circus splendida © written by deborah martin · circus splendid is a marvellous, colourful and...

CIRCUS SPLENDIDA © Written by Deborah Martin

Not to be performed without permission. Contact the publisher: Amanda Stone Productions 1



Thanks for sampling “Circus Splendida”. This not a complete script. The master script includes:

• Helpful Hints for staging a successful concert

• Casting the concert • Casting main roles

• Cast List • Running order • Rehearsal Plan • The Script

• Crew List • Sets Suggestions

• Costumes Suggestions • Props

• Lyrics Sheets • Development in the Arts

• Front of House Suggestions



Staging ‘Circus Splendida’

_________________________________________________________________________________ Circus Splendid is a marvellous, colourful and funny show. It has a simple story about one night in the life of a circus troupe that is competing for the opportunity to go on a fantastic world tour. All the acts in the troupe try their best to present a fabulous performance but it’s the clowns who emerge as the heroes of the show. The show is written in a concert format. Two main characters, the ringmaster and his assistant Myra, together with 4 of the clowns, present the story line as a background to the circus items. They provide continuity and lots of humour and should be senior students who are able to learn and perform their parts with confidence. There are small excerpts of dialogue by children from each performance group, allowing action to occur downstage while groups are moving on and off the stage. This concert can be performed by a section of the school or by a whole school as an annual concert The 13 items vary in style and include songs, instrumental work, dances, creative movement, and a chant performed to music. As the show has a circus theme, some creative movement, gymnastics, ball handling and tumbling skills can be incorporated. Props such as hula hoops, balls and scooters or skates can be used. The items vary in difficulty and there are items suited to most age groups. It is envisaged that each item would be performed by a separate grade or grade level. The show is closed by a moving anthem type song, performed by the whole cast. The show can be rehearsed with each group learning its part and then coming together to rehearse the whole show towards the end. The 4 clowns, the ringmaster and Myra regularly appear throughout the show. If performed with energy, confidence and humour the show should be a terrific, entertaining concert showcasing all aspects of the performing arts in the school: dance, drama and music. You might choose to perform the concert as written or simply perform the items. You might add some items or delete some. You might incorporate an overture performed by some instrumental groups or the school choir. The children involve could then participate in their class’s item. Staging a Circus Performance: Circus performance implies lots of movement, colour, pace, laughter and magic! The performance should be energetic and polished with lots of humour as part of the presentation. Much of the performance relies not only on the act or skill being presented but the way it is presented. Circus performers add lot of dramatic bows, huge smiles, flourishes and turns to their act. Even the simplest act can be embellished with larger than life gestures; theatrical bows, arms raised above heads while circling dramatically around the ring, etc. Including all these embellishments in the acts will add lots of humour and theatrical circus flair! In circus, they are done to encourage wild applause from the audience. Children will need to practise these movements. They may feel slightly self-conscious about representing their performance in such a staged and dramatic manner. Some workshops might be carried out simply to practice flourishing bows, dramatic turns, etc. With lots of practice, the performers will enjoy the humour and fun that accompanies their act. Staging the Show: On the stage or in the round. The show has been written so it can be performed on a traditional stage or in the round with the audience sitting in a circle around the stage area. A thrust stage might be added to a traditional stage so that key characters and the clowns can ‘tell the story’ while performance groups enter and exit in the body of the stage. Whichever staging is chosen, be certain that sound and lighting resources enable the audience to see and hear clearly.



Health and Safety Considerations. As some children may be involved in some activities such as tumbling, gymnastics, etc. ensure that the necessary safety equipment and procedures are in place. Few of the acts in the show require any activities different to those that might occur in normal school life. Consult your physical education teacher on normal safety procedures for acts that involve more energetic activities. Circus Splendida Items 1-13 A combination of songs, dances, chants, gymnastics, mime, creative movement. comedy and magic. 1. The Circus Has Come to Town

This song introduces the circus folk and their acts. As the first performance in the show, it should make the audience feel excited and enthusiastic about what’s to come. It might be performed as a parade on the stage or even through the audience. Add some choreography as the performers march or circle around. They might carry balloons, flags or a ‘Circus Splendida’ banner. Performers: Parade person 1-4 and Parade Chorus Middle to upper school

2. Got to Get the Big Top Raised

This is an energetic song/dance/mime portraying the raising of the tent. The song tells of the task to be done. In verses 4/5, performers actually mime the raising of the tent. This might include bringing on of sets and props to represent the circus or using the performers’ bodies to ‘make a tent’. Performers might create a circle with arms raised at an angle, pointing to the centre of the circle to create the roof. More performers might create another circle, standing back to back around the first group to make the walls of the tent. Performers: Riggers 1-6 and chorus of riggers. Middle to upper school

