Created by Clifford “Pops” Horton, the Gamma Phi Circus has been preforming shows on campus for adults, students, and children as far back as 1931, Marcus Alouan, director of the Gamma Phi Circus, said.

“We started in ISU in 1929 so we’ve been around for quite a while,” Alouan explained. “This is our 83rd year, but 81st on campus performance.” 

Since the circus is mostly gymnastics-based, there are a number of different acrobatic acts. Acts, tricks, and other happenings are performed during each of the shows.

“We have a lot of aerial acts, which are more graceful, juggling, clowns, and unicycles,” Alouan explained. “All those things you would associate with the circus.”

Currently, there are 70 members in the Gamma Phi Circus and 60 performers. Students, faculty, and staff are part of the circus, Alouan added.

Anyone is able to try out for the Gamma Phi Circus whether one has an athletic background or not. Many people do have gymnastics or dance backgrounds, but those trying out do not necessarily need to have one.

“At the beginning of the year we have what we call our open house and we just bring in as many people as are interested and we’ll split them up into groups and we’ll take them around and give them the chance to try all the different things that we do,” Alouan explained.

The following month or so, the team learns and improves their skills to get ready for auditions, he added.

“We don’t expect that somebody’s going to be able to just walk right in and audition for tight wire [if] it’s not something they’ve ever tried before,” Alouan explained.

Mid-to-late October is when auditions are held for people of all ages.

Typically, 8,000 to 10,000 people show up to the shows. Alouan hopes to have the biggest turnout they have ever had this year.

“A lot of students on campus just don’t quite realize that the person who is sitting next to them in class might be that same person who is up on the trapeze or doing these amazing things. I think it’s definitely something ISU should come out and support,” Alouan said.

Three separate performances will  be held in the Redbird Arena on Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 21 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prior to the 1 p.m. show on Saturday, there is a one-hour kids carnival being held at the Redbird Arena.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster and the Braden Box Office in the Bone Student Center.