HISTORY
History
Triton Troupers Circus is a regional/local circus run through Triton College, in River Grove Illinois, near Chicago. Within the school curriculum Triton Troupers Circus is considered a continuing education course. Triton Troupers Circus is populated with cast and crew ranging from circus arts amateurs, to skilled dancers and gymnasts and clowns, to alumni of world famous circuses, in a structure where experienced performers educate newcomers.
Triton Troupers Circus was founded in 1971 by Jeff Austin, the first director.
Rick Wright subsequently became the second director, from 1987-1999.
Terry White has directed since 2000 and participated in almost every year since the beginning.
According to Terry White, at least a dozen marriages (including his own) have resulted from people meeting in this circus. Some Triton Troupers alumni have gone on to professional circus arts careers, possibly most well known being famed juggler Andy Head.
Triton Troupers Circus has been produced annually every year since 1972. The first Circus was performed in the "Temporary Physical Education Building" to a sell-out crowd, despite a record snow fall. The show was then moved to the cafeteria for 1973-1980, and finally moved to the new Robert M. Collins Center Gymnasium in 1981 where it has remained to the present.
Following the 2007 season, Triton Troupers Circus finally developed a website: TritonTroupersCircus.com
Triton Troupers Circus gives infinite gratitude to the handful of dedicated key staff and the many long-term participants who have given shocking numbers of years of their lives to managing and producing and nurturing and coaching this circus.
A nearly complete history of Triton Troupers Circus programs and group photos and posters from the past is available offsite. Also see the collection of press clippings.
Detailed History
The following is a historical/biographical press release distributed for the 35th anniversary show in 2006.
35 years of Triton Troupers Circus
We're Back and we're better than ever!
The Triton Troupers Circus began with the gymnastics team at Triton College and their coach Jeff Austin. It was a venue to showcase the talent of the group. The original show included trampoline, high bar, tumbling and parallel bar. The show was held in the original gym at the college, which is now the Maintenance Service Facility. Eventually the performance graduated to the cafeteria so a larger audience would be able to attend. The final home of the event is the Robert Collins Gymnasium. Shows have been performed there for the past 26 years.
The progression into true circus acts was gradual. Jeff Austin was an expert trampolinist. He was a regular on the Bozo Circus Show and began to broaden the scope of acts by networking with other performers. The act list soon included clowns, web rope, man wheel, rolling globe, tight wire, sky swing and trapeze. The original gymnastic apparatus was taken out and traditional circus acts remained.
Jeff Austin held the director's baton for 15 years. Rick Wright, who had been assistant director for 10 years, claimed the baton and continued as director for the next 13 years. He spent those years nurturing performers and promoting the high standards of the show.
The past 7 years have been just as challenging and rewarding for the current director, Terry White. He has been an advocate for the show and delights in watching new members achieve things they never thought possible.
The Cast and Crew - The dedication of the people who are involved in the show as performers and those who work behind the scenes is unsurpassed. This is an all volunteer opportunity. There is no pay involved and members return year after year.
Several original members of the circus are still involved. Terry White, our current director. Steve Hersee, still performing on teeterboard and maintaining photo's of the show. Bart Halleman has taken on the job of publicity and Bob Tardella has transitioned from performer to accountant for the show.
Many members of the circus have gone on to become professionals in the business. Past Troupers have won Golden Globe Awards, performed on the David Letterman Show and attended Ringling Brothers Clown College. Our current lighting director Daric Basson, began by flipping light switches on and off for the circus. He now works for Upstaging Lighting, bringing professional lighting to the music industry.
Our Fans are the Greatest - Throughout the span of the show there has been a loyal fan base. They have realized that the show continues to be the most affordable entertainment in the Chicagoland area. Fans also realize that the expectation of a family show for children and adults of all ages has been a priority for the directors and performers since the show be Join us as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary !!
