FELD ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS

Where world-class productions prepare for the world stage

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the global headquarters of Feld Entertainment® is home to the largest and most innovative facility of its kind in the world. No one does what we do, and no other facility delivers such true integration and remarkable industry production standards. With more than 580,000 sq. ft. under one roof, we have the unique ability to set up the tour, design and build the set, create the show and pack it for the road. Our one-stop-shop offers an exceptional 50,000 square-foot rehearsal space, on-site design and fabrication, in-house operational expertise and administration support services, all for ultimate cost efficiency for both celebrated Feld Entertainment productions and for producers looking for a staging and rehearsal venue to take their production to the world stage. Feld Entertainment Studios, quite simply, offers the quality and operational expertise you would expect from the world leader in live-action family entertainment.

Visit us at feldentertainmentstudios.com

All material © 2014 Feld Entertainment ® .

Big Apple Circus Clowns Create Smiles At Boston Children’s Hospital

from: boston.cbslocal.com

By David Robichaud WBZ-TV News

May 12, 2014

BOSTON (CBS) – Even though the Big Apple Circus has pulled up its tents for the season, the clowns stay behind all year round to entertain chronically ill children at Boston Children’s Hospital.

These clowns are not volunteers.  They are specially trained to deal with young people suffering from major illnesses.

“We wait for the signals from the child, not the parent but the child to say we can come a little closer,” Bob Widdop, a.k.a. ‘Nurse BB’ told WBZ-TV.

Katie Murphy with Big Apple Circus clown Dr. Dazzle at Boston Children’s Hospital. (Photo by David Robichaud – WBZ-TV)

During our visit to the hospital, they spotted their first patient, three-year- old Avery, clinging to her mom Stacy.

They sing “Tiny bubbles, tiny bubbles, bouncin’ on my head, bouncin’ on my head” and slowly gain Avery’s trust.

After they inch closer, the next thing you know, Avery’s playing along.

Eight-year-old Angelina is very familiar not only with these clowns but with the Big Apple Circus.  She was actually the ringmaster one night, something that made her very happy.

“They bring joy, they bring silliness, they bring laughter.  They just add this unique other dimension,” said Beth Donegan Driscoll, the Child Life Specialists Director at Children’s.

Six-year-old Katie Marie Murphy of Amesbury and Dr. Dazzle are BFF’s.

Hair-raising! Daredevil circus performer hangs from the ceiling just with her long locks

A DAREDEVIL circus performer has insured her long locks for £1million after becoming the UK's only person to practice the ancient art of hair hanging.

from: express.co.uk

By: Dion Dassanayake

Mon, May 12, 2014

Anastasia IV has a world record for the heaviest weight lifted with just someone's hair[CATERS]

Anastasia IV makes a living from using her waist-length blonde barnet to hang from the ceiling and swing or spin so fast her face becomes a blur.

The 26-year-old, who uses two bottles of conditioner a day, also holds the Guinness World Record for lifting the heaviest weight with her hair. 

The performer, whose real name is Joanna Sawicka, discovered her unique talent after she quit studying biochemistry in London to join a circus.

She said: "The idea of running away to the circus was romantic.

"I had no idea I would end up doing something so crazy. But I've found my calling and it feels fantastic!" 

Ms Sawicka has spent four years perfecting her act and has even managed to pull a 2.5 tonne car 20 metres down Shaftesbury Avenue in the capital.

In preparation for performances with the Circus of Horrors she undergoes a lengthy hair care regime lasting an hour and a half.

Her mane needs to be brushed thoroughly as any knots or tangles could weaken the rope-like structure her hair becomes.

She originally came to the UK from Poland to study but when she met circus performer Hannibal Hellmurto in a pub she decided to join him.

Mr Hellmurto later became her husband and Ms Sawicka started her circus act by lying on beds of nails and sword swallowing.

