This years Summer Fest will bring the Big Top to Windsor.
Halifax Circus director Mike Hirschbach will perform live under the Big Top Tent on the Windsor Waterfront, July 31. He has planned a circus show, circus workshop [for ages 12 and up] and will be a part of the Grand Street Parade.
People can expect the unexpected, Hirschbach said. “There’s always something in the show that happens that no one can predict. That’s the beauty of live performance.”
Hirschbach has worked the circus circuit for three decades. From 2001 - 2003, he performed as a clown in Dralion with the Cirque du Soleil.
Since 2003, Hirschbach has shared his skills through the Cirque du Monde’s social outreach program.
This career is work and play and it’s hard to tell the difference, he said. “You get to work with a great number of people and see great progress.”
The basic steps are quite simple for those wanting to learn introductory circus skills, Hirschbach said. “Still, it takes practice and persistence; professional do it everyday.”
“For me, just that pleasure of travelling and being able to meet different people; with different traditions, is a joy. Different audiences react differently.”
It’s been about eight years since Hirschbach has performed in Windsor but he is quick to point out his admiration for theMermaid Theatre.
“Windsor is very fortunate to have Mermaid Theatre,” he said. “Plus, you have a great world-class festival.”
“I find people here get together to have a great time. Really, this is why I’m going [to Summer Fest]; to party with all the people there.”
