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 & 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