But within two years she was practicing hair hanging, an ancient tradition that is believed to have originated in China.

read more at:

http://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/475499/Daredevil-circus-performer-hangs-from-the-ceiling-just-with-her-long-locks

'Duck Dynasty' coming to the Bloomsburg Fair

from-dailyitem.com

By Ashley Wislock

May 12, 2014

BLOOMSBURG — Bloomsburg Fair officials have booked classic rock stars and the reality TV family from “Duck Dynasty” for the 159th event.

They announced via Facebook Monday that Willie and Korie Robertson, of A&E’s smash hit “Duck Dynasty” will host a question-and-answer session at the grandstand Sept. 21 while Southern rockers ZZ Top — whose song “Sharp Dressed Man,” coincidentally, is the “Duck Dynasty” theme song — will perform Sept. 25.

The Robertsons will discuss their show, their daily lives and will also take questions from fans, said Carey Howell, superintendent of the grandstand. The talk format is something “more and more fairs are looking into, rather than just having bands,” he said.

Tickets will most likely go on sale in late July or early August, Howell said. Pricing has yet to be determined. ZZ Top tickets will also go on sale around the same time.

The Robertson have been doing shows at various fairs and are scheduled to make a similar appearance at the Iowa State Fair in August, with fellow “Duck Dynasty” star Uncle Si. Tickets for that show, “A Conversation with the Robertsons,” are $32, according to the Iowa fair’s website.

“Willie, Korie and Si Robertson, stars of A&E’s ‘Duck Dynasty’ will entertain fans of the reality show and outdoor enthusiasts alike as they share insights into their family life and the filming of the show,” the show description reads.

Members of the Robertson clan are also headlining the entertainment line-up at the Alaska State Fair, according to the Associated Press.

Opinion on the “Duck Dynasty” grandstand show were mixed on the Bloomsburg Fair’s Facebook page.

“ZZ Top and now this,” Matthew Susnoskie said, “(it’s) going to be a great fair this year.”

Meanwhile, others were not as enthusiastic about the controversial stars, who have publicly come out against homosexuality, citing their evangelical Christian views.

“Listening to them talk for a few hours is not entertainment,” Kim Kitchen Derr said. “I realize the fair board is giving the people what they want, but I think, with this being the only venue for bigger scale entertainment, thought should be given to providing quality, not some controversial reality stars whose only claim to fame is that they are famous.”

The fair works with a promoter to bring acts to the grandstand, Howell said, though the event also tries to listen to Facebook feedback. However, scheduling often dictates what acts come to the fair.

“Jay Leno, for instance, wasn’t available,” Howell said. “We tried several times to get the Zac Brown Band, but at first they didn’t want to do fairs. Now that they are, they weren’t available.”

Darius Rucker was another requested act, but at the time of the fair, he will be touring California, Howell said.

“It’s difficult,” he said.

The fair, whose acts often cater to country music fans and older audiences, has tried to bring in rock acts to attract younger audiences, but found that those shows were unprofitable, Howell said.

“We have to break even,” he said.

Other performers will be announced in the coming weeks on the Bloomsburg Fair Facebook page, Howell said.

At The Shore Today: Cole Bros. Circus comes to Vineland for two days of performances

from:  pressofatlanticcity.com

Monday, May 12, 2014

Circus in Vineland

Cole Bros. Circus, the oldest, American circus performing under the big top, celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. Cole Bros. Circus comes to southern New Jersey today and Tuesday with shows at the U-Sell Flea Market in Vineland.

This event will reprise legendary circus acts of the past along with the talents of newer circus artists. In Mexico's Angels in the Air performance, daring young men and women on the flying trapeze soar high above the hippodrome track. Circus daredevils cast caution aside in ThunderDrome with the zany Cole Bros. clown crew arriving in the nick of time to provide comic relief. Elephants and acrobats, tigers and teeterboard artists take their turns in the spotlight, and the human cannonball gets fired at every show.

