Circus News

Go Go Gamma Phi!
Spring 2010

Good Luck Chris Ries!

Chris Ries is a 7th year member of the Gamma Phi Circus. He

is a secondary physics education major at Illinois State University. Currently, he is waiting to try-out for Cirque du Soleil
at their next auditions in the United States. As you may know,
Cirque du Soleil is well known internationally for its contemporary style of circus arts.
In the Gamma Phi Circus, Chris has performed in acts such as
flying trapeze, teeterboard, Russian swing, Russian bar, hand
balancing, juggling, trampoline, tumbling, vaulting, acro,
adagio and many others. He learned a lot of what he knows about circus arts and
circus history through his involvement with the Gamma Phi Circus. As a passionate
circus performer, Chris grew interested in Cirque du Soleil. Chris said, I have seen
many of their shows in person and as many of their videos that I can get my hands
on. Throughout his years in the Gamma Phi Circus, Chris studied the performers
of Cirque du Soleil and compared his abilities to theirs. With encouragement from
those around him in circus, Chris has challenged his skills and successfully accomplished tricks and techniques of the Cirque du Soleil performers.
After growing exceedingly in circus arts, Chris decided that he wanted to perform
professionally. With much help from friends, Chris contacted Cirque du Soleil and
sent videos of his performing abilities. He now has an invite from Cirque du Soleil to
audition at their next try-out sessions in the United States. Chris is very thankful for
the people who have helped him make connections to his dream and hopes to soon
perform with Cirque du Soleil. Wish him luck on his endeavors!
Along with Chris Ries, young alums, Emille Morales and Jason Hubbard are currently
working with Cirque du Soleil on rigging for their shows in Las Vegas. The Gamma
Phi Circus has a history of alumni who have gone on to perform professionally in
circuses such as The Circus Kingdom, Roberts Brothers Circus, Kelly Brothers Circus,
The Great American Circus and Circus Alleluia.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.GammaPhiCircus.ilstu.edu

Home Show 2010

April 23

7 p.m.

April 24

1 p.m.
7 p.m.

Adults

$ 12

Children

$ 8

Students

$ 10

Check out New Connections!

The Gamma Phi Circus alumni are important to our organization. We value the memories created and support
we receive from our alumni. In the past our connections with alumni have not been to the scale that we would
like them to be. In result, the Gamma Phi Circus staff has taken some extra time in creating new ways to stay
connected with its much appreciated members and alumni.

Website Renovation
Currently, the Gamma Phi Circus is making several additions to its website to
offer more updated information and inter activity. Some of the assets include an
alumni section, media section, updated blog and section for the public to send
comments.
The alumni section will provide recognition of alums by displaying a list of
names and years that they left the Gamma Phi Circus, and stories of their current
lives. Please send a message on the comments section of the website if you have
a current story that you would like to be recognized. We will also display updated information about the circus, including the newsletters. If you are looking
for a job or looking to hire, there will be a section for Gamma Phi members and
alumni to submit their information and requests.
If you would like to see the many opportunities that the Gamma Phi Circus has
been taking advantage of, check out the Opportunities and Blogging sections.
We will provide information on our involvement in festivals, road shows, fundraiser exhibitions and international involvement. Photos, videos and testimonials from those involved will also be included. Be sure to check out our trip to
Germany last summer for the International Gymnastics Festival!
As we all know, donations and sponsorship is vital for keeping the Gamma Phi
Circus alive. There will be a section on the website with information about how
you can help keep our circus running. We will also recognize sponsors and
accept ideas for supporting the circus. Dont forget to come to Home Show this
April!

New Facebook Page

We recently published an official fan
page on facebook. The page is titled
Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State.
Become a fan and invite your friends
to support The Gamma Phi Circus!
You can share your memories, comments, photos and videos. Gamma
Phi staff has posted photo albums for
each act to share photos from their
experience. Staff will share event
information along with discussion
topics and notes about current happenings in circus.

Alumni
Registration
To stay connected with the Gamma
Phi Circus, you must be registered
with ISU Alumni Relations.
Visit the Alumni, Donors and Friends
page at http://www.advancement.
ilstu.edu/ to update your current
information. Be sure to mention
your involvement with the Gamma
Phi Circus in the comments section
of the form.
For any questions you can University
Advancement at (309) 438-7681.
Please pass this information on to
your fellow alums!

Become a fan and

stay connected
with the Gamma
Phi Circus on the
worlds largest
social networking site.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.GammaPhiCircus.ilstu.edu