American Circus Educators Magazine Spring 2017 (Issue 1, Vol 9) | Page 16

I RAN
OFF TO
Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus began as
a male gymnastics fraternity back in 1929 under the
direction of Clifford “Pop” Horton. Since then, the
organization has grown to be co-ed. Heading into our
88th annual home show, Gamma Phi Circus continues
to be the oldest collegiate circus in the country. Under
the current direction of Marcus Alouan and Ivan Stoinev,
Gamma Phi has taken on the idea of putting a theme
to our show. Our previous themes include Chicago,
Hollywood, Around the World and this year we are taking
on Broadway!
During my freshman year at Illinois State, I was
approached by one of my friends Arianna, who was
trying out that semester. She asked me to join her at the
audition because she said she thought that I would make
a great clown. My first reaction was, “Why would I want
to join a circus?” I continued to think that until I saw the
home show that spring in Redbird Arena. I was amazed
with the fact that there were 90+ college students like
myself up there performing these acts. I was convinced
the circus was for me. That fall I would try out for
Gamma Phi.
The Gamma Phi Circus has opened up a wide variety of
opportunities for not just myself, but all of its troupe
members. It gives us the chance to take a break from the
long hours in the library or the lectures in the classroom,
and to come together to put on an amazing show. As a
member, we are expected to uphold the five C.I.R.C.U.S.
values: Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Courage, Unity
and Service. However, there is one more value that
many of us get to improve upon and uphold which is
leadership.
There are many opportunities to hold a leadership
position in our organization. Each semester, there
are about 30 leadership positions available ranging
from being an act-captain, or a committee head, to
an executive board member. Many individuals take on
multiple roles throughout their circus college career. I
have served as both the clown act captain and the social
chairperson of the Executive Board for two years and
most recently obtained the position as co-head of the
theme committee. These opportunities have helped me
grow not only as a leader but as an individual. Lessons
I’ve learned from these experiences are ones that I will
be able to think back on throughout my future career.
COLLEGE
&
CIRC
C US
JOINED
THE
BY KYLE HALKERSTON
Kyle Halkerston is a senior
integrated marketing
communications major at Illinois
State University. He joined
Gamma Phi Circus in the fall of
2014. During his time in Gamma
Phi he has held leadership
positions including, clown
act-captain, co-head of the
theme committee and the social
chairperson on the executive
board. Works as the marketing
intern for the organization.
Performing acts include: clowns,
teeterboard, Russian swing and
a bike built for 10.
The most important lesson that I have learned that’ll
stick with me is: don’t underestimate yourself. When
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