For nearly a decade, Olivia McPherson watched the Wenatchee Youth Circus perform at the Renton River Days, dreaming to be on the other side of the stage one day.
It wasn’t a practical dream at first. Driving almost weekly from Renton to Wenatchee for practices wasn’t something her family thought they could do. That was until last year when they relented, and committed to make the two-plus hour drive back and forth so Olivia could join the circus.
The Wenatchee Youth Circus is a nonprofit, nonprofessional, traveling circus group for kids 18 and under who perform various circus acts including high wire, flying trapeze, fire acts and aerial acts. They travel all over the Pacific Northwest to perform, and their next stop this weekend is at Renton River Days.
This is the show 14-year-old Olivia has been waiting for.
“I’ve been looking forward to this show,” she said. “It’s a different perspective because when you watch the show, it’s like ‘wow, look at all these people.’ But now I’m performing and I know all performers. It’s kind of strange.”
With her five-year background in gymnastics, Olivia said she was able to pick up many of the circus acts quickly, allowing her to be the highlight in many of the performances.
“Flying trapeze is my favorite,” she said. “It’s super cool because you get to be super up high and it’s a highlight of the show.”
However, the circus isn’t only about the technical skills; it’s also about performing. Olivia’s mom Erica described it as “the perfect blend between theater and sports.”
Olivia said she enjoys the performance aspect of the show as it allows her to be more vigilant when it comes to perfecting her act.
“To be in the show, you want it to look good. So if you’re just practicing, you’ll think, ‘nobody is going to see this,’ and you don’t work as hard as when you’re going to show it to a crowd,” she said.
One of the reasons the McPherson family said they’re supporting the Wenatchee circus is because of its inclusive nature. Anyone, regardless of their skill or background, is welcome.
“That’s one thing they emphasize – any child can join,” said Erica. “The average cost is $50 per child, which is very affordable. It’s available to anyone, pretty much.”
Olivia had been taking circus classes in Seattle for about five years before she switched the Wenatchee Youth Circus. She said she prefers the Wenatchee circus because “you get closer to the people… it’s like a family.”
“She was shy initially,” said Erica. “Now she’s made a bunch of new friends. She’ll get closer to these kids than anybody at school because they end up spending a lot of time together. They really get to know each other. They have to trust one another in the show quite a bit…. She’s come out of her shell.”
Olivia said she plans to be part of the circus until she’s 18.
Wenatchee Youth Circus will host three performances at Renton River Days. Show times are 1:30 and 6 p.m. on Friday, July 21, and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. Performances will be at Cedar River Park and will cost $2 for kids under 18 and $3 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the festival information booth at July 21 and 22, and 30 minutes prior the the three shows.
