22 Cosmic - FSU Circus

Whether you know us by our iconic Big Top, have attended a show, been a member of our troupe, or spent a childhood summer with us at camp, you have been a part of the magic of the circus.

This year marks our 75th anniversary and we couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating this milestone with you!

Take a walk across campus to see our 75th anniversary, then & now banner series and catch a through-the-years view of our operation.

Since 1947, FSU students have taken a chance and joined our troupe, learning first hand that there really is something special about the circus. In curating these photos, we found that in 75 years of “Flying High”, the transformative experience of being a part of the circus

bridges all generations of FSU Circus performers. No matter when you graduated, the thrill of performance, the mastery of a skill, and the friendships made, mark being a member of our troupe and are hallmarks of the FSU Circus program

The then & now banner series was created in collaboration with the FSU Heritage Museum & Archives, University Relations, the FSU Museum of Fine Arts, the Division of Student Affairs, DSA Marketing, University Communications, and the FSU Foundation.

Photographs by the FSU Photo Lab, Bob Howard, Kaitlin Simpson, Maury Neipris, and Barry Mittan

As the FSU Circus celebrates its 75th anniversary, we reflect upon the history and tradition of the program which are woven into the fabric of Florida State University. Thousands of students have been able to take part in one of most unique college activities in the United States. It is something distinct to FSU and is a part of what makes the campus such a special place.

THE EXPANSION PROJEC T

Over the past 75 years of circus, the campus has changed dramatically as have the students. The expectations of the students are higher and the standards of the University have been raised. The academic reputation of the University as well as its overall national rankings are ascending.

The circus too must strive to provide improved opportunities for students and support them to the best of our ability.

We need the tools to do so.

The primary need now is our facility, built in 1965.

THE EXPANSION PROJEC T

It is time to address the older building in a way that will not only meet our current needs, but account for the future growth of the program.

A new and expanded circus facility can be a feature of the FSU campus and a hub of campus and community involvement.

Situated in an exceptional location in the activity corridor of campus, this building would speak to campus residents and visitors alike. This would be a feature no other campus could boast and something all the FSU family can call their own.

The FSU Flying High Circus will embark on a capital campaign to expand its current facilities and ensure the Circus remains an enduring FSU tradition. These new facilities will provide larger rehearsal spaces, storage for a growing equipment inventory, public amenities for its sold-out shows, dedicated locker rooms for student performers, and so much more.

We need your help to continue the legacy of the FSU Flying High Circus. Please consider making a gift today.

To make a donation, visit give.fsu.edu/CircusExpansionProject To learn more about ways to support this project, please contact Alanna Kibiloski, Director of Development for Student Affairs at (850) 459-2384 or akibiloski@foundation.fsu.edu

THE EXPANSION PROJEC T

For our performers, this journey began last August when our cast was first assembled. With a group of over 100 FSU students, we run a complete working circus operation.

We train daily, we rig our equipment & we even raise the tent.

Now, eight months later, through a concentrated and determined effort these students have put together a full-length circus production.

We are proud to present the 75th Annual Home Show Series

COSMIC

ENJOY THE SHOW!

2022

THE ACTS

SHOW CUE Outside Rings CLOUDSWING SWINGING TRAPEZE

Center Ring CLOWNS DANCE CHARI VARI RUSSIAN BAR

CHINESE POLE BIKE

SKATING JUMP ROPE CLOWNS

ROLA / SLACK FLYING TRAPEZE

WIRE JUGGLING CLOWNS

BALANCING

DANCE LOW CASTING

QUARTET LYRA WEB

TEETER DANCE

THANK YOU FSU Alumni Association

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS FLORIDA STATE HERITAGE & UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

FSU Museum of Fine Arts

FSU Master Craftsmen

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Division of Student Affairs

FSU Foundation

MADISON SOCIAL SWEET PEA FROTHERS DAUGHTER SODOUGH

COCA

BOB & ELAINE WOODWARD AWARD

was and still is so welcoming, encouraging, and always ready to lend some hands.

Samantha Taylor

While we’ve missed a couple of home show series, it has made it even more special to come back and celebrate 75 years of the Flying High Circus together, with old and new friends.

LYRA TRIPLE TRAPEZE DOUBLE TRAPEZE SPANISH WEB

I am so grateful for my time with the FSU Circus! I still remember walking into the tent for the first time during my freshmen year audition. I was so excited, and of course a little nervous. I had no idea that I was going to become a part of a community that I would want to stay in for the rest of my life.

Right from the start, there was a sense of camaraderie. Everyone

Circu

BOB & ELAINE WOODWARD AWARD

PJ Halliday RUSSIAN BAR JUMP ROPE TEETERBOARD

The best part about the circus is performing.

Hearing the excitement and joy it brings people while doing the thing you love to do is best feeling ever. If I could do a show every day I would!!

The most surprising this about the circus was the amount of friends I made. I knew I would meet lots of new people but I never imagined that circus would become my home away from home. This organization has brought me an amazing family!

us Awards

GIL ALDRIDGE AWARD

Adam Rhoads WIRE CLOWNING DOUBLE TRAPEZE RINGMASTER

work harder, get outside of my comfort zone, and to take better care of my physical and mental health. From the chaos to the calm we find ourselves in, there is always someone there for you.

The best part about being involved in the circus is the community. Our community has people with different personalities, life experiences and skills that give their all for the united cause of putting on a captivating production.

I’ve found people to study with, work out with, party with, pray with, cry with, laugh with, and be free with.

The circus community has helped me to dream big,

PHOTOS BY BOB HOWARD

HASKIN AWARD

Kaylyn McFarland BALANCING SPANISH WEB SWINGING TRAPEZE TRIPLE TRAPEZE

When I first came to FSU and learned about the circus, I never imagined that I would end up where I am today. I had no strength, flexibility, dance, or gymnastics background, and I certainly did not have any stage experience. If it weren’t for my family encouraging me to audition, I would have missed out on this life changing experience.

I think one of the biggest things that surprised me and still does to this day is that I am challenged and pushed to expand my abilities, both physically and mentally, every time I walk into the big top. I am beyond thankful for this community for teaching me all that I am capable of and showing me how to be the best I can be every day.

A special thank you for the incredible generosity & support of our program!

Meghan Gudelsky Trish Kohler Elaine Tully & Bob Woodward Angela Seymour Jayne Mittan Carol Ballentine Chuck & Donna Ross

‘2

TOP LEFT Row 1 - Kylie

Gibson, Jordanne Cantrill, Daly Santana, Sam Taylor Row 2 - Aaron

Kamata, Tanner Michell, Katie Lee, Colin Bates, Kaylyn McFarland, Kristen Harold, Sam Abel, Dylan Swart, Cameron Long Row 3 - Lauren

Abel, Aimee Burnette, Krystal Fischer, Dominique Hughes NOT PICTURED

Kaylen Nabors, Zach Soldo

PHOTOS BY KAITLIN SIMPSON

22

Seniors