3. Let Us Play a Happy Circus Song

This item is presented by the ‘Circus Splendida’ band. It is a happy, enthusiastic song and instrumental piece. The instruments used might be percussion instruments such as tambourines, claves, drums, etc. or home-made instruments might be made in keeping with the quirky circus feel of the show. Colourfully painted tins, sticks, seed-filled bottles could be used. Alternatively, kitchen utensils could be used. Graters, pots, pans, spoons, etc. painted or decorated with colourful stickers and ribbons would look humorous and interesting! Second hand kitchen-ware can be purchased very inexpensively. Performers: Band members 1-5 and chorus of band members

Lower, middle, upper school 4. Heroes of the Circus

This is a pacey, energetic song and dance item. In Verse 3, some performers with gymnastic or tumbling skills run on to perform to the instrumental track. Children who attend gymnastic or calisthenics classes would be excellent in this role. If you have a physical education teacher at your school, they should be able to assist with this part of the act. See the earlier notes about embellishing the performance with theatrical flair! Add some flourishes and dramatic bows after each marvellous feat! As the acrobats deem themselves the ‘Heroes of the circus’, their act has a ‘show off’ quality.



If there are no children available with tumbling or gymnastic skills, the ‘Heroes of the Circus’ performers can stage an aerobic dance sequence that involves thrusts, turns, knee lifts, stretches, etc. Performers: Acrobats 1-4 and chorus of acrobat heroes. Middle to upper School

5. We are on the Wire

Visually, this could be one of the best acts in the show! The Chorus dances/sings the song to a waltz beat. Brightly colourful umbrellas are used in a well-rehearsed routine to add to their performance. They are raised, turned and flourished in a terrific sequence. The colourful umbrellas can be bought inexpensively at discount stores and the panels painted in different colours. Alternatively, umbrellas can be made from heavy, stiff card on sticks. This is a comedy act and its success relies on the facial expressions and the ‘oohs and ahs’ of the nervous chorus. The ‘Tight Rope Twins’ are comedians who try to push each other off the wire, accompanied by anxious noises from the chorus. This is a funny, colourful act that is sure to please. Performers: Tight Rope Twins 1 and 2, Walkers 1, 2. Chorus of tight rope walkers.

Upper school 6. Super Scooters (Or skaters or roller bladers)

This is a fast moving item performed by two groups; the flag bearers who form the course for the riders and the scooter or skating rollers themselves. The flag bearers enter first carrying colourful or checkered flags on long sticks. They stand around the stage forming a course. The riders enter, line up across the front of the stage area and then ride around, between the flag bearers. Middle to upper school

7. Tiny Tumblers This is a cute, quirky song/dance for the infant or younger children. It can also be performed as a comedy item by older children playing at being ‘tiny’! The tiny tumblers never actually perform any remarkable feats; just a forward roll or two! They do accompany their act with cute skipping around lots of bows and waves to the crowd that encourages applause from the audience. Performers: Chorus of Tiny Tumblers Early years or upper school if performed as a comedy item.

8. Human Sculpture

This terrific song/dance/mime item involves the performers singing and moving during each verse as an introduction to the creation of a sculpture linking the performers’ bodies. Each sculpture represents an Australian icon; the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Uluru, Parliament House in Canberra. Another group of tourists run on to take photographs or interact with the sculpture before it is disassembled for the next verse. The creation of each sculpture can be work shopped with the group until they are happy with their version of each icon. A great item visually and encourages lots of creative work by the performers.

Performers: Sculptors 1-6 and Chorus of sculptors Upper school



9. Hula Hoop! This is a fun, quirky song and dance about/using hula-hoops. If the school does not have enough hula hoops for all chorus members, a fun ‘hula dance’ can be created with hula hoops only use by a few performers in Verse 3. Hoops can be used around waists, on arms and even on legs! Decorated hoops can be bought quite reasonably at discount stores. You can make your own mini-hoops using plastic rings, etc. Performers: Hula Hoopers 1-4 and Hula Hoop Chorus. Early years, middle years, upper school

10. Lola, the Disappearing Lady This is an old fashioned magic act performed in song and dance. The chorus sets up the act with the song/dance. The magic box is wheeled on and the chorus narrates the magic act as Lola is placed in the box and disappears! (Lola exits through a panel in the rear of the box.) This is a comedy act. There should be flourishes, dramatic pointing and gesturing by the chorus. This should all add to the theatre of the act and the incredible feat that results in Lola’s disappearance! Performers: Lola, Lola Chorus people 1-5, Lola chorus

Middle to Upper School 11. Jugglers Song

(No juggling skills required but there is an opportunity for any experts to participate) This is a chant set to music. All chorus members have balls that are bounced and thrown

to the words and rhythmic beat. The level of difficulty will entirely depend on the children involved. They might simply take their places on the stage and bounce the balls every 8-16 beats as they perform the chant. Alternatively, they might create a more complex bouncing pattern and exchange balls every now and then etc. Lines of performers might move around or change places. During Verse, children who can actually juggle might enter and perform for a few bars. This can be a great act if it is embellished with colourful costumes and props. Perhaps the performers wear bowler hats and gloves with vests and bow ties? The balls might be painted in all sorts of bright colours. Once again, it is the way the performers present their act that matter. 20-30 performers bouncing balls in time to some great music and with theatrical flair should be very entertaining!

