THE ’BIRD THE VIDETTE PRESENTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014 Vol. 126 / No. 104
videtteonline.com
Clown around with Gamma Phi Circus
Gamma Phi Circus brings thrills to Redbird Arena Julia Evelsizer Features Editor Most people have been to the circus once or twice in their life, usually as a child. Going as a college student is a different experience, especially when the girl on the tight-wire is from your 8 a.m. biology class, and the guy twirling in silks from the ceiling is also a waiter at your favorite restaurant. ISU’s Gamma Phi Circus is taking place at 7 p.m. Friday, as well as at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at Redbird Arena. Gamma Phi is the oldest collegiate circus in the nation, celebrating its 85th year. Marcus Alouan, director of the circus says this show will actually have a theme, something that hasn’t been done in years. “The theme is Chicago,” he said. “There’s one central idea that all the acts will relate back to in some way.” Fifteen different acts will take place at the show, including juggling, clowns and tight-wire walkers. One act that is always a crowd-pleaser is the teeterboard. “The teeterboard will be a standout act this year,” Alouan said. “It looks like a teeter-totter on a playground. Someone stands on one end,
and a bigger person jumps on the other end, and launches them into the air.” Members of Gamma Phi have been working hard all semester to perfect the upcoming show. They are required to practice nine to 12 hours a week. They are also provided with open gym times which many students take advantage of. Some students also help teach the Junior Gamma Phi at Metcalf School. Elizabeth Ciesielski, senior human development and family relations major, is also a member of Gamma Phi. She performs in the Russian swing, silks, teeterboard and acro-sport. “I’ve never been a part of a circus with a theme, so I’m really excited to present the Chicago theme,” Ciesielski said. “This is also my first year performing as an aerialist, so I’m a little nervous, but excited. I’m used to flying through the air, but this year I’ll be hanging in the air.” There are still tickets available to be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Braden Box Office. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the circus, though last year the show sold out. Tickets are $12-$13 for adults and $10-$11 for students. For more photos of the Gamma Phi Circus visit videtteonline.com.
quick facts Fire eating, tight wires, juggling, hair and neck hanging are just a few of the notable acts performed by the Illinois State Gamma Phi Circus. Here’s a list to help you brush up on some facts before Saturday’s big performance: • Started in 1926 when Clifford “Pop” Horton organized a small group of men to perform pyramids and tumble at sporting events. Dedicated to fitness and gymnastics, Gamma Phi Fraternity was founded in 1929 • Renamed itself to Gamma Phi Circus in 1931 and now remains the oldest collegiate circus in the United States • Currently has over 50 members and more than 25 acts in every show • Recently performed in Germany and South Carolina • The only other collegiate circus is at Florida State University and was founded by an alumnus of ISU • Gamma Phi alumni are performing and working with several well-known circuses including Cirque du Soleil, Circus Vargas, the Shrine Circus, the Circus Kingdom, Robert Brothers Circus and more Compiled by Adam Weiss / News Reporter
Photo by Ashley Koenig / Photographer