If you’ve never heard of or been to the FSU Flying High Circus, you are seriously missing out! To get an insider’s perspective on the only collegiate circus with a big top in the nation (yes, you read that correctly!), I interviewed Olivia Rhoads. She is a second-year performer whose acts include Hand Balancing, Bike for Five and Setting for Slack.
If you’re dying to know more about the circus and how a college student is able to balance performing with an intensive school schedule, keep reading!
Courtesy: Kaitlin Simpson
Major: Media/Communications Studies
Minor: Spanish
Graduation Date: May 2020
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Her Campus (HC): Why did you decide to join the circus in the first place?
Olivia Rhoads (OR): I remember seeing the circus tent on campus during my first week of school and thought it was funny. Then a week later I had fliers shoved in my hands by some super friendly people saying, “Try out for the circus!” My brother and I decided to try out together just for kicks. Then we saw that we made it after auditions and fell in love with it.
HC: Can you describe the acts you’re in and how you got assigned to them?
OR: I’m on an act called Bike for Five which is just like it sounds. Five people on one bicycle. There’s a guy who rides the bike and four girls get on the handlebars, back and sides and one sits on his shoulders. We get into different stacks and tricks throughout our routine. I’m also on hand balancing which similar to acro-yoga. There are three girls who work together to stand on each other’s shoulders, quads, etc. to balance off on another. The acts are assigned to each performer by a coach who evaluates us at auditions to see what act would best fit us.
HC: What does a normal practice look like for you?
OR: Practices are three times a week, 30 mins each for each act you are on. During these practices, you set up any equipment needed, work on tricks, put together an act order and styles into a full routine.
HC: Is it hard to balance the circus and school/other organizations?
OR: I personally don’t find it hard to balance both school and circus because I love it and look forward to being at the tent. Practices are scheduled around your classes and you’re always welcome to hang out at the tent to do homework. Once I’ve got my circus and class schedule down during the semester I fall into a routine.
HC: How would you say you’ve improved during your time in the circus?
OR: I’ve definitely gotten stronger by being in the circus. It is physically demanding because we have to rig heavy equipment to perform and the acts require body-weight strength. There’s a pull-up bar outside of the tent and people are always working on their strength. I’ve also noticed my knowledge of the equipment and safety in the tent has improved. I understand how to rig the equipment and run a show.
HC: Can you tell me about your experience at Callaway Gardens?
OR: I can’t even begin to explain how incredible of an experience Callaway Gardens was. In a nutshell, I was a camp counselor by day and a circus performer by night. 23 other FSU circus performers and I put on close to 50 shows in the span of seven weeks. There, I was really able to work on circus skills, get stronger, work at a summer camp and experience Georgia. It’s my idea of the coolest summer job you can get! I’m so excited to be able to go back this summer.
HC: What is a goal you want to achieve by the end of your time in the circus?
OR: A goal I would like to achieve by the end of my experience is to give as much as I possibly can to the circus. I would love to try new acts, teach incoming performers the ways around the tent and to be a proud circus alumna.
HC: How has the circus impacted your time at FSU?
OR: Circus has impacted my time at FSU by helping me find my niche on such a large campus. There’s something for everyone whether it’s Greek life, SGA, sports, etc. I can say that in college, I ran away and joined the circus.
HC: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the circus but isn’t completely sure?
OR: If anyone is considering trying out for the circus, I remember what I was told when I was debating. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Acts are tailored to you and your abilities and everyone is welcome. Circus has shown me a new family, a new creative and physical outlet and a staple in my college experience.
HC: What can people look forward to at this year’s shows?
OR: The music, the costumes, the theme, the characters, the thrills. People can look forward to seeing a spectacle put on by their fellow classmates and local college kids. The “Menagerie of Wonderment” is an experience you can’t find on any other campus!
Make sure to check out this year’s circus shows, happening each weekend from April 5 to April 20, and keep an eye out for Olivia! You can buy tickets here, or FSU students can get them for free before each show.