Performers: Jugglers 1-4, Middle to Upper school 12. Clowns’ Song

The clowns emerge as the heroes of the show. This is a terrific, funny song/dance which should be performed with joy and humour! The clowns chorus sings/dances the song, which includes some funny sound effects. The song calls for some funny mime and lots of terrific facial expressions. A smaller group of clowns then enter to perform some typical clowning acts/tricks of your choosing-in mime. -Perhaps clowns are wheeled on in wheelbarrows. -Some clowns might beckon a partner to sniff the flower in their lapel and promptly squirt them with water.



-One clown might appear to be disturbed by an annoying insect. His/her partner might bop him as if hitting the insect. The first clown might sob brokenly and pull out a handkerchief that is meters long; a string of scarves joined together. -One clown might have a bucket place it on the ground and pretend to wash windows. Another clown might sneak up and remove the bucket. The window washing clown will then turn round and round looking for the bucket which is sneakily placed back in its place at the last moment. This song gives the performers terrific opportunities for any comedians in your cast to ‘strut their stuff’ Performers: Clowns 1-4 and Clowns chorus Middle and Upper School

13. Put a Smile on Every Face

The moving finale of the show performed by the whole cast or a group of your choosing. If you really wanted to do something terrific with the finale, the backing track could be played while a set of joyous slides depicting the cast preparing for the show; clowns putting on makeup, tiny tumblers waving, acrobats flying through the air. Everyone would be smiling and laughing. The screen would be raised and the track would be played again with the song sung by the whole cast. Performers: All



______________________________________________________________

Sample Script Only: This is not a complete script ___________________________________________________________________________ The show depicts the opening night of ‘Circus Splendida’ on McPhersons’ Reserve. The action of the play moves between the circus ring itself and backstage-behind the scenes. Think carefully about the placement of the performance groups-in the ring, and the backstage performers. Much of the discussion/action backstage could take place right downstage as it usually involves a small group of performers talking amongst themselves. The big chorus groups will take up most of the body of the stage-the circus ring. The ringmaster moves between the backstage area and the ring where he does his announcements. He should physically move to a different place when he does his announcing. Be sure that the ringmaster stands in the same place every time. Introduction: Child 1, 2, 3 are standing centre stage looking at newspaper Child 1: Hey look at this! It sounds fantastic! Child 2: What is it? Child 1: A circus is coming to town. Reading from paper

‘Circus Splendida arrives in town this week and will stage their sensational show on McPherson’s Reserve’.

Circus 2: Circus Splendida? I haven’t heard about them. They sound…. All: Splendid! Laughing Child 3: Continuing to read.

Wow! Amazing and inspirational acts from all over the world! Clowns, acrobats, jugglers….and the incredible ‘Lola the Disappearing Lady” All look at each other amazed and excited mouthing ‘Wow’, ‘Cool’ etc. Child 1: Sounds exciting! Child 2: Sounds exhilarating! Child 3: Sounds…electrifying! Child 1: Let’s tell everyone. I’m going to get tickets for opening night. Child 2: Can’t wait to see this Lola the disappearing lady’ Child 3: I’ll have to check my money situation. I want to get good seats. Child 1, 2, 3 begin to leave Child 1: It’s going to be a big night on old McPherson’s Reserve next Saturday! All exit laughing and talking Enter circus parade chorus The parade is made of a colourful assortment of the acts in Circus Splendida



Item 1: The Circus Has Come to Town 1. Hey heidy ho. It’s on with the show The circus has come to town So many sights to see Magic and mystery Boom boom di ay, so- take it away Can’t wait for the show to start There’s a fun time happening in the tent to night ‘Cos the circus has come to town 2. Hey heidy ha. Let’s welcome the stars The circus has come to town Laughter and fun galore Lots of great acts in store Boom boom di oo The cast and the crew Are ready to entertain There’s a fun time happening in the tent to night ‘Cos the circus has come to town Bridge: Hey there hi there It’s fun for one and all Hurry, hurry book your seat You’re going to have a ball It’s all happening, right here in the ring Tell everyone you know now It’s our fantastic show now Come join us as we do our circus thing! 3. Hey heidy hee. There’s so much to see The circus has come to town We’re here to make you smile You’ll love our circus style

Boom boom di aw. So open the doors The tickets are now on sale There’s a fun time happening in the tent to night ‘Cos the circus has come to town Ringmaster: Spoken to drum beat

Roll up roll up Don’t miss our circus acts We’ve clowns and jugglers, tumblers, dancers

Mimes and acrobats Roll up. Roll up There’s fun and mystery You’ll be amazed. You’ll clap and cheer The ring’s the place to be 4. Repeat 1

