longfellowgirl

[longfellowgirl]

Chaplin's Circus: Reflection

In May 2017 I joined Chaplins Circus, based at Brean Leisure Park. I was working as part of a internship programme in which interns had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of Circus life from setting up a big top to performing each day. I was thrilled to be able to train everyday, surround myself with people who shared the same passion and build on my hula hoop act. After the tent had been built we began physical training and conditioning. I threw myself into this and really enjoyed pushing myself and building strength and stamina each day. The performances were brought forward quicker than anyone expected and so training had to stop to make way for rehearsals, and flyering. After a few days of flyering I think we were becoming a nuisance to the town. I was hoping to learn more about marketing for circus shows but unfortunately the manager had forgotten the passwords to their social media accounts and seemed unaware of the benefits of writing a press release or school mail out letter. I really enjoyed working with the other interns and learned a great deal from them. The staff of Chaplins Circus were often quite rude, angry and aggressive without reason. They seemed to enjoy catastrophising situations that could be easily dealt with. Nonetheless they had a great deal of experience in the circus realm so I was keen to get along with them and learn more about this area of work. As the internship went on I began to grow increasingly ill and run down. There was never any down time which at the time didn't seem like a problem for me as I really wanted to be there. But flying every morning and walking for miles before performing; Standing in the cold and rain in the tiny costume they insisted I wore took its toll and definitely effected my performances. I often went on stage feeling exhausted. The staff were constantly whispering backstage rather than being supportive and encouraging the interns. This created a segregated and negative atmosphere backstage. The night before I left there was a serious accident onstage during a performance. And everyone including myself was responsible for this. Thankfully no one was hurt but I do think it could have been avoided and better dealt with afterwards. I wouldn't be surprised if it happened again as the owners of Chaplin's Circus are somewhat unprofessional at times. As an intern who was there to learn and take example this was definitely an instance where I did not trust their experience. I took a week off as agreed in my contract and in writing. But on the night of my return I received a voice mail from the manager explaining that he did not want me to return. The reason why was not explained and when I called he could not give a clear answer apart from that he wanted to cut costs and had changed his mind about the dates of my contract. It was difficult to then get my equipment back as they cut off all communication with me and it cost me a lot of time and money to recover my belongings that were still on site Overall Chaplin's Circus was an incredibly valuable experience. I learnt the importance of prioritising my health and wellbeing and I gained confidence in myself and my performance abilities.

[longfellowgirl]

Chaplins Circus

[longfellowgirl]

Interactive Circus Fun with a group in Tamworth

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Happy Birthday to Shakespeare and Happy St Georges Day (yesterday)

It was fantastic performing at Emerge 2017 

[longfellowgirl]

Emerge Festival 2017

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Shake It Up Festival, Tamworth

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Southend-on-Sea Pier - Street Theatre Performance

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Pandemonium 2015

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Walkabout - Complimentary Chorus - Retro Rhapsody at Glastonbury 2016

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Rowdydow Street Theatre, IYAF 2016

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Retro Rhapsody graced UK festivals in 2016 with street theatre fun, interactive performances and a fantastic musical theatre comedy show. 

[longfellowgirl]

IYAF, 2016 Retro Rhapsody 

[longfellowgirl]

[longfellowgirl]

To fill you in...

My apologies

WhatsThisStory is an online blog in which people aged 14 - 30 years can contribute to a story. The blog is a collaborative medium where people from many different artistic disciplines can contribute their work. Writers can submit 150 words as well as illustrators, musicians, film artists and photographers as long as their work links to the story. 

This is a great opportunity for people to showcase their talent through one direct format which is the story. The blog allows people to find out about art forms they never would have touched on before and provides a place for the next generation to show their work.

There will be a select few entry submissions that will be exhibited at mac birmingham when the story ends in April.

[longfellowgirl]

hmm

WhatsThisStory

whatsthisstory.tumblr.com

@WhatsThisStory twitter.com/WhatsThisStory facebook.com/WhatsThisStory

[longfellowgirl]

WhatsThisStory...

is coming along well, there have been four entries so far. 

[longfellowgirl]

NextGenFest...

is the name, arts collaboration is the game