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Founded in 1947 by Jack Haskin, the Florida State University "Flying High" Circus is an extra-curricular activity under the Division of Student Affairs. This program was created to integrate men and women when FSU became a co-ed institution and is still an activity for male and female students to participate in jointly. The only requirement to be a member of the FSU Circus is that one must be a degree-seeking student registered at Florida State University.
Rivaling any professional circus, the FSU Circus is primarily an aerial and stage presentation with three rings of spellbinding entertainment for everyone. Unlike professional circuses, "Flying High" has no animal acts. Student performers rig all of their own equipment, sew their own costumes, produce lights and sound for performances, and set up the Big Top tent on campus.
A one-semester, one credit hour Introduction to Circus course is offered to students which includes the basics of juggling, walking the high wire, aerial ballet, and rigging to introduce the Circus through the School of Sports Management, Physical Education and Recreation. Enrollment is encouraged but not mandatory. There are many "walk-ons" with only an interest in becoming involved, who have not taken the Introduction to Circus course. The majority of the student performers continue to pursue a career in the discipline from which they graduate. Only a small percentage of the performers seek a professional circus career. With 18-22 circus acts taught on the ground or in the air, there is a place for everyone.
The Florida State University Circus generates its own revenue by hosting homeshows each April on the FSU campus under its own Big Top circus tent; by directing a summer recreation program at Callaway Gardens, a resort in Georgia and a Flying High Circus Camp for children ages 7-17 on the FSU campus; and by performing for various sponsors throughout the southeastern United States.
The Florida State University Circus is widely recognized. Throughout its 60 year history, the FSU Flying High Circus has appeared in Europe, Canada, the Bahamas, and the West Indies. It was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events for 1989, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Most recently it has been the subject of a CSTV documentary Flying High: the Florida State University Circus. A City of Tallahassee proclamation stated: "Each year the Flying High Circus produces a championship show." The State of Florida presented a concurrent resolution in 1973 to "...commend the FSU Circus for their achievement in captivating audiences the world over."
In late 1981, Jerry Collins (long time circus owner), donated the Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. Circus to Florida State University citing the University's long circus tradition and the "Flying High" Circus as "the best in the world." His reason for the gift was "to benefit people of all ages, to preserve the circus for the children and to help the students at FSU."
We invite you to catch a GOLDEN tradition at Florida State University:
THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY “FLYING HIGH” CIRCUS.
Every year the Circus recognizes just three of the many students that have made a significant contribution to the Flying High Circus. These special students add to the overall program, putting forth tremendous effort, all the while maintaining an above average grade point average at FSU.
Jack Haskin Award 2009 Recipient: Leanne Snider
Established in 1994 in honor of Coach Haskin, founder of the Flying High Circus, this award was bestowed to Leanne Snider, a Communication Disorders Senior from Ft. Myers, Florida. Not only heavily involved in her acts of Double Trapeze, Mexican Cloud Swing, and Spanish Web, Leanne has always treated the Circus like her family and is instrumental in providing a positive and encouraging environment around the tent. A proven hard-worker and committed member, Leanne was just elected as Circus Club President for the 2009-2010 school year. The award comes with a $500.00 scholarship.
Elaine Geiger Tully Woodward Award 2009 Recipient: Jake Pacilio
A model of helpful enthusiasm, Jake Pacilio has led the way in serving the Circus, and in some cases has written the book on the subject. Jake, a fourth year Biochemistry major from Ormond Beach, Florida, performs Aerial Cradle, Quartette Adagio, and Flying Trapeze. No task is too extreme for Jake to undertake as he is actively involved and a consistent face around the Circus lot. Established in 2008, this award also comes with a $500.00 scholarship.
Gil Aldridge Memorial Trophy 2009 Recipient: Milla Voellinger
This award goes to a graduating senior and is voted on by the entire Circus troupe of students. This year's winner is Milla Voellinger. From Fort Myers, Florida, Milla has a Bachelor's in Recreation and Leisure Services Administration and performed on Roman Rings, Aerial Cradle, and Double Trapeze. Chosen by her peers, Milla's love for the Circus was evident in her willingness to work hard, coach other students, and be a part of the creative aspects of the production. The award is presented annually by the Gamma Eta Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order in honor of Brother Gil Aldridge, a member of the first Circus Troupe who was killed in the Korean Conflict.
The Circus has been seen on "CBS Sports Spectacular," "ABC's Wide World of Sports," "On the Road" with Charles Kuralt, NBC's "Real People," "PM Magazine," and ESPN. Individuals have been featured on "To Tell the Truth," "The Original Amateur Hour," and "I've Got a Secret." In 1964 CBS took the Circus on a European tour. The FSU Circus has logged thousands of miles on visits to Canada, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
Check out items available for the Press.
Check out the Tallahassee Democrat's online photo gallery
featuring the FSU circus.
Read a letter the late Sue Herndon McCollum wrote to her father upon joining the FSU Circus in 1952.
If you have something you would like to contribute to the FSU Flying High Circus Scrapbook, please email us at circus@admin.fsu.edu.
