Students’ flair on show in big-top spectacle
STEP right up, a professional ring master is in town.
Having once run away with Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion, actor and professional clown Hayden Spencer is now lending his expertise at Trinity Lutheran College – and their big top Cirque de Extravaganza this weekend is set to be a show like no other.
It will feature 350 student performers alongside alumni Jacob Lee from The Voice Australia and aerial artist Jack Carter under the 44m circus tent.
Guests will be taken on a hilarious journey by Mr Spencer’s quirky non-verbal clown character.
“There is always a journey for the audience to follow,” he said. “Clowns live in the world of non-verbal communication. We use our bodies and face to tell the story or make people laugh.”
Mr Spencer is a professional actor and playwright whose production credits include theatre, television and film but he also loves working alongside children.
He returned to Australia in 2010 after performing the role of Clown Vincente in Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion before the show closed in Mexico City after 10 years in the big top.
Not wanting to break character, he often prepares in the car on the way to work.
Director of arts Cherie Smith said the school, from Prep to Year 12, had been preparing for the extravaganza for the past year.
“We are featuring some of our older students and bringing them back to be a part of the show and inspire the next generation of Trinity students,” she said.
There will be three shows over the weekend with food, drinks, fairy floss and popcorn available for purchase in true circus style.
Tickets are available at tlc.qld.edu.au/events/cirque