If You Go: Performances are 5 and 8 p.m. today and Tuesday at the flea market, 2896 South Delsea Drive, Vineland. Tickets are $21 general admission, $25 reserved and $28 VIP. Buy tickets online at

gotothecircus.com For free tickets for children age 12 and younger, also visit gotothecircus.com.

The circus comes to Mason City

Children enjoy an elephant ride during the Shrine Circus pre-party Sunday at the North Iowa Events Center

from- globegazette.com

By PEGGY SENZARINO 

May 12,2014

MASON CITY | Dozens of lucky moms and kids spent Mother's Day under the Big Top at the North Iowa Events Center Sunday.

The pre-party for the 2014 North Iowa Shrine Club Circus brought many families out about an hour before show time for rides on an elephant, camel and ponies. The adventurous had their picture taken with a three-year-old red tail boa constrictor.

A trip to the circus is a tradition for twins Taylor and Leah Brown and their parents, Jessica and Brian, of Swaledale.

"We come every single year," Jessica Brown said. "We've been coming since they were about 4 years old. It's something they enjoy coming to. They love it. They love the elephants and they love riding the ponies."

The girls talked about riding the elephant. 

"It was a lot of fun to be up high," Taylor said.

Charlie Marie Larsen, 5, from Fertile, participates in a dance competition lead by Lenny Hoops, the circus master of ceremony, during the circus pre-party Sunday at the North Iowa Events Center.

"It feels kind of scary, but once you get moving it doesn't feel very scary," Leah said. She added that the seat, "doesn't hurt your butt or anything."

Donna Hammen, Mason City, brought her great-granddaughter Charlie Marie Larsen, 5, of Fertile, to the circus.

Charlie, her face painted like a cheetah, munched on pink cotton candy.

"I haven't been to the circus since I was a small child," Hammen said. "She spotted the ad in the newspaper and asked me to bring her. 

"This is the best time. This a wonderful thing to do and on Mother's Day."

The circus' master of ceremonies Lenny Hoops entertained the kids with music and games. Kids jumped up and down as he played a drum and sang "What time is it? It's party time."

The proceeds support Shriner's Hospitals for Children.

Taylor Brown, 7, left, from Swaledale, and her twin sister Leah hula hoop during the circus pre-party Sunday at the North Iowa Events Center.

Jennifer Lawson from Thompson and her two boys, Leighton, 3, and Jase, 11 months, take an elephant ride during the circus pre-party Sunday at the North Iowa Events Center.

Councillors clash over circus application

from-  newtownabbeytoday.co.uk

May 12, 2014

Newtownabbey councillors have voted to allow a circus which uses animals in its performances to take place at Sixmilewater Park, Ballyclare and Loughshore Park, Jordanstown.

The proposal was passed amidst heated debate at the April meeting of the council’s Leisure Committee.

Councillors were told that there would be no exotic animals such as lions and tigers involved. Instead, the performance animals would be dogs and horses, with sealions on show for spectators to view.

However, several councillors raised concerns that the circus had caused damage to Loughshore Park in the past, provoking complaints from local residents.

Vice chair of the Leisure Committee, UUP Councillor John Scott, argued that 5,000 people had attended the previous circus, and that he himself had visited the circus and inspected the animals’ conditions.

Vice chair of the Leisure Committee, UUP Councillor John Scott, argued that 5,000 people had attended the previous circus, and that he himself had visited the circus and inspected the animals’ conditions.

Councillor Pat McCudden added: “As a rural area representative, a number of people have asked me to support the circus and I certainly would support it. People and their children want to see it. There may have been damage but that’s between the circus and council to ensure it is managed. It’s wrong to deny the public the opportunity to attend the event. We deny the public from attending enough events in this council.”

DUP Alderman Billy DeCourcy argued that the circus company should pay for any damage it might cause.

DUP Councillor Thomas Hogg said that he had no issue with a circus involving domestic animals, but that he had received correspondence from local residents who had been unable to use the parks after the last circus.

