Helping at Circus Flora: "The Quest for the Innkeeper's Cask"

The past two Wednesday evenings (15 and 22 June) have seen me in the Grand Center Arts District, under the Big Top that is home to Circus Flora. I am back as a volunteer for the eighth year.

This season, Circus Flora's show is "The Quest for the Innkeeper's Cask," which began its run on 9 June and will last until 3 July. The story has the circus troupe going through St. Louis' underground caves searching for a ghost innkeeper who has been causing mischief in town.

I report to work one hour before the show begins to put on my volunteer apron and button, before cleaning the seats. Just before the house opens 30 minutes before showtime, me and the other volunteers get our briefing from house manager Harald Boerstler before assuming our positions. We act as ushers helping the audience find their seats.

When the show begins at approximately 7:00 pm, I find a seat in the mezzanine to watch the performance. There is a 15-minute intermission midway through the show, and the volunteers help the audience members as needed in leaving and then returning to their seats before the second act begins.

The last act is a flying trapeze routine, and I help the ring crew by sitting near one of the safety net supports. This is so any audience members that may walk by there don't get tripped up by the cable. The ring crew takes down the net right after the company leaves the ring, and then the audience safely leaves the tent. The show ends after approximately two hours. After the audience leaves, I and the other volunteers pick up any trash left near the seats and dispose of it before checking out.

"The Quest for the Innkeeper's Cask" has a variety of acts, including equestrian artists Caleb Carinci-Asch and Lea Innocenti; The Flying Cortes trapeze act; The Flying Wallendas high wire act; featured performers Britt Lower and Ambrose Martos; Russian Cradle act Sam Renaud and Louis Joyal; The St. Louis Arches acrobats; and Trio Black Diamond, who perform trio hand balance equilibrium and duo antipode (foot juggling). Cecil McKinnon plays Yo-Yo the Storyteller and there is a five-piece band performing throughout the show.

We had about 180 attendees at last night's show, and they all enjoyed the event. Seeing these people leave the Big Top in such a good mood makes my work worthwhile.

I have one more volunteer shift scheduled for this season, this coming Wednesday night (29 June). Hope to see you there.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in This Post:

Circus Flora: Circus Flora | A St. Louis Tradition For Over 30 years

Grand Center Arts District: Grand Center Arts District | A Landmark Destination for the Arts