Awards History
AWARDS
| Triton Trouper: 2019 Lynn Zumstein 2018 Elliot Wimbush 2017 Hannah McGinnas 2016 Brian Pohlis 2015 Kari Buckvold 2014 Kevin Haines 2013 Carmichael Washington 2012 Michael Vassar 2011 Harry McCullagh 2010 Jeremy Snarski 2009 Brian Hampton 2008 Debbie White 2007 Robert Sokolick 2006 Guy Stroczynski 2005 Adam McDonald 2004 Linda Johnson 2003 John Scheurich 2002 Karen Kaderabek 2001 Mary Beth Borchers 2000 David Lyons 1999 Jacque Witt 1998 Mike Wasik 1998 Dee Dee McGarvey 1997 Tom Wasik 1996 Steve Borkan 1995 Peggy Eaton 1994 Todd Santini 1993 John Eaton 1993 Christine Fitzgerald 1992 Edison Cadena 1991 Thom Goetz 1990 Steve Hersee 1990 Jonalee Folerzynski 1989 Mitzi Kruppe 1988 William Baunach 1987 Cathy Barry Holbrook 1986 Terry White 1985 Michelle Witt 1984 Bob Tardella 1983 Steve Francis 1982 Jeff Aiani 1981 Don Zasadny 1980 Frank Birdsall |
Best Performer: 2019 Sabrina Sabatin 2018 Hannah McGinnas 2017 Jonah McGinnas 2016 Caleb Iler 2015 Kristin Doll 2014 Joie Allen 2013 Leanne Osmanski 2012 Caleb Wimbush 2011 Albia Aye 2010 Gina Orrico 2009 Patti Ummel 2008 Brian Hampton 2007 Bryan Talaga 2006 Darryn Chupp 2005 Antonio Moore 2004 Terry White 2004 Kan Buckvold 2003 Amy Riccio 2002 John Eaton 2001 Kevin Haines 2000 Charlene Numrych 1999 Jacque Witt 1998 Mitzi Kruppe 1997 Craig Amerian 1996 Pam Falco 1995 Todd Santini 1995 Kerry Campbell 1994 Terry Jo Garner England 1994 Marge Gentry 1993 Sylvia Hernandez 1992 Randy Johnson 1991 Linda Johnson 1990 Paula Parat 1989 Cathy Barry Holbrook 1988 Laurie Egan 1986 Michelle Witt 1985 Andy Head 1984 Lester McNeely 1983 Chris Austin 1982 Steve Francis 1981 Frank Birdsall 1980 Don Zasadny |
Behind the Scenes: 2019 Alanna Turner 2018 Robert Sendra 2017 Carmichael Washington 2016 John Scheurich 2015 Devin Snarski 2014 Brian Pohlis 2013 Dennis Sendra 2012 Jeremy Snarski 2011 Jill Talaga 2010 Susan Hooper 2009 Kelly Kishel 2008 Bart Halleman 2007 Christopher Gran 2006 Mary Beth Borchers 2005 Guy Stroczynski 2004 Art Borchers 2003 Lynn Zumstein 2002 Debbie White 2001 John Eaton 2000 Robert Sokolick 1999 Rob Pionke 1998 Mike Collins Sr. 1997 Edison Cadena 1996 Hank Witt 1995 Terry White 1994 Tom Wasik 1993 Matt Luparello 1992 Peggy Eaton 1991 Robert Kolh 1990 Michele Witt 1990 Marijo Wimbush 1989 Mike Wasik 1989 Bert Coons 1988 Thom Goetz 1987 William Baunach 1987 Mathew Clark 1986 John Vargo 1985 Tony Maroney 1984 Paula Parat 1983 Sue Austin 1982 Steve Francis 1981 Don Zasadny 1980 Mary Wright 1978 Bob Tardella |
| LONG TIME TROUPERS 40+ Year: 35+ Year: 30+ Year: 25+ Year: 20+ Year: 15+ Year: |
10+ Year: |
