Speakers' Bureau

Betty, the Learned Elephant
Learn the history of Big Bett, the first elephant to arrive in North America in 1796 and Little Bett, who was tragically shot in Chepachet, RI in 1826.

For more background, see: http://www.glocesterhistorian.com and http://www.chepachet.com/betty.htm

Contact: Edna Kent, Glocester Heritage Society, PO Box 308, Chepachet, RI 02814 | Home Phone: 568-8967

Fee/Honorarium: $50

MARVELOUS MARVIN’S CIRCUS ARTS WORKSHOP
Children and adults will to learn how to juggle scarves, balls, clubs, spin plates, walk on stilts, master the rhythm sticks, twirl rings, and discover your own balancing skills. Great for school events, libraries, gym classes, parties and outdoor fairs and festivals. I provide all the equipment necessary. Workshop can handle up to 50 people at a time. Kindergarten and up. Fully insured.

Contact: Marvin Novogrodski @ 401-578-9399 | E-mail: marv@marvmarv.com | Web site: http://www.marvmarv.com

Fees: $250.00 for a one to one hour and a half session.

Full day events are also available. Reasonable travel fee will be added.

Roustabout to Ringling: Wild & True Stories from 40 Years in the Circus: Rob Mermin, Founder of Circus Smirkus, VT
This illustrated lecture/performance is highlighted by personal anecdotes from Rob Mermin’s career of forty years in the American and European circus world. It is illustrated with photos and film clips of a century of traveling circuses in Vermont, from Ringling Bros. to Smirkus. The program is a balance of stories and illustrations demonstrating the lingo, traditions and lifestyle of the itinerant show in New England and providing a vibrant history of the culture of circus in this region. The program follows the rich tradition of “mud shows” in Vermont, culminating in the 20-year history of Circus Smirkus, which The Boston Globe called “the first Vermont-based circus in over 100 years, and one of New England’s most treasured cultural and educational resources.”

Contact Info: (for 2008-09) Rob Mermin, 27 School St., Montpelier, Vt 05602 | rob@smirkus.org | 802-922-1339 | Web site: http://www.circussmirkus.org/

Fee Range: The Illustrated Lecture Series: $400 to $1,200. (1hr lecture to full evening 2hr show. Flexible according to venue. Workshops available.) The Library Series: $250-$350