Ending: The circus has come to- Circus has come to-circus has come to town



Enter Ring master and Myra and Clowns 1-4 Ring Master: Gather round circus folk. I’ve got important news. Myra: Come along. Gather round. Ring Master: I want everybody’s undivided attention Myra: That’s everyone. That means you, you clowns Clown 1: What did we do? Myra: You clowns are always fooling around…being silly. Clown 2: I thought that’s what we are paid to do? Myra: Yes, well….there’s a time and place for... Ring Master: Exasperated. Do you mind? Can I get on with it? Myra: Of course, of course. Everyone…listen up. Stop wasting time. You clowns! You need to concentrate! Clown 3: Hey! Stop picking on us 4 Clowns: Yeah! You always blame us for any trouble Parade person 1: It’s true. Leave them alone. Parade person 2: The circus wouldn’t be the same without the clowns Parade person 3: Yeah! They’re always good for a laugh. Under breath referring to Myra Not like some people Myra: I heard that! As the ringmaster’s personal assistant, I deserve some respect…I All performers start to argue Ring Master: Now totally enraged Silence!!!!

All fall quiet while looks are exchanged between Myra and some performers. As you know, we open our new show on McPherson’s Reserve tonight. I want to see the most sensational performance by Circus Splendida ever. Every act must be polished and professional.

Myra: You heard him/her! Polished and professional…especially you … Looks towards clowns and points finger as if about to harass clowns again



Clown 1: Angrily. Don’t even think about it Ring Master: Impatiently If I could continue? Our show must be magnificent! It

must be awe inspiring. We must dazzle the audience with our marvellous, magical feats.

Myra: Marvellous, magical. That’s what we’re after. Awe inspiring….dazzle the audience. Err…..why? Parade Person 1: Yes why? Parade Person 2: We always do our best Parade Person 3: We always trying to improve our acts Myra: Some more than others Glaring at clowns who glare back Parade Person 4: You are treating tonight’s show very seriously. Is something

happening? Parade Person 1: What makes this show so important?

All performers begin to talk amongst themselves Ring master: If you’d all be quiet I’d tell you

Continuing. Tonight’s show is important because we have a very important guest attending. I was recently contacted by an international organisation looking for circus to sponsor for a worldwide tour. The circus they choose must be outstanding in every way. They are willing to sponsor a yearlong tour that will cover every continent. The president of the organisation, who by the way is a multi-millionaire… has a great love of the circus and wants to sponsor a worldwide tour that will bring the joy of circus to children all over the world

Parade Person 1: But why the circus? Ringmaster: His, great, great grandfather was an acrobat. As a small child he heard

all the family stories about circus life. He developed a lifelong passion for the circus and all it represents.

Myra: Huffily

Well….as your assistant I would have thought I might have been told about this sooner.

Ringmaster: Ignoring assistant

They will accept nothing but the best. Our guest is in town for one night only….tonight’s show. He has ten circuses to see. This is our only opportunity to show him what we can do

Parade Person 2: A chance to travel the world



Parade Person 3: To perform for children everywhere Parade Person 4: It would be a dream come true Ringmaster: We’re the best circus anywhere All: We’ve got to win! Myra: Who is this mystery guest? How will we know him?

As your personal assistant, I think I should be the one to greet our important visitor. After all…someone in my position…..

Ringmaster: Interrupting Non one will know our special guest

The guest is coming incognito! He will blend in with tonight’s audience. Now. No time to waste. Let’s get this show organised

We’ve got to make this greatest show ever! Spectacular! Sensational! All: Splendido! All begin to move off excitedly Ringmaster: The show begins tonight at 7.00pm sharp. Make sure everyone is on time Myra: Can I say something? All: No! Continue to talk excitedly and with great animation Myra: I’ve got just one point to make… Continue to talk Ringmaster: Annoyed. Oh…what is it Myra? It had better be important Myra: I think it is rather important Ringmaster: Well? What is it? Myra: Look around you! All look around shrugging shoulders Ringmaster: Well? What is it? Myra: Could I suggest we get the tent up? Ringmaster: Oh …err yes. That’s probably a good idea. Benny! Enter Benny Benny: Right here! Ringmaster: Call the riggers and roustabouts. Let’s get this show started! Exit Benny Parade Chorus Exits talking excitedly.



Exit Ringmaster and Myra A loud whistle is heard off stage as Benny runs on blowing whistle loudly

Enter Benny Enter Riggers Chorus

Benny and Riggers 2-6 line up downstage Benny: Right. You know the routine. The show starts at 7.00pm. We’ve got a lot to

do Central pole goes up Rigger 2: Bale ring attached Rigger 3: Roof spread out and lifted Rigger 4: Side poles erected Rigger 5: Walls attached Rigger 6: Rigging and wires put in place All: Let’s get this big top off the ground! Move to places for the song The whole song might be sung by the Riggers chorus. If you have some strong

singers, the Verses might be sung solo or by a small group. The response-in the Chorus ‘(In a circle, make them steady, drive them in’)

might then be sung by the rigger chorus. During Verses 1-3, the riggers might perform a strong, athletic dance. In

Verses 4/5, Big top is raised. This might be done symbolically using the performer’s

bodies to create a big top shape with their bodies. Alternatively, during these verses, the sets to be used during the show might be wheeled on and put in place.

