professional-level training alongside youth programs. And they didn’t stop there.
“The Ringling had left Sarasota County in 1992, and Dolly and I decided to bring back the living circus,” says Pedro. With a quest to revive the circus tradition, the two tirelessly worked to raise funds, renovate facilities, and bring top-notch performances to the community, all while emphasizing circus arts as a tool for educational outreach, community engagement and legacy. Following in the footsteps of the greats who came before them, Dolly and Pedro are carving out their own place in history. Today, the CAC includes Circus Sarasota, Sailor Circus, Cirque des Voix, the Summer Circus Spectacular, Humor Therapy Program, and educational outreach programs.
This is where Robin Eldridge steps in as the liason for the Berkshire initiative. Robin moved to Sarasota four years ago but keeps close ties to Lenox and the Berkshires, a place she has been visiting since 1979. “I sensed excellent synergy between the two regions, with each being a summer or winter arts & culture haven.”
Slappy & Monday: spreading joy and inspiration, one laugh at a time. Pedro Reis is the visionary behind the Circus Arts Conservatory.
Robin has been instrumental in realizing this crossregional collaboration. As a teen, she spent nine weeks with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, immersed in a training intensive for young people, igniting a fire for artistic exchange that the actor and producer would go on to draw from. Along with the help of Artistic Director Allyn Burrows, Robin orchestrated a sold-out performance of Shakespeare & Company’s 2022 production of Lee Blessing's A Walk in the Woods in Sarasota last winter, offering a taste of the Berkshires to a Florida audience. Simultaneously, Robin was in contact with Dolly and Pedro at the CAC with the idea of a Berkshire residency to balance out the mutual exchange. “One of the first things she [Dolly] said was, “nothing ventured, nothing gained,” which does feel to me like an ethos they have of how to stay connected to passion and a bigger vision,” says Robin.
With the reciprocity coming full circle this summer in the form of performances beginning Friday, July 19, Robin acknowledges that Pedro and Allyn’s enthusiasm for the arts are essential for the collaboration. “They are the two that I've brought into this notion of a greater exchange between Sarasota and the Berkshires because they both share a passion and vision as artists in their respective domains,” says Robin.
In the spirit of artistic partnerships, Robin has assembled a panel discussion slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, at Shakespeare & Company. Moderated by Williams College President Maud Mandel, the panel will discuss the role of performing arts in contemporary society. Attendees can expect to hear from Allyn, Pedro, Berkshire Theatre Group Artistic Director Kate Maguire, as well as the newly appointed Tanglewood Music Center Diretor Ed Gazouleas, each offering their insights into the transformative power of the arts.
To further build upon the cross-pollination of the artistic community and feed anticipation for the Duffin Theater performances, “sneak peek" events will be held at two other popular Berkshire locations. On Monday, July 15, CAC artists will grace the lawn of the gazebo behind the Great Barrington Town Hall, followed by pop-up performances on the expansive grounds of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge on Tuesday, July 16, and Saturday, July 20.
A look back at circuses that came to Pittsfield: from left, Buffalo Bill's Circus Parade, June 29, 1900; Clyde Beatty Circus, mid-20th century; and Ringling Brothers unloading, May 23, 1900. Historical photos, Collection of the Berkshire County Historical Society.
For some, the circus might conjure up images of clowns and cotton candy. Interpretations of the big-top circus of the past widely omit discussions of artistry. The CAC endeavors to shift that understanding, recognizing the circus arts as an expression of art; it’s the epitome of performance, athleticism, and artistry. Aiming to raise the overall perception of the circus, the residency's highlight is “SummerSaults in the Berkshires,” the ten-day stretch of performances at the Lenox Memorial Middle and High School’s Duffin Theater features a fusion of awe-inspiring acts choreographed to spellbinding compositions. From death-defying stunts to jaw-dropping acrobatics, the performances promise to captivate audiences of all ages.
With an impressive roster of world-class circus artists, Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott will lead spectators through an hour of nonstop entertainment, featuring acclaimed aerialist Garrett Allen who, according to Pedro, “dances in the air on a single vertical rope,” Serge Sergeev & Aurika Annaeva showcase sword and crystal balancing, and Tersit Asefa Dersu will mesmerize audiences with her speed juggling. Additionally, Richard Jecsmen and Yana Semilet/La Vision will amaze the audience with hand-balancing feats, while Slappy & Monday will bring laughter with their clowning antics.
SummerSaults in the Berkshires
Duffin Theater, 197 East St., Lenox
July 19-July 28, performances at 2 & 6 p.m. weekdays; 1 & 5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays. Tickets: $25–$30. circusarts.org
Other places to clown around
Berkcirque
Great Barrington. Offering classes for adults and children as well as summer circus camp, circus birthday parties, artists in residence programs, aerial yoga classes, and teacher training.
berkcirque.com
Circus Smirkus
Greensboro, Vermont. Nonprofit arts and education organization promoting the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus and inspiring youth to engage in the circus arts.
smirkus.org
Circus Up!
Boston. Part of an international "social circus" movement that uses circus arts and skills to create stronger, kinder, and more resilient communities. Offering community classes for youth in partnership with local schools and community centers.
circusup.com
New England Center for Circus Arts
Brattleboro, Vermont. Provides accessible circus arts education for all ages and abilities, offering the community outstanding professional circus performances and training for students.
necenterforcircusarts.org