Florida State University’s Flying High Circus is preparing to soar with an all-new Spring Performance Series, “Tall Tales,” in April.
“Tall Tales” is the first new production to use FSU’s new big top tent, installed in 2025.
“After two years of preparation, we will unveil our fully completed circus tent and venue, as well as a brand-new show full of new vibrant costumes and music,” said Chad Mathews, director of the FSU Flying High Circus. “We are very excited to finally showcase the full cast in our new circus tent and cannot wait to share it with everyone.”
Rivaling a professional circus, the FSU Circus was founded in 1947 and is an extracurricular activity under the Division of Student Affairs. Student performers rig their own equipment, sew their own costumes, produce lights and sound for performances, and set up the tent on campus.
Spun through the tale of a high-flying circus story, “Tall Tales” weaves in elements of fact and fiction to entertain audiences of all ages. The new costumes blend the glamour and sparkle of classic circus with the flora and fauna Florida is known for.
Hayden Bevis, a second-year nursing major, will showcase swinging trapeze, flying trapeze and Lyra acts. This is her second year performing in the circus.
“I have been working on some of my acts for two years now, and I’m really excited to perform in home shows and show them off,” Bevis said. “I am also looking forward to performing with all my friends because we have worked so hard. The circus is an organization that I hold close to my heart, and I love performing because we get to show everyone what we’ve been working on.”
Carina Novarro, a sophomore majoring in chemistry, will perform routines on triple trapeze, low casting and Lyra.
“I am so excited to see our hard work come to life under the big top and to perform for the FSU community,” she said.
Limited tickets are available for all shows. Admission is free for students with an FSU ID. Faculty and staff receive an FSU employee discount. Gates open one hour prior to showtime.
For tickets and more information about the FSU Flying High Circus, visit circus.fsu.edu.
To learn more about the program, view the podcast episode “Connect with VP Amy Hecht: Flying High with FSU Circus.”