Item 2: Got to Get the Big Top Raised (Song, dance, mime) 1. Hey you roustabouts and riggers Hurry there’s a job to do Moving swiftly work together We rely on each of you

Set up the poles in a circle Tighten the wires make them steady Hammer the pegs drive them in-we’ve We’ve got to get the big top raised 2. Hey you roustabouts and riggers Raise those poles to make the frame Add the rigging and the wires now It’s hard work this circus game Set up the poles in a circle Tighten the wires make them steady Hammer the pegs drive them in-we’ve We’ve got to get the big top raised



3. Hey you roustabouts and riggers Raise the roof and stretch it round Add the walls around the frame We’ve got the big top off the ground Set up the poles in a circle Tighten the wires make them steady Hammer the pegs drive them in-we’ve We’ve got to get the big top raised 4/5. Instrumental as tent set up on stage 6. Hey you roustabouts and riggers Now we’re set to start the show Big top’s ready the walls are steady Cast and crew are set to go Set up the poles in a circle Tighten the wires make them steady Hammer the pegs drive them in-we’ve We’ve got to get the big top raised Ending: We’ve got to get the big top raised………..trill as tent raised She’s up! Exit Riggers Chorus Benny, Riggers 2-6 move downstage Benny: Well she’s up Rigger 2: Looks great! Rigger 3: I thought the wind was going to be a problem Rigger 4: Yes, but she’s standing secure and strong Rigger 5: We’ve done a fantastic job once again Rigger 6: We make a great team that’s for sure

Talk amongst themselves congratulating each other and looking very pleased with themselves.

Enter Myra Myra: Well? Why are you standing about? Haven’t you got anything to do? What about the ring? Where’s the sawdust? The high wires and trapezes have to be installed. Benny: Yeah. We were just having a breather. We’ve worked hard for hours getting

the tent up Myra: Calling over shoulder. No time to waste. Get on with it. Show starts very soon Benny: Shrugging shoulders. Break’s over guys. You heard her. Let’s get moving Exit Benny, Riggers 2-6



Enter Clowns 1-4 Clowns move downstage Clown 1: Not long to go. I feel a bit nervous What if Myra was right this morning? What if we clowns mess up? Clown 2: What if we let the rest of the circus folk down? Clown 3: It would be terrible if they missed out on the overseas tour because of us Clown 4: We don’t really have spectacular skills like the others Our act isn’t dangerous or thrilling Clown 1: Not like the acrobats or the tight rope walkers. What do we do? Clowns 1-4: Very despondently. We make people laugh Enter Myra Myra looks into the audience as if looking for the mystery guest. She doesn’t

see the clowns Myra: To herself. I wonder if that’s him. It might be that well-dressed man I saw by the door. Suddenly notices clowns. You clowns! What are you doing here?

Go and get ready. The show’s about to start. And make sure you don’t make any mistakes. This is a very important show. Exit Myra hurriedly taking one last look into the audience as leaving Clowns are still looking mournfully at each other. Myra pokes her head around the corner.

Myra: Come on, don’t just stand there.

Clowns begin to leave and trip in unison-‘clown style as they go much to Myra’s annoyance. In unison again, they tip their hats and Myra mutters loudly as they leave

Enter Band members 1-5 whistling banging, tooting their instruments They meet Myra downstage Myra: Quiet! Stop making that terrible noise Band member 1: We’re just tuning up Band Member 2: We have to make sure everyone sounds just right Band Member 3: It’s a very important show you know Myra: I’m well aware that it’s an important show thank you Band Member 4: Has anyone seen the mystery guest? Myra: Why are you asking me? How would I know? Band Member 5: We thought you might have been looking for him?



Myra: Me? Why would I do that? I’ve got more important things to do.

Band members smirk at each other knowing full well that Myra has been looking for the guest. What are you smiling about? Hurry up and get organised. You’re on first. The band members say the following lines with style knowing they will annoy Myra

Band Member 1: Don’t worry. We’re all set to toot and tap Band Member 2: To bang and clap Band Member 3: To beat and ring Band Member 4: To zip and zing Band member 5: Toot and tap, bang and clap, beat and ring, zip and zing

All band members start to beat their instruments, just to annoy Myra Myra: All right. All right. That’s enough! Go and take your places. The ringmaster

is about to start. Band members 1-5 begin to exit. Band member 4 sidles up to Myra and whispers Band Member 4: I wonder if that’s him in the fourth row Band member scuttles off quickly Myra: Where?

Runs downstage to look out at audience and then realises band member is making fun of her. Snorts loudly and hurries away.

Exit Myra Enter Ringmaster Ringmaster: Stands in announcing place

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Welcome to the greatest circus on the globe. It’s stunning, it’s spectacular, it’s sensational…it’s Circus Splendida! What you will see tonight with amaze and delight you. Now, to open our show…the Circus Splendida Band! Please make them welcome.