In contrast, Alliance Alderman John Blair declared that he was no less offended by the use of dogs or horses forced to travel around Europe in trailers than exotic animals. He added: “I am against the use of animals for human entertainment. It’s not part of modern society.”

His party colleague, Cllr Billy Webb, agreed that the animals involved in the performances were being made to perform “unnatural acts.”

To shouts of protest from DUP Alderman Billy Ball, Mr Blair asked if there would be a register for councillors accepting complimentary tickets from the circus. He added that he had requested such a register in the past.

Council officer Majella McAlister replied that she would look into the possibility and report back to council.

In response to UUP Councillor Mark Cosgrove’s query over the actual threshold for declaring gifts, Ms McAlister said that she was unsure of the level required but that it would be ‘specified within the policy.’

DUP Councillor Robert Hill said that tickets had been given out before to community groups, schools and those who could not afford to attend.

Councillor Scott revealed that he too had received tickets in the past and had given them to people who couldn’t afford to go themselves.

Cllr Hill stated: “The idea that councillors would think the front row at the circus is a great boost to themselves is stupid. There’s no reason to suspect the ill treatment of the animals and councillors can look round the site. The circus paid for the damage to the park to be restored. The whole community is behind the circus.”

Pointing to the use of animals in television advertising, he added: “Every time I turn on the TV there are puppies dancing with toilet rolls!”

DUP Councillor Victor Robinson said he didn’t believe in censorship and that people should be able to attend the circus if they wanted to. He added: “I don’t believe this council should be a body that should censor anything. I went to the circus years ago, as did the USPCA. If you censor a circus using dogs you have to censor Crufts, gymkhanas and showjumping - where will it end?”

Members voted 13 - 8 that the circus should be permitted to take place on council land provided that the cost of repairing any damage caused is met by the circus.

Founder of Circus Flora passes away

from: fox2now.com

by Staff Writer

May 10, 2014

ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – The founder, producer, and artistic director of Circus Flora,  Ivor David Balding, passed away at his home Friday night at the age of 75. Balding was one of the founding members of Circus Flora with Sheila and Sam Jewell, Alexandre, Sacha, Pavlata.

Mr. Balding continued working while in poor health, producing Circus Flora’s 28th season that was scheduled to be previewed on May 28th.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Circus brings new and classic acts to Camelback

By MELANIE VANDERVEER

For the Pocono Record

May 09, 2014

The 130th anniversary of the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars is being celebrated this year with old favorites and new acts. Ringmaster Christopher Connors has been with the circus for many years, and said everyone's a child again when the circus comes to town.

"I've been with Cole Bros. for 13 years as ringmaster, but I've done this longer than that. I'm probably the third longest running ringmaster in the history of Cole Bros. Circus. I grew up around the circus. My parents were members of the Circus Fans of America," Connors said. "There's something magic about the big-top circus — from the scents to the sights. You're a child again, no matter how old you are, when you walk into the big top. That's the magic of the circus."

This year's circus includes the usual acts everyone loves and some new ones — elephants, tigers, clowns and motorcycles.

"This is our second year with white Bengal tigers," said Mario Vitali, senior marketing director. "The highlight is the elephants and the tigers. People want to see them because some never get to see these magnificent creatures up close."

The elephants are a family of elephants, handled by a family of humans.

"Their 8-year-old gets out there with her parents," Connors said. "We show some wonderful, beautiful exotic animals."

A signature act of the circus is the world's largest cannon. This year's circus brings that act back after a few years' absence, with a new human cannonball.

"This year, brand new to the cannon is Dale Thomsen from Minnesota," Connors said. "He's a fine example of what we have here in America. He also flies on the trapeze."

Other acts include an aerial ballet, a dog act, clowns and the Sphere of Danger.

