On a beautiful, sunny Sunday this October, 20 Hollis Montessori families gathered (socially distant) on our soccer field for an amazing performance. The Red Trouser Show came to HMS to entertain with acrobatics, comedy, and juggling. In the tradition of street theatre, the show was free, but tips and donations were encouraged at the end. “It was a lovely event during COVID times,” Head of School Kari Headington says. “The weather was perfect and families lingered afterwards to socialize safely.”
The Red Trousers are Tobin Renwick and David Graham, originally from Wilton, NH. The duo has known each other since 1st grade, where they bonded over their love of circus. Their dedication and talent led them to Circus Smirkus, the touring circus show for kids. After that, they were hooked and looking to make circus a career. They’ve never looked back.
They made the switch to street performing early on, enabling them to work year-round. They’ve traveled the world with their two-man show. “We’ve been all over. We’ve been to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Greece and Pakistan. And all over the US and Canada.”
The Trousers feel that every crowd takes on its own personality, which provides the adrenaline rush that keeps Tobin and David energized and enthusiastic for their 400 street shows a year. In between, they’re entertaining at festivals, theatres, private events, and corporate parties. But this year, most of those festivals, fairs, and events have been canceled due to COVID. So they pivoted to doing small, neighborhood, outdoor shows that could be kept socially distant. Which is what led them to HMS.
“What was weird,” says Campus and Admissions Manager (and school parent) Karen Bridgeo, “is that they would do this incredibly hard trick, and we were all just.... silent, in a bit of disbelief?” HMS Upper Elementary student, Sofia Bozic, was chosen from the audience to help with the show logistics. At the end of the show, the Red Trousers let her keep $20 for her efforts.
A beautiful day was met with an amazing acrobatic show that helped all of us feel more connected again as a community.