Exit Ringmaster Clapping Enter Circus Band Chorus (Band members 1-5 included)

Band members march on, singing and playing They will parade and play percussion instruments-either commercially available or colourful homemade ones. In Verse 3, use any sound effects including metallic, wooden, industrial sounds. Might be possible to use kitchen instruments such as pots, pans, graters, spoons, etc.

Item 3: Play a Happy Circus Song 1. Sound those trumpets, blow that horn It’s time to start our show Let’s play a song to welcome you The band is set to go Crash those cymbals beat those drums Tap your feet and clap along



The circus band will entertain Let us play a happy circus song 2. Toot that whistle, ring those bells We’ll make that big top swing We’ll a smile on every face As we march around the ring Shake and rattle toot ti toot As the people clap and cheer (Cheering) Let’s play some big top tunes tonight

Sing along the circus band is here 3. Spoken: Boom!

Rattle Hum! Shake! ………….Roar! Toot! Jingle! Buzz! ………………Play some more! Bang! Rumble! Crash!

Whistle! Ding-dang-dong The circus band will entertain

Let us play a happy circus song 4. Instrumental with instruments-as written or any of your choice!

λ θ θ λ θ θ λ θ . ε λ η λ θ θ λ θ θ λ η λ η λ λ η λ η λ η λ η λ θ θ λ θ θ λ η λ η λ λ θ θ λ η λ θ θ λ η λ θ θ λ θ θ λ η λ η λ λ θ θ λ θ θ λ η λ η λ ε ε ε ε λ θ θ λ η λ η λ

5. Repeat 1 Ending: Play a happy circus, play a happy circus, and play a happy circus song

Exit Band Members Enter Ringmaster Enter Acrobats to take their places as ringmaster announcing. Acrobats 1-4 are ready to perform the introduction. Ringmaster: Moving to announcing position

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we have a wonderful show for you tonight. We will dazzle you with our energy and expertise. We will thrill you with our skill and daring. To open our show, we have the amazing Circus Splendida acrobats!

Exit Ringmaster Item 4: Heroes of the Circus

Acrobat chorus sings verses accompanied by aerobic dance. The Spoken part of each verse is performed strongly-akin to a haka!

Tambourines Sticks Triangle

Drums Tambourines Triangle

Guiro Drums Guiro Drums Tambourines Triangle

Drums Tambourines Triangle Maracas Sticks



In Verse 3, texture and excitement greatly increased for acrobatics-to be performed by a cameo group of skilled acrobats or gymnasts.

Intro: Acrobats 1-4 …….presenting ……the fabulous ……the amazing …….incredible Heroes of the circus. See them fly!! 1. Heroes of the circus Feats that will amaze Tumbling, turning through the atmosphere They’ve- got- the acrobatic craze Leaping, then they’re diving

Flying through the air……………. Whizzing sound as of something flying through air ending with an explosion

Spoken: They are all so-energetic Fit and strong -and ath-letic Can’t believe those acrobatics Wow! They’re really so fantastic Sung: Heroes of the circus….See… them…. fly! 2. Leap…………. Turn……. Twist…….. Make that ole floor burn Over……………

Under here we go Whizzing sound as of something flying through air ending with an explosion

Spoken: They are all so-energetic Fit, strong -and ath-letic Can’t believe those acrobatics Wow! They’re really so fantastic Sung: Heroes of the circus….See…them ….fly! 3. Instrumental, as able performers enter and perform cartwheels, forward

rolls etc. 4. Repeat 1 Exit acrobat chorus.

Acrobats 1-4 move downstage Enter Myra with clipboard Myra: You were simply wonderful. Just wonderful! World standard! Acrobat 1: Thanks Myra. We were great tonight, no doubt about it. Acrobat 2: We always are really. We’re not called heroes of the circus for nothing Acrobat 3: Actually, I think that was my personal best Acrobat 4: That turn I’ve been working on was perfect tonight



Enter clowns creeping on upstage, hoping no one will notice Myra: Oh yes, you were all outstanding.

Notices Clowns 1-4 creeping on from other side of stage and sneers sarcastically I hope all the acts will be as good as you.

Acrobat 1: Looking at clowns too I somehow doubt it Acrobat 2: Some people don’t do much at all Acrobat 3: Not much skill involved in some of the acts Acrobat 4: Certainly, not the level of skill involved in our act Acrobat 1: We want to go on that world tour. Acrobat 2: I hope no one lets us down Acrobats 3 and 4: They’d better not. Exit Acrobats 1-4 Myra: You clowns shouldn’t be here. The tight rope walkers are on next

Go and get ready…for your…err little…err clown thing Exit Myra Clowns move downstage to speak amongst themselves Clown 1: Oh, I wish we did something dangerous and daring like them Clown 2: I don’t. I hate all that rumbling and rolling. It makes me giddy. Clown 3: Me too. But I wish our act was a bit more…. sensational Clown 4: Perhaps we can think of some way to make our act a bit more….awe

inspiring? Clown 2: There’s only so much you can do with a funny hat, a red nose and baggy pants