"The motorcycles in the Sphere of Danger are a newer favorite of the circus. We have some new guys performing, and they are really fast," Connors said. "We also have the aerial ballet and dance to the theme of 'Top Hats and Tails.' We added surprises, so when you think it's over, it's not."

Vitali said people are welcome to come out and watch the tent raising on Monday around 8 or 9 a.m. And they can always come check out the animals.

"People can always come out to see the animals. They are all in great shape and cared for very well," Vitali said.

Circus issues letter to the people of Providence

from: abc6.com

By: Dee DeQuattro

May 9, 2014

FELD Entertainment, the owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's circus have issued an open letter to the people of Providence. The following is the letter:

To the people of Providence, Rhode Island, From the bottom of our hearts, all of us at Feld Entertainment® want to thank you for the overwhelming care and positive energy you’ve focused on our circus family in the days following the unfortunate accident that occurred during a performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents LEGENDSSM this past Sunday afternoon. We are deeply touched by the kind thoughts that have been shared. 

We want to commend the first responders who took care of our performers in the immediate aftermath, and who performed like the true super heroes that they are. The medical teams and all of the staff at Rhode Island Hospital have been, and continue to be, incredible. It’s comforting to know our performers are in such good hands as they make strides toward their recovery.

Much gratitude also goes to the personnel at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, especially General Manager Larry Lepore, who went above and beyond the call of duty and exemplified the meaning of a true partnership.

Feld Entertainment events visit Providence several times a year, and we have a long history within the community. Now more than ever, Providence will hold a special place in our hearts. We deeply appreciate your continued thoughts, prayers and support, and we look forward to bringing Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey back to Providence next year and for many years to come.

With Gratitude,

Kenneth, Nicole, Alana and Juliette Feld 

Circus show goes on despite acrobat accident

From: cbs3springfield.com

May 9, 2014

CBS 3 Springfield - WSHM

2nd acrobat's condition improves as circus goes on

From: theday.com

May 09, 2014

Hartford (AP) - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was set to open in Hartford on Thursday, four days after an acrobatic stunt went awry, injuring nine performers and abruptly halting the circus in Providence.

While seven of the acrobats injured while performing in a hair-hanging stunt remain in the hospital, including at least two in serious condition, the circus was scheduled to perform eight shows in Hartford through Sunday.

"I'm pleased to report that our performers are continuing to improve," circus spokesman Stephen Payne said at a news conference Thursday.

The condition of two of the acrobats has been upgraded to fair and two others remain in serious condition. Three others have asked that their medical conditions not be made public.

Federal health and safety inspectors and circus officials have not identified a "definitive cause" for the aerial accident that sent eight acrobats plummeting to the ground, Payne said. A clip at the top of the apparatus snapped, dropping the acrobats about 20 feet to the ground.

The "human chandelier" stunt, in which performers hang by their hair from a suspended apparatus, won't be performed in Hartford and will not be replaced "at this time," said Nicole Feld, executive vice president of Feld Entertainment.

"We'll look and see how the recovery process goes," she said.

As the circus officials spoke, lionesses, tigers and a leopard could be heard roaring and growling in an area behind a curtain.

A rehearsal will "smooth the transitions" between acts to make sure the show runs smoothly without the hair-hanging act, Feld said.

The medical team treating the acrobats said Wednesday that two have spinal cord injuries, and it's not known if they'll walk again.

The performers are covered by Ringling Bros.' insurance and the circus and the Feld family are doing everything to make sure that performers are taken care of "and that their families are taken care of in this critical time for them," Payne said.

Asked if a net might be used in the future, Payne said that because the act went up and down, "We're not entirely sure a net would have really added any safety feature," he said.

Circus ringmaster Jonathan Lee Iverson said first responders in Providence "may have saved a life or two."

Payne said the margin for safety for the performance was satisfactory. "We feel that our safety standards are impeccable," he said.

