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Thursday, October 06, 2005

Go to Florida State and Join the Circus

Florida State University is one of only two universities in the United States where a student may take a course on "circus performance." For almost 60 years - students have been able to join the circus and be part of a very professional and unique activity. This Friday, the FSU Circus will be making one sold out performance.

In 1993, now-retired Florida State University Union Director Nancy Turner thought it would be a great idea to have the FSU Flying High Circus put on a performance for FSU's annual Parents Weekend in the fall.

The circus is now the "centerpiece" of the two-day weekend and sells out its single Friday night show under the big top on campus.

The performance has rejuvenated participation and interest in the circus, as freshmen and their parents get introduced to the event and helps sustain the rest of their activities: six shows each spring on campus, 12 weeks at Callaway Gardens in the summer and occasional shows all over the globe.

The circus was started in 1947 as one of the school's first co-ed activities and now draws about 90 student performers each year. The performers come from a mix of sports and performing backgrounds and many get introduced by a class taught each semester.

"It's the uniqueness. They don't even have to run away to join the circus," said associate director Margie Peters. "You don't have to have made the football team in high school. You can come out here and we'll keep you." - Tallahassee Democrat

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