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 & we couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating this milestone with you!
Take a walk across campus
bri
to see our 75th anniversary,
FS
then & now banner series and
ma
catch a through-the-years
the
view of our operation.
the
the Since 1947, FSU students
be
have taken a chance and
tro
joined our troupe, learning
the
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
The in co Mus the F of S Com
Pho Bob and
idges all generations of
SU Circus performers. No
atter when you graduated,
e thrill of performance,
e mastery of a skill, and
e friendships made, mark
eing a member of our
oupe and are hallmarks of
e FSU Circus program.
e then & now banner series was created ollaboration with the FSU Heritage seum & Archives, University Relations, FSU Museum of Fine Arts, the Division Student Affairs, DSA Marketing, University mmunications, and the FSU Foundation.
otographs by the FSU Photo Lab, b Howard, Kaitlin Simpson, Maury Neipris, d 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 the entire FSU family can call their own.
The FSU Flying High Ci Circus remains an enduri a growing equipment inve performers, and so much
We need your help to con
To make a donation, visit
To learn more about ways Student Affairs at (850) 4
ircus will embark on a capital campaign to expand its current facilities and ensure the ing FSU tradition. These new facilities will provide larger rehearsal spaces, storage for entory, public amenities for its sold-out shows, dedicated locker rooms for student more.
ntinue the legacy of the FSU Flying High Circus. Please consider making a gift today.
t give.fsu.edu/CircusExpansionProject
s to support this project, please contact Alanna Kibiloski, Director of Development for 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
GET ON AND FAST SEATBELTS WE PREP LIFTOFF! OFF ON A AMONGST T IN A WAY CIRCUS CAN ADVENTURE WE CRUISE T WORLDS AND FAR FA
BOARD TEN YOUR AS ARE FOR WE SET A JOURNEY THE STARS ONLY THE N IMAGINE. AWAITS AS TO DISTANT D GALAXIES R AWAY
THE ACTS
SHOW CUE Outside Rings
Center Ring CLOWNS DANCE CHARI VARI RUSSIAN BAR
CLOUDSWING SWINGING TRAPEZE CHINESE POLE BIKE
SKATING JUMP ROPE CLOWNS
ROLA / SLACK WIRE FLYING TRAPEZE JUGGLING CLOWNS BALANCING
DANCE LOW CASTING
QUARTET LYRA WEB
TEETER DANCE
THAN YO FSU Alumni Association
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS FLORIDA STATE HERITAGE & UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
FSU Museum of Fine Arts
NK OU
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 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 BARD 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
Kay 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.
For 75 years the FSU Circus has been a constant feature o University. The story of the circus is one of dedication, p and lifelong friendships. Multitudes of students spannin to come together to make this special program what it is
When they began their circus involvement they may not experience or any idea of what they were about to experie of training, rigging and learning, they were able to showc and skills together to fellow students, the community and different countries.
The names of those people who participated in and creat of this program and ensured its continuous success are to list. We are here today to honor the great tradition and m 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 withou
of Florida State perseverance, trust ng the decades have today.
have had any ence. After months case their talents d even people in
ted the foundation oo numerous to memories of all .
R
ut you.
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