You don’t have to run away to experience the joy, laughter and thrills of the circus—you can find it right here in the StL thanks to Circus Flora. For four decades, it has been delighting audiences in St. Louis and beyond. The company’s 40th season runs from June 4 to June 21, and we reached out to executive and artistic director Jack Marsh to learn more about Circus Flora’s history and what audiences can look forward to from this anniversary season and beyond.
Where did the idea for Circus Flora come from?
We were founded in 1986 by theater producer David Balding. He long had an interest in the intersection of theater and circus arts, and adopted an elephant named Flora—our namesake. He wanted to create a circus where Flora was the star. Famed Italian opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti commissioned Circus Flora’s first performance for the Spoleto Festival, which he was running in South Carolina. Not too long after, the troupe moved to St. Louis. We still travel, but the city continues to be our home.
How has the circus evolved over the last 40 years?
Circus Flora has changed, and it hasn’t. We continue to want to create a great show and have always been at the forefront of circus and theater. It’s a unique combination and take on the art. There have been some changes. We’ve performed in different big top tents over the years. Flora retired around 2001 and lives in an Elephant sanctuary in Tennessee. We still have some animals, including dogs and horses in the show, but no elephants at the moment. Something that has not changed is our mission to create a piece of entertainment and wonder for all generations to enjoy together.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time with Circus Flora?
Circus Flora has touched so many people, like performers, artists, musicians and audiences. Thanks to it, thousands of people have been able to join the circus, and each one of them has a wealth of stories dating back 40 years. I have been a part of the company since I was 2 years old. I grew up performing with an acrobatic and juggling act, and I’ve been the artistic director for 12 years—I’ve seen Circus Flora from all vantage points. My favorite memories come from backstage after the audience has come and gone. The company gathers together, kids play and people tell stories. That sense of closeness and shared history is such a magical part of what we do, and it really comes through in the shows. As a company we are a family, and we perform for other families. It’s a really warm and inviting atmosphere.
Other than shows, how does the company share circus arts with St. Louis?
Clowns on Call is our hospital clowning program. We work year-round with children’s hospitals to share the joy of circus magic with patients. Through our Share the Circus initiatives we partner with other nonprofits to give thousands of tickets to underserved parts of the community. We want to make our shows accessible to people of all backgrounds, abilities and socioeconomic means. The circus is universal and welcoming—there should be no barriers.
What can people look forward to about the upcoming season?
We’ve planned a really incredible show with a lot of fantastic artists, a few who may be familiar and some who haven’t been seen under the big top before. For the first time ever, we’ll have a human cannonball, which will be thrilling. The Olate Dogs, a dog act that won America’s Got Talent, will be returning along with the Flying Wallendas and the Flying Cortes. We’ll have an incredible acrobatic horse act, a contortionist who will use his feet to shoot a bow, a duo Wheel of Death Performance and more. We’ve launched the Flora Society for people who want to help us celebrate the 40th anniversary. It’s got benefits like marching in the opening night parade and seeing dress rehearsals.
What are you looking forward to for the next 40 years for Circus Flora?
We want to continue doing the same work we always have: making incredible and unique family entertainment. Some members of our audience attended Circus Flora shows as kids, and now, they’re bringing their children and even grandchildren. I’d love for us to keep innovating and working with incredible artists. Circus Flora always has done a great job of balancing established circus artists with up-and-coming performers. I want to continue sharing the range of circus arts with the world and serving as an integral part of the St. Louis community.
For more information, visit circusflora.org.
Photo courtesy of Circus Flora
