As the FSU Circus performs in its 77th year, 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 the most unique college activities in the United States. It is something distinct to FSU and is a part of what makes this campus such a special place.
Since the program began in 1947 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. 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 would be an exciting feature for FSU and a hub of campus and community involvement. Situated in an exceptional location along the activity corridor, this building would speak to campus residents and visitors alike. This would be a feature no other campus could boast and something all of the FSU family can call their own.
The FSU Circus has embarked 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 our sold-out shows, dedicated locker rooms for student performers and so much more.
Renderings by Architects Lewis + Whitlock
Photos by Bob Howard
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 new.circus.fsu.edu
To learn more about ways to support this project, please contact Alanna Kibiloski, Director of Development for Student Affairs (850) 459-2384 or akibiloski@foundation.fsu.edu
The 2023-24 season of the FSU Flying High Circus marks the 60th anniversary of one of the greatest singular achievements in the history of the circus program. In 1963, Adrian Catarzi completed the elusive triple somersault to his catcher, Ivan Williams. He was the thirteenth person in world history to complete this feat. The year after Ivan graduated, Larry Camp stepped into the important role as catcher and successfully caught the triple somersault with Adrian.
In 1977, Adrian was honored as a charter member of the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing the amazing accomplishment. On this occasion, we would like to remember Adrian Catarzi and his
flying teams, especially his catchers, Ivan Williams and Larry Camp. They are one of the best examples of the possibilities of our students and the extraordinary heights they can reach.
PHOTOS Left to Right
1. (1963) Adrian Catarzi & Ivan Williams
2. (1964) Brent Pichard, Dorothy Anne Gilmore, Larry Camp & Adrian Catarzi
3. (1963) Brent Pichard, Judy Allen, Adrian Catarzi & Ivan Williams
Since 1947 the FSU Circus has been a constant feature of the Florida State University campus.
The story of the circus is one of dedication, perseverance, trust and lifelong friendships. Multitudes of students spanning the decades have come together to make this special program what it is today.
When they began their circus involvement they may not have had previous instruction or any idea of what they were about to experience. After months of training they were able to showcase their skills to fellow students, the community and even people in different countries.
The names of those people who created the foundation of this program and ensured its continuous success are too numerous to list. We are here today to honor this great tradition and the memories of all those who came before us, those who allow us to fly high.
Thank you to all our FSU Circus Alumni!
We would not be here today without you.
A special thank you to the incredible generosity through their support of our program!
Angela Seymour
Dawson
Carol Ballantine
Chuck & Donna Ross
Douglas & Karen Ullman
Elaine Tully & Bob Woodward
Jayne Mittan
Meghan & Morty Gudelsky
The FSU Student Foundation
Trish Kohler
BobOutside Rings
SWINGING TRAPEZE
DOUBLE TRAPEZE
BIKE FOR FIVE
LYRA
ROLA/SLACK
CLOUD SWING
BALANCING
QUARTET
WEB
Center Ring
CLOWNING DANCE
TEETERBOARD
TRIPLE TRAPEZE
SKATING
JUMP ROPE
WIRE
LOW CASTING
CHINESE POLE
DANCE
DANCE
CLOWNING
JUGGLING
FLYING TRAPEZE
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.
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 77th Annual Home Show Series, COSMIC!
ENJOY THE SHOW!
Did you have trouble finding your seat? You’re not alone. This unlikely pair of passengers find themselves fumbling at every stop, and our flight attendant can’t quite seem to keep them in check.
This lovely team is here to entertain and inform you throughout our journey. Sit back, relax, and make sure to pay attention as they assist our captain in delivering our most important rules.
This courageous captain is here to safely guide you from galaxy to galaxy! With hair up to Saturn and a license to fly, you’re in good hands as she takes us from planet to planeteven if we do have a few… unplanned stops along the way.
Attention Passengers, we are currently approaching an interplanetary toll booth run by the new and improved Nexus-9 androids. You may feel a slight tingling sensation as they scan over our ship and catalog our cargo. Keep your seatmates close and your contraband closer as we pass through the scanners of our cybernetic security guards!
If you look around the inside of our stellar ship, you’ll easily notice the enigmatic engineering that prevents any mechanical issues. However, if you find yourselves in need of space-side assistance, there is only one group for you to call upon; find yourselves astounded by the intelligence of this relentlessly crafty crew.
From the far flung corners of the galaxy, we’d like to introduce to you a group of desertfaring aliens you will not soon forget.
Temperatures rise as we close in on our next destination. Our wheeled masters of magma thrive in this planet’s inhospitable terrain; while other species would perish, our volcanic virtuosos flourish!
In the limitless expanses of space, it can be a bit overwhelming to know exactly where you are and what’s around you. But never fear, we have an intrepid team ready to storm the stars and light the path to safety.