Others nod sadly in agreement. Enter Myra Myra: Will you hurry up? Here comes the ringmaster Exit Myra and Clowns 1-4 hurriedly. Enter Ringmaster. Moves to announcing position. Begins when music starts. Enter Tightrope Chorus. Take their places carrying umbrellas Item 5: We are on the Wire

Few bars followed by ringmaster’s voice. On each spoken line, a group of tight rope walkers run to take their places. They carry coloured umbrellas (closed) to be used to help them balance. The large chorus who perform the first verses act as an introduction for the entrance of the “Tight Rope Twins”. The whole piece is a combination of the song/dance performed by the chorus and then the funny act presented by the ‘Tight Rope Twins’ who actually



perform on a rope flat placed on the floor. The ‘Tight Rope Twins’ are actually performing a comical take on tight rope walking. The feel of the song is a soft shoe-comical ballet type feel. It will be performed with ballet type choreography with colourful umbrellas

Intro: Ringmaster Ladies and gentlemen Boys and girls……. The fabulous... Fantastic… Fearless… Tight rope walkers! Trill as all take places. Exit ringmaster

1. Up on the tight rope high in the air Stepping so carefully Keeping our balance-steady Cool and as calm as can be Lightly we make our way on the wire Movements so smooth and slow One, two, three. One, two, three Do not look down! Trill as all look down and gasp before continuing We are on the wire 2. Instrumental and spoken. Chorus act out lyrics Ready…..standing up tall Backs straight…feet in line Umbrellas open…..pause-flourish as umbrellas open Arms out…….

Keep in time…. Step……right foot, then left Moving with poise and style One, two, three. One, two, three Do not look down! Trill as all look down and gasp before continuing We are on the wire 3. Instrumental

Performers do ‘soft shoe type’ movements/dance using open coloured umbrellas. All movements are done in unison and with grace. At end of verse, tag- all performers freeze-umbrellas are closed. The ‘Tightrope Twins are about to enter.

Enter Benny and Rigger 2 with rope, which is laid on floor. Exit straight away. 4. During this verse, Benny and Rigger 2enter and place a thick black rope along

the floor downstage. It is stretched across the stage and will act as the tight rope for the ‘Tight Rope Twins”.

Now for your entertainment. We have a great surprise

A-world premiere we bring you You won’t believe your eyes A daring courageous duo.

Here to perform for you! Enter the Tightrope Twins who stand at either side ready to perform-thunderous applause

Under the big top the “Tight Rope Twins’



5. Spoken:

‘The Tight Rope Twins’ begin from either side of the stage and of course will meet in the middle-causing much ado. They perform as though walking on a wire high off the ground. The chorus adds some loud gasps and anxious sounds/looks as they teeter back and forth. At one stage they nearly fall-a most dramatic moment! Talented actors/mimes with a sense of humour are required for this performance.

……………..Careful …………….Ooooooh! ……………Oops! ……………..No! ……………Watch out! ……………Phew! One, two, three…one, two, three

DO NOT LOOK DOWN! (Pause as the twins have looked down and are wavering back and forth with accompanying “Whoa-whoa” from the chorus until they steady themselves and continue meeting in the middle)

Twins: We are on the wire (Smiling rather shakily and nervously at the audience) 6. Twins are stuck wobbling in the middle, unable to pass each other

Twin 1: Out of the way……… Twin 2: No!!! Twin 1: Move…………….

Twin 2: You go (Both begin to back away) Twin 1: All right ………. Twin 2: Okay Both: One, two, three, one, two, three (Some hurried steps backwards by both) Chorus: DO NOT LOOK DOWN (Pause as the twins have looked down and are wavering back and forth with

accompanying “Whoa-whoa” from the chorus until they steady themselves, calling ‘You had to say it didn’t you?’)

Twins: We are on the wire Ending: Jump off the ‘tight rope’ with a great flourish Twins: We are on the wire All: We are on the wire

Flourish at the end during which all performers open/raise their umbrellas for s stunning finale.

Exit tight rope chorus. Enter Benny and Rigger 2 to get rope. Exit when finished. Enter Myra with clipboard

Twins and Walkers 1, 2 move downstage. Twins are arguing. Myra enters and bustles around talking to different performers as they leave

Twin 1: I still think it would be a better act with one person Twin 2: I think it’s great with two of us Walker 1: Yes, you were both really good Walker 2: The act looks terrific



Twin 1: I know I could do it on my own Twin 2: What? You want to get rid of me? Twin 1: I am the eldest Twin 2: Only by two and a half minutes Walker 1: Come on you two. You’re the Tightrope Twins Walker 2: That’s what makes it special Twin 1: I still say that a solo would be better Twin 2: There’s no way I’m going to be in the chorus. Quickly to walkers who look a bit

miffed No offence

Twins and walkers all begin to argue loudly. Myra runs downstage Myra: Not you two again. You are always arguing. Hurry up, will you? The ringmaster is

about to announce the next act. Twins and walkers exit arguing. Enter clowns 1-4 creeping on

Myra stands centre stage to check her clipboard. She looks up to see the four clowns wandering. They move downstage as if checking the audience, peering out as if looking for the mystery guest. They suddenly see her and begin to back out nervously…

Clown 1: We were just… Clowns 1-4: Going. All Clowns run off.

