Hello! My name is Clara Duff-Marsh, I am currently performing with Cirque Us in their production of Faire Maiden at King Richards Faire in Carver, Massachusetts
I never thought I would have the opportunity to perform the way I am now. I grew up in Pelham, New Hampshire and fortunately there was an amusement park 15 minutes from my home. When I was 16 years old I auditioned to be a part of Canobie Lake Park’s halloween entertainment as a scare actor. I was quickly pulled into finishing out their summer season in their entertainment department and my life was changed forever. For the next 8 years, I continued to work for Canobie as a “streetmosphere” and stage performer. My next stop was Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida working in the entertainment department for 2 years.
Continuing my trek of performing across the country, I was offered a short-term contract to be a dancing Christmas Elf in Las Vegas, during 2021. This was only meant to be a 6 week contract, the catch is I never left. As most people know, Vegas is one of the best places in the world for performers to work and I have been very fortunate to have been cast in multiple shows there.
My journey to being a circus performer is one that most would consider backwards. Many performers spend their whole lives training in the circus arts, where I never even thought it would be possible for me until 2022. It was then, I was brought on by Spiegelworld, to be a comedy improv actor. They told me I’d be more valuable to the company if I became a circus artist and that I needed at least 3 strong skills. “Something unique, something on the ground and something in the air.”
The following week I signed up for my very first contortion class at 25 years old and the rest is history.
It has been just under 2 years since I started training in the circus arts and I am proud to be a part of the Cirque Us team.
One of my favorite parts about working at King Richard’s faire has been the opportunity to work with Brandon and Charles in a new environment. Each day we are growing as a trio working through the creative process and troubleshooting when things go astray. It has been a big change going from performing on the Las Vegas Strip to performing at a Renaissance Faire. I think our biggest challenge has been performing 8 shows within 2 days compared to 1-2 shows a day for 5 days.
I really enjoy the physical element of being a circus artist. It creates new opportunities for my body to grow physically and mentally everyday. My goal in life has always remained the same no matter the career path; I have dedicated my life to making memories for others.
What better way to do that, than to work in the circus to perform and help make memories for hundreds of people each show? I am so thankful for Cirque Us giving me another opportunity to make memories for others and so look forward to the remaining weeks of performing at King Richards Faire as part of the Cirque Us team.