Traveling once every 5000 years to Earth, it is a rare sight to see these extraterrestrial entities exploring the outer-reaches of our universe. Keep a close eye on these interstellar idols as they spin through the starlight.
In the northernmost part of the galaxy, these creatures live in an icy isolation. Only to awake from their slumber to perforate the permafrost, so that they may demonstrate their gifts to us trepidatious travelers.
It seems we’ve crossed in our phenomenal fleet. of the finest pilots we have enterprise, this ship is second of speed and grace - aside course.
As we travel from planet some unexpected sites Soon these nebulas will clouds to form the stars skies. But for now, we encourage moment to gaze upon these majesties!
Living high in the mountains world, these creatures display mastery over both the physical realms. Be rendered with species performs in pairs
We have a surprise appearance journey, as we’ve encountered local legends; this special solar system to purge the substances. Watch with together with tenacity.
On a planet that has flooded millennia, these swimmers of a soggy situation. These saving surfers and swimmers demonstrating daring acts
paths with another craft fleet. Commanded by two have employed in our second to none in terms aside from our own, of SWING planet to planet, there are outside of our ship. combine their colorful stars that we see in the night encourage you to take a these marvelous marbled POLE mountains of their home display the utmost physical and spiritual with awe as this social pairs to defy gravity. appearance on our encountered some of our special team patrols our the stars of any toxic wonder as they work flooded in the last swimmers have made the best These strongmen have been swimmers galore, all while acts and dizzying displays.
I am over the moon to announce that we have reached the next stop in our quasar quest! But beware! Do not allow yourself to be allured by the sirens awaiting you in the dark-matter-depths beyond.
Be cautious and courageous, dear passengers! Our sensors indicate that we have some uninvited guests aboard our luxury craft. This crew of bold buccaneers is armed with wily tricks, that aim to charm and disarm you.
In the northernmost part of the galaxy, these ethereal entities will allure and astound you. Watch with wonder as they glide effortlessly through the cosmos, moving in tandem and with spectacular opulence.
FSU CIRCUS STAFF
Chad Mathews - Director
Charley Mason - Associate Director
Nate Stapp - Associate Director
Celina Dezzuto - Creative Director
Allie Hetherington - Assistant Director
Sydney Strauch - House Manager
Thomas Vatter - Guest Coach
Sam Abel - Guest Coach
Joe Mason - Guest Coach
A special thank you to the staff of the FSU Student Union, FSU Student Affairs, & the FSU Foundation for your support!
Abby Bryan
Abigail Palacios
Addison Nance
Ais McFarland
Alex Herndon
Alison Roush
Alyssa Lee
Alyssa Migenes
Amelia Schneider
Ana De Leon
Andrew Nance
Annabelle Riha
Annika Fuhrer
April Schmidt
Ariana Katsaras
Ashley Jongerius
Ava Polly
Breanna Stamper
Brian Friedlander
Cait McCall
Callie Skaggs
Camila Dotti
Carolena Arroyo
Caroline Creighton
Casey Kerr
Charlie Simpson
Charlotte Sullivan
CLERMONT, FL
BOCA RATON, FL
AUBURN, AL
JUPITER, FL
HIGHLAND, MI
PEPPERELL, MA
BOULDER, CO
ORLANDO, FL
SUNRISE, FL
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
ALPHARETTA, GA
CLEARWATER, FL
MILTON, GA
GROVELAND, FL
JACKSONVILLE, FL
ORLANDO, FL
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
NORTH BELLMORE, NY
ST PETE BEACH, FL
ORLANDO, FL
CARACAS, VENEZUELA
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
RINCON, PUERTO RICO
ORLANDO, FL
MASCOTTE, FL
DUNEDIN, FL
Psychology
Exploratory / Social Work
Business Management
Nursing
Public Relations
Intl. Affairs / Linguistics
Behavioral Neuroscience
English - Editing, Writing, & Media
Finance
Industrial Engineering
Exploratory
Marketing
Environmental Science & Policy
Communication Disorders
Biological Sciences
English / Intl. Affairs
Exercise Physiology / Entrepreneurship
Social Work
Computer Science
Nursing Biology
Biological Sciences / Theater
Psychology
French & Spanish / Biology
Music / Exploratory
Cyber Criminology.
