The uncertain future of Circus Smirkus

Circus Smirkus has been training young performers for four decades. But with financial challenges and an aerial accident last summer, the future of the touring youth circus is uncertain. The youth circus cancelled its signature Big Top Tour this summer. Reporter Mary Ann Lickteig of Seven Days explains what that means for the organization’s finances. We’ll also talk through some parents’ discontent over Smirkus leadership and safety protocol. Then: a theater group in Brattleboro has a special mission. They help actors with disabilities claim the stage. Now, they’ve created a guidebook so others can follow their blueprint. They want community theater to be accessible – and enjoyable – to everyone.

You can listen to The uncertain future of Circus Smirkus online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

The uncertain future of Circus Smirkus is an episode from Vermont Edition.

This episode is 49:50 long.

This episode was published on Apr 30, 2026.

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