Myra sighs loudly. Exit Myra Enter Ringmaster. Ringmaster moves to announcing position Ringmaster: Now have we got an act for you! Hold onto your hats folks! Prepare to be

dazzled and delighted! Waits for music to begin. Item 6: Super Scooters

This performance is presented by a group made of flag bearers (carrying large, colourful flags on tall poles) and the silver scooter riders. The flag bearers form a course for the scooter riders to ride around. To introduce the song, revving of engines is heard followed by trumpets and marching beats as verse one is played with flag bearers walking on saying the introduction

1. Spoken: Ringmaster: The sensational………. The stupendous………. The stunning………… The…….super-duper scooters! Exit ringmaster

2. Verse 2 is sung by flag bearers who are now positioned around the stage. Watch them go-a speeding round the ring



See those riders do their scooter thing Round and round they’re weave and turn and spin The hot super scooters are here

3/4. Instrumental as scooter riders come on and perform around stage and

weaving between flag bearers.

5. Scooters line up across front of stage as they and the flag bearers sing Round and round they roar around the track Left and right and then they’re turning back

In and out, they’ve really got the knack The hot super scooters are here

6/7. Instrumental as scooter riders perform around stage and weaving between

flag bearers

8. That is all. It’s time to say goodbye Clap and cheer as they go riding by ‘You were great!’ We hear the people cry Uh huh, the hot super scooters were here That’s right, the hot super scooters were here Oh yeah, the hot super scooters were here. That’s it! Revving and applause is heard 9. Instrumental fading out as flag bearers leave the stage Engines revving as exiting with cheering Exit Scooter chorus

Riders 1-4 move downstage Rider 1: I think the audience enjoyed our act Rider 2: Why wouldn’t they? We were great! Rider 3: Best in the business Rider 1: If it was up to us. We’d win that world tour for sure Rider 2: We’ve done our part all right Enter Clowns 1-4 Clown 1: You guys were great! Clown 2: Your scooters are amazing Rider 3: They are state of the art Rider 4: Only an expert can ride one of these Clown 3: Can we have a look? Riders hesitate, looking concerned.



Clowns 1-4: Please! Riders look at each other nervously and then shrug shoulders and nod

Rider 4: Okay…..but careful, don’t touch anything. Rider 1: Just a quick look. Myra will be back soon Riders step back and allow clowns to step onto scooters Clowns take off immediately, riding around the stage area whooping and calling out Enter Myra looking furious Scooter Riders run when they see Myra Exit Riders 1-4 Myra: What are you fools doing? When will you stop this clowning around? Clowns circle Myra Myra: Stop! Stop this immediately! Stop at once! Clown 1: Sorry Myra! We don’t know where the brakes are Clown 2: Sorry Myra! Got to fly! Clown 3: Things to do…. Clown 4: People to see! Clowns 1-4 exit on scooters Myra: Calling after clowns. Come back you….you…you clowns Suddenly sees ringmaster entering and hesitates, looking very embarrassed. Enter Ringmaster. Moves downstage Ringmaster: Myra? Are we ready? What’s happening?

Ringmaster moves to announcing position

Myra: Of course. Yes. I’m on to it. Carry on! Backs out looking really embarrassed Tiny Tumblers! Where are you? Exit Myra Enter Tiny Tumblers Ringmaster waits in announcing position Ringmaster: Our next act is certain to thrill and delight you all. For your entertainment

ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls…..The Tiny Tumblers!! Exit Ringmaster Item 7: Tiny Tumblers

This song will be performed by the infant children. It is cute, quirky and appealing.

1. Hey, we are here We’re the tiny teeny tumblers Hey, we are here we have come to entertain Watch how we roll we’re the teeny tiny tumblers Head over heels and back to start again



2. Instrumental as tumblers skip around

Drum roll as tumblers take places for roll Recorded Voice: Tumblers ready!

Take your places! Ready! Set! Go! Big drum roll as perform one forward roll! Huge applause!

Tag so that tiny tumblers can prepare themselves to continue 3. Instrumental as tumblers skip around

Drum roll as tumblers take places for roll Recorded Voice: Tumblers ready!

Take your places! Ready! Set! Go! Big drum roll as perform forward roll! Huge applause!

Tag so that tiny tumblers can prepare themselves to continue 4. Repeat verse 1 Ending: Repeat as fade out and tumblers exit

Exit the Tiny Tumblers Enter Ringmaster Ringmaster goes to announcing position Enter Human Sculpture Chorus. Photographers or tourists are waiting in wings to run on at the end of each verse Ringmaster: Thank you. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Another hand for our talented and terrific

Tiny Tumblers! And now, for our next act. An act that will astonish and confound you!

Circus Splendida presents….The Human Sculpture! Exit Ringmaster

END OF SAMPLE SCRIPT

circus splendida © written by deborah martin · circus splendid is a marvellous, colourful and...

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