Meteorology
Chloe Mottin
Christina Karalis
Cooper Garrard
Danielle Cox
Delaney Schanz
Eden Mateo
Emanuel Ortiz
Emily Shay
Enzo Webster
Ethan Dhanarajan
Faith Harris
Frederique Audet
Gabie Manzo
Gia Pendleton
Grace Hejmanowski
Grace Lumpkin
Gwynne English
Haley Bradshaw
Haley Proctor
Hana Grubb
Hayden Lenk
Iris Dahlborg
Izzy Bethea
Izzy Fry
Izzy Jackson
Jaizarlyn Suarez
Jake Radtke
Jameson Lombardy
ORLANDO, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
JACKSONVILLE, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
SAFETY HARBOR, FL
ST. PETERSBURG, FL
TAMPA, FL
CROWNSVILLE, MD
MOORESTOWN, NJ
TALLAHASSEE, FL
FORT MYERS, FL
BOCA RATON, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
MIRAMAR, FL
JACKSONVILLE, FL
SARASOTA, FL
CLEARWATER, FL
PALM HARBOR, FL
TAMPA, FL
ORLANDO, FL
WAKULLA, FL
SARASOTA, FL
ORMOND BEACH, FL
TAMPA, FL
NAPLES, FL
TAMPA, FL
KNOXVILLE, TN
INDIAN HARBOR BEACH, FL
Exercise Physiology
Hospitality and Tourism Mgmt.
Athletic Training
Environment and Society
Retail Entrepreneurship
Interior Design
Nursing Accounting
NFA Computer Science
Exercise Physiology
Interdisciplinary Social Science
Neuroscience
Public Health
Hospitality
Psychology / Criminology
Marketing / Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt.
Intl. Affairs / Spanish
Comm. Science & Disorders
Exploratory
Biochemistry / Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Psychology
Elementary Education
Pre-Civil Engineering
Digital Media Production
Psychology
English
Jeanni Castro
Jeremy Gil
Johnny Robinson
Jonathan Sullivan
Katherine Kelly
Kaitlyn Givens
Kate Matthews
Kathryn Welch
Katie Donnelly
Kayley Rodier
Kelsey Bright
Kiera Powers
Kira McClard
Kylie Gibson
Lauren Lazar
Lexy Glor
Lily Voelkel
Lindsey Gilmore
Macy Cramer
Maddie McCabe
Madison Rist
Maia Goldstone
Marabelle Coggins
Maverick Haghighat Schiller
Megan Bishop
Meghan Hunt
Mikayla Prushik
Nelly Santiago
SARASOTA, FL
KISSIMMEE, FL
VENICE, FL
SARASOTA, FL
LAND O’ LAKES, FL
MIAMI, FL
TAMPA, FL
MELBOURNE, FL
ANNAPOLIS, MD
TALLAHASSEE, FL
FLEMING ISLAND, FL
BRADENTON, FL
TAMPA, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
SARASOTA, FL
TAMPA, FL
COVINGTON, LA
PENSACOLA, FL
ORLANDO, FL
SAN ANTONIO, TX
PALM HARBOR, FL
ORLANDO, FL
TAMPA, FL
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
SEMINOLE, FL
SAINT PETERSBURG, FL
MATTHEWS, NC
KISSIMMEE, FL
Commercial Entrepreneurship
Criminology
Commercial Entrepreneurship
International Affairs
Psychology
Biology
Exploratory
Comm. Sciences & Disorders
Business Accounting
Psychology
Criminology
Chemistry
Behavioral Neuroscience
Social Work
Accounting
Criminology
Biological Sciences
Global Leadership & Mgmt.
Comm. Science & Disorders
English Literature / Social Work
Theater
Biology
Pre-Biochemistry
Computer Science
Advertising
Environmental Science
Psychology
Chemical Engineering
Nicolas Porcelli
Nyah Fisher
Olivia Nicholson
Paige Williams
Paris Graham
Pearse Koch
Pierce Thomas
Rafe Ewert
Remi Siegel - Ventura
Roy Rodriguez Fonseca
Sabrina Uribe
Sarah DeVoe
Saralynn Premer
Sophia Peterson
Sophie Ater
Sydney Zambrana
Tanya Pattison
Tara King
Thomas Bruce
TN Manning
Toby Sloan
Tricia Wilson
Tristan Morillo
Triston Stapp
Ty Stebenne
Victor Oguledo
Zachary Christoffersen
Zack Gearhart-Robboy
DORAL, FL
TAMPA, FL
ORANGE CITY, FL
STUART, FL
LITHIA, FL
WESTON, FL
DADE CITY, FL
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
FANWOOD, NJ
TAMPA, FL
ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL
MILTON, GA
ST. PETE BEACH, FL
MELBOURNE, FL
TAMPA, FL
PINELLAS PARK, FL
COCOA BEACH, FL
ELGIN, OK
GULF BREEZE, FL
GAINESVILLE, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
LUTZ, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
MIAMI, FL
TALLAHASSEE, FL
LAKELAND, FL
OCEAN CITY, NJ
Meteorology
Exercise Physiology
NFA - Sports Mgmt. / Criminology
Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt.
