GREENSBORO – “After many months of planning, financial modeling, and careful consideration, the Smirkus Board and leadership have made the difficult decision not to hold a Big Top Tour program in Summer 2026,” wrote Circus Smirkus Executive and Artistic Director Rachel Schiffer in a message addressed to Smirkus friends and family. February 2.
courtesy photo
“Because of you, we were able to pause, assess honestly, and choose a path that protects the long-term health of the organization. Thank you.”
“This decision was made with careful consideration,” she said.
“Throughout the fall and early winter, we explored multiple models for putting the Big Top Tour on the road in 2026, including reduced and alternative formats. Ultimately, none could be implemented responsibly without placing undue strain on staff capacity, timelines or financial sustainability. Moving forward under those conditions would have put the integrity of the program and the organization itself at risk.
The letter continued, saying the budget approved by the board in January “reflects our responsibility to ensure that when the Big Top returns, it does so on solid footing and with the care it deserves.”
She emphasized “this pause applies only to the Big Top tour. Smirkus remains active and vibrant in 2026. Smirkus Camp and our school residency programs will continue.”
She said, “Our goal is for Tour 2027 to mark the beginning of a thoughtful rebuilding phase, a ‘building blocks’ stage that allows the tour to return in a way that is financially sound, creatively strong and positioned to thrive for years to come. Our 2026 budget includes dedicated resources for tour strategy, planning, and fundraising to support that work.”
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