Circus sent packing by council

Trapeze artist and horse presenter, Amanda Sandow posing outside the Circus Gerbola big top in Kanturk last weekend.

from: independent.ie

09 MAY 2014

NELLIE the Elephant was told to pack her bags after Mallow Town Council refused permission for the circus to set up in the town over the bank-holiday weekend.

Circus Gerbola had been due to set down in the park last Friday.

However, the previous Monday they were told this would not be possible due "health and safety" concerns.

Michael Gerbola, who runs the circus along with his wife Tara, were, needless to say, not too impressed with the decision.

Speaking to The Corkman, Michael said the circus had initially been granted permission to set up in the park by the local authority. "It had rained over the weekend and on the Monday we were told the ground was too soft and that we would be unable to set up there," said Michael.

"Tara drove to the site to inspect it for herself and she felt it was rock hard and in very good condition. We subsequently contacted an official at Mallow Town Council, who would not give us a reason for the refusal except to say it was for health and safety reasons and their decision was final," he added.

Michael said the circus had previously visited Mallow three-years ago and there had been no problem.

Michael accused the town council official of being unreasonable and "deliberately obstinate" over the issue.

"If, as the official said, the decision was taken for health and safety reasons, surely the whole park should have been closed to the public," said Michael.

"Our equipment is not heavy. In fact we recently set up on a playing pitch in Millstreet and caused no damage to its surface.

"As far as we can see there was no valid reason why we were not allowed to set up in Mallow. The people of the town wanted us there and they were left disappointed," he added.

Michael said the decision was likely to have cost the circus thousands of euro in revenue. "The overheads involved in running a circus are huge. We had to rearrange our plans and have lost up to a week's wages because of what happened in Mallow," he added.

An official with Mallow Town Council said the circus had booked the park but only on condition that the round would be fit for use. "Unfortunately, it was not in a condition to host the circus as the ground was too soft," he said.

Corkman

read more:

http://www.independent.ie/regionals/argus/entertainment/circus-sent-packing-by-council-30255426.html

Circus comes to Clinton on Sunday

By Brenden West Assistant Editor

from: The Clinton Herald.com

May 9, 2014

CLINTON — Yoya Picolini is a sixth-generation circus performer. She walks the high wire and dazzles the audience with magic. It’s all part of her family’s show — the Ticoliny Du Sarousch Big Top Circus.

It’s a European circus, which has some differentiations from what people are normally used to. Picolini said her family doesn’t have the exotic tigers and elephants per the normal custom. But there’s still a lot to take in, with acrobatics, juggling, clowns, a petting zoo, magic, food and fun.

“The owner of the show is Italian, and he wants to show everyone that a circus can still be a circus without the exotic animals,” Picolini said. “You’ll never see a show like this one. It’s a one-of-a-kind show. There’s people that come from all over the place to see our show.”

On Sunday at Clinton’s National Guard Armory, people can see what she means. Inside the armory’s drill hall, the circus will have two main shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Doors for both shows open an hour before. Children 12 and under receive free admission. Otherwise, tickets are $12 per person.

The Ticoliny Du Sarousch prides itself on the human elements, Picolini said, per European tradition. She compared the performance to well-known acts like Cirque du Soleil that highlight twisting and turning physical feats.

Picolini’s circus attempts to bring that entertainment to the small-town stage.

“We try to make sure everybody has fun in a family atmosphere,” she said. “It’s a family circus with family entertainment.”

- See more at: http://www.clintonherald.com/features/x2117383524/Circus-comes-to-Clinton-on-Sunday#sthash.ROVNwIoA.dpuf

Skeeter the Clown visits Greenon Local schools

from: fairborndailyherald.com

By Linda Collins Special Correspondent

May 9, 2014

ENON,OHIO — There was a lot of laughter and giggles from a delighted group of students at Enon and Hustead Elementary Schools as Ms. Skeeter, the “advance clown” with the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus, shared her unique style of clowning as she promoted the circus that is coming to the village Mother’s Day.