Business Mgmt. / Real Estate
Mgmt. Information Systems
Motion Picture Arts - Production
Computer Science / Cyber Criminology
Environmental Science / Classics
Actuarial Science
Meteorology
Theatre / Biochemistry
Meteorology
Behavioral Neuroscience
Criminology
Studio Art
Art History / Anthropology
Criminology
Physics
Interior Design
Industrial Engineering
Actuarial Science
Criminology
Exercise Physiology
Digital Media Production.
Finance
Applied Mathematics
Electrical Engineering
I can’t imagine my time at FSU without being in the circus. When I auditioned sophomore year, I fully did not expect to be casted in. I don’t have a background in theater or gymnastics, but the beauty of FSU circus is that anyone can perform. And while the tricks are incredibly fun to do, the true magic of the circus is in its community. I have made so many
life-long friends and felt supported by so many people during my time here. Everyone cheers each other on, from practices to raising the tent to performing in shows. It’s such a team environment that I’m so grateful to have been a part of.
Circus has been a very important part of my life for many years, when I heard that FSU would offer me the opportunity to continue training with the Flying High Circus; I immediately knew where I was going to go to college. The circus community is something that is dynamic, special, and not easily replicable.
It’s a place where people with various backgrounds and skill sets can come together to produce a show that is unique to the community and the campus. Apart from just being fun, the circus teaches us dedication, perseverance, and skills to collaborate, that help shape our college years and lead us into a successful future. I am very grateful that I was able to spend 2 years with this organization and wouldn’t have changed it for the world!
When I auditioned for the FSU Flying High Circus back in 2019, I never could have dreamed of the impact that it would have on my life. When I was lucky enough to have been cast in the Circus, I was not only introduced to some incredibly cool party tricks, but I was thrown into a group of the most supportive and uniquely talented people I have ever met. I learned that nothing is impossible, and you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. I can’t explain in words how grateful I am for the experiences and
connections I have made during my time here under the big top, and for the people who have become my family. The support, encouragement, and love that is in every corner of this tent is priceless and I am all the better for it. This community has taught me to always get back up, always strive to be unapologetically you, and to always reach for the stars.
JUMP ROPE
SPANISH WEB
CLOUD SWING
Joining the FSU Circus my freshman year was one little decision that became most life-changing. I cannot put into words the way this organization has affected me. And sure, it’ll always be cool to say I was in a circus or that I did little flips and tricks in the tent- but that is not what comes to mind when I think of who I am because of this program. I learned so many life lessons about friendship, teamwork, leadership, and community. This is a place of learning and self-improvement, a place to grow your self-confidence and learn humility. I am beyond lucky to have had the opportunity to be a small part of the FSU Circus, and I have so much excitement to see how it will continue to grow and change lives for the better. I am endlessly grateful for everything I learned from the coaches and the people I met through the FSU Circus, and I am forever indebted to the Circus for bringing me some of the best memories, life skills, and friends that I have. As always, Go Noles! And, may all your days be circus ones!!
PHOTOS BY BOB HOWARD & KAITLIN SIMPSON
Previous page
(Top Row)
Caitlin McCall, Alison Roush, Grace Lumpkin, Ariana Katsaras, Faith Harris, Lauren Lazar, Tricia Wilson, Kayley Rodier, Lexy Glor, Annabelle Riha
(Middle Row)
Jeanni Castro, Gwynne English, Breanna Stamper, Nyah Fisher, Emily Shay, Saralynn Premer, Kathryn Welch, Callie Skaggs, Gabie Manzo, Ana De Leon
(Front Row)
Jonathan Sullivan. Nicolas Porcelli, Brian Friedlander, Jameson Lombardy, Ethan Dhanarajan, Hayden Lenk, Zachary Christoffersen, Pierce Thomas
(Top Row)
Gwynne English, Jonathan Sullivan. Grace Lumpkin, Pierce
Thomas, Zachary Christoffersen, Nicolas Porcelli, Ethan Dhanarajan, Nyah Fisher, Brian Friedlander, Jameson Lombardy, Hayden Lenk, Faith Harris, Saralynn Premer, Jeanni Castro
(Front Row)
Caitlin McCall, Kathryn Welch, Annabelle Riha, Addison Nance, Carolena Arroyo, Sydney Zambrana, Ana De Leon, Gabie Manzo, Callie Skaggs, Lexy Glor, Emily Shay, Breanna Stamper, Alison Roush, Tricia Wilson, Ariana Katsaras, Kayley Rodier, Lauren Lazar
Photos by Kaitlin Simpson
1519 Capital Circles NE Tallahassee, FL printeryfamily.com (850) 877-6418
Supporting the FSU Circus since 1992!
Capezio 3000
High Performance Fishnets
Purchased with support from
1000 Thomasville Road -Tlh, FL danceweartallahassee.com (850) 577-3002