The Enon Police Department is sponsoring two, 90-minute performances at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 11 under the big top at Indian Valley Middle School, 510 S. Xenia Drive. According to Enon Police Chief Lewis Wilcox, the circus event is one of several community events planned during 2014.

Dressed in blue knickers, a red vest, a blue-and-white striped shirt, and oversized shoes, Skeeter sported a bright red bubble-like nose and polka dot cheeks as she put on a show that included several magic tricks and music with a slide whistle and a recorder, two instruments that the clown said have always been a part of the circus. Skeeter even taught several students some circus magic using “Macaroni,” a long peacock feather that the students learned to balance on their fingertips.

The clown implemented American Sign Language and foreign language during the assembly. Her act also included a little bit of history of the big-top circus which is celebrating its 221st. birthday this year.

“There is nothing that has grown up with America like the circus,” said Skeeter. “The circus has been around just about as long as our country has.”

Known as Tina Bausch when she is not performing as part of the big-top circus, the Ohio native grew up in Grove City and got her start as a clown in 1985 at the early age of 9-years-old. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcasting from Oberlin College. After working seven years for Time Warner Inc., Bausch attended the Ringling Clown College and graduated with a MBA, Master of Buffoonery Arts degree.

Since her start as a clown, Skeeter has performed with several American circuses, including the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, the Toby Tyler Circus, Circus Chermera, the Carson and Barnes Circus, Kelly Miller Circus, Jordan International Circus, and the Hartford Circus.

“There were 39 circuses when I started out 29 years ago. Now, there are only 12 big-top circus shows in America,” the clown noted.

Skeeter has spent much of the last 19 years traveling around the country ahead of the circus performers and animals, meeting people in the towns and cities where the circus plans to visit.

According to the clown, each circus season lasts 32 weeks.

“One season we will perform in the Midwest as far east as Ohio. During the next season, we perform in the western states as far east as Colorado,” explained Skeeter.

Mike Porra: The daredevil behind Nitro Circus

from: perthnow.com.au

JORDAN BAKER THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 

MAY 10, 2014 

MIKE PORRA is a daredevil. Not in the same way as his employees — he has never jumped without a parachute, for example, or sailed across a 20m gap while dangling off a backflipping motorbike.

Porra is a financial risk-taker, betting the family fortune on a deadly sports circus that costs about $1 million per venue to stage, and involves 16 trucks of gear, 125 staff and an insurance bill that is terrifying.

His mantra is similar to that of the motocross daredevils who risk their life at every show: “You don’t get to play unless you take a risk.”

Porra, a Coogee native, is the chief executive of global phenomenon Nitro Circus, a troupe of action men and women who perform wild stunts on dirt bikes, motor bikes, skateboards and even shopping trolleys.

Nitro Circus promoter Mike Porra at home at Warriewood. Source: News Corp Australia

If you have never heard of Nitro Circus, you don’t have a teenage or 20-something man in your life. For that generation, says Porra, 54, extreme sports are more popular than cricket.

Why, you may ask?

“It’s scary,” says Porra. “The guys are jumping 75 foot (23m) gaps, 50 feet (15m) in the air, doing backflips, hanging off the back of the bike, landing on a metal lander. The consequences are catastrophic. And you can sit 20 feet (6m) away with a beer.”

In other words; someone might die right in front of you at any moment.

Porra is the most fascinating Australian entrepreneur you’ve never heard of.

He started his adult life as a surfer and surf lifesaver, but he could not suppress that entrepreneurial spirit, so started the Iron Man series.

read more:

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/mike-porra-the-daredevil-behind-nitro-circus/story-fnii5s3z-1226911898363

Accidents involving circus performers are rare

  /AP

The Flying Wallendas during their three-tier seven-person pyramid performance in 1962 that ended in tragedy.

from-providencejournal.com

By: Felice J. Freyer, staff writer

May 10, 2014 

Death-defying — that’s how circus acrobatics are often described, and that’s what makes the performances thrilling. But even when executing the most daring stunts, these highly skilled and disciplined performers usually do survive, unscathed.

Serious circus accidents are rare, says Janet M. Davis, an American studies professor at the University of Texas at Austin, who has researched the history of circuses.

“This is regulated business,” she said, saying that Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards are well-enforced. Additionally, both owners and performers have a stake in safety.

Last Sunday’s accident at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Providence, while not fatal, was extremely unusual for involving so many performers at once — eight women and one man, seven of whom are still in the hospital.

Other less serious accidents have occurred at circuses in Providence. In 1985, an aerialist fell about 30 feet at what was then called the Providence Civic Center. He cracked three vertebrae but recovered and resumed performing. And in 1998, a “human cannonball” broke her ankle when she landed in the net the wrong way. Both incidents occurred at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Circuses have also endured train wrecks, animal attacks, people crushed by elephants and fires. In 1944, nearly 170 people were killed in a circus fire in Hartford, Conn.

But serious accidents involving onstage performers are rare. Here are some of the most notorious:

April 1915. Otto Kline, a Barnum & Bailey Circus “rough rider,” died at Madison Square Garden while performing the act for which he was famous: vaulting over the back of a running horse. He lost his grip on the saddle’s pommel and was flung against a box, fracturing his skull.

February 1931. Lillian Leitzel was world-famous for an act in which she would climb a rope, grasp it with one hand, and repeatedly flip her body over her shoulder. During a performance in Copenhagen, a piece of equipment that held the rope in place snapped. She fell 40 feet and died a few days later.

read more at:

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140510-accidents-involving-circus-performers-are-rare.ece

Circus still puts on good show

from- pntonline.com

by Karl Terry

May 10, 2014

The sharp blast of a whistle immediately silenced the tent and the barking ringmaster directed attention to the ring in the center. The circus was in town.

Traditional circuses are quickly going the way of the rotary desk phone and the Do Do bird. Touring circuses packing their own big top from one small town to the next are few and far between these days. When one does pull into town it’s often a rip-off that leaves you feeling cheated. Not so with the Carson & Barnes Circus.

I’ve been a part of several clubs that sponsored Carson & Barnes in other cities and when I heard they were coming to Portales I wanted to go to the circus again.

Two of the three college students working in my office confessed this was the first circus they had ever experienced; Quite a difference from my experience back when I was almost too young to remember it. I’m not sure but the first one I remember was probably before I ever started school.

My grandparents lived just north of the fairgrounds and when the circus came to town we noticed it immediately. We could sit on the swing set and get a good view of what was going on across the road. Just seeing those brightly colored tents put my imagination in overdrive.

On set up day my grandmother took me over to check things out I remember wanting to make sure I kept a safe distance from the elephants and I recall being even more fascinated by the first live llama I had ever seen. It seems Dr. Doolittle had misled me a bit because llamas only have one head.

That night at the circus I was excited to start with the noise, the sights the smells, three rings — it was just too much to keep up with. The strongest memory of the night was when they brought all those elephants under that tent with us. To my young eyes the beasts seemed to be in full stampede, though I’m sure to an adult “lumbering” described the action better.

As the lead elephant neared my side of the tent I seem to remember searching for a way to get underneath the bleachers. The dust in the tent was swirling, the spotlights were chasing and the brass band blared — it was all too much for my preschool brain.

There have been fewer elephants every time I go to the circus. But I guess if you or I were paying a circus fuel and hay bill we might be hauling a few less pachyderms ourselves.

As the excitement and fun continued non-stop and the kids in the bleachers around me laughed and stared in disbelief at what they were seeing in person I didn’t see any of them looking to crawl beneath the bleachers. I am thankful that showmanship is still alive and clinging to life under the big top.

Karl Terry writes for Clovis Media Inc. Contact him at: karlterry@yucca.net