-Hi, I'm -Eric Ford for Made Here.

-Keen New Hampshire -directors Brian Narrow -and Megan Flappy are back -with their new film, -Sarah's Circus.

-The film follows 20 year -circus veteran and single -mother Sarah Green, -as she attempts -to create the first woman -founded tented circus.

-Can she convince the local -New Hampshire fire chief -it's safe?

-Dodge the weather, build -interest with summer -tourists, and create -a successful show?

-You can watch Sarah's -Circus -and other great made Here -films -streaming on our web site -and through the PBS app.

-Enjoy the film -and thanks for watching.

-This is the thing -I have to do -so that when I die.

-I have done -what I needed to do.

-It's not because -it makes sense.

-It's not because I'm going -to make a lot of money.

-I have to do it.

-Unfortunately, -this is the way I am wired.

-Some things you gotta do.

-I'm Sarah Greene, -and I'm the founder -and director of Granite -State Circus or the Granite -State Circus.

-To be I guess.

-We've been a company -for two years -and just did -winter shows so far, and -this is the big leap into -the big top summer season.

-The circus.

-It was a solution.

-It's my meaningful work.

-There is this.

-This place -where all the pieces -of my personality -made sense.

-I think a lot of people -never find that.

-Well, -I have a very particular -skill set -that is just like.

-broad, but -still is like.

-I'm really well -suited to build the -circus.

-And be good at that.

-Today I'm just going -through seeing what I think -I'm going to use -for the circus this summer.

-Just get an idea of what -I have already -that we can use.

-This is the most, -that could work.

-The rest -of the Statue of Liberty.

-All the stuff -I made along the way.

-All are weird bits -I shipped to crate of, -like, stuff like that.

-Back when I came back -from Ireland, -I had this idea of a child -made of mirrors.

-There are -so many ideas, and, -you know, -I want to see those.

-I want to make those ideas -in the proper way.

-You know, it's -like I've made little -props and paintings, -but really, the -way that -I want to see it is, -is in the ring.

-So this.

-This is going to be our -cookhouse and community.

-You know, -just hang out space.

-But this is Gigi and -my home for a long time.

-When Gigi -was born, -people would say, well, -of course -you're done with circus.

-I was, actually no.

-I have worked so hard -to build the skills I have.

-This is what I want -my daughter to know.

-I want her to see her mama -do this work.

-When Gigi -I don't know -how old she was, but -she got really into -doll houses.

-But we live -in a trailer, so?

-So I made her -this little trailer.

-This property is really -the first piece -of the whole Granite State -circus puzzle.

-I had an injury -after touring, -and I really had this -sense, like, -I want -to see what I can do.

-I started feeling -like my -my role was too small.

-They think I'm a showgirl.

-Like, they have no idea.

-Yeah, I'm not a showgirl.

-I'm not really a showgirl.

-Once Gigi came into -the picture, I felt like -it'd be nice -to have our space.

-I needed someplace -to work on ideas, -to build bigger ideas -than I could do -just on the road -all the time.

-The same time -I found the property, -I found out -that my stepmom was ill -and we didn't -need to be here.

-And then -the Pine Hill School -needed a circus director.

-Another opportunity for me -to try out my skills.

-Writing -and directing the show -and doing -all those pieces on my own.

-And I started -to say, I can do it.

-I feel confident that I can -produce -a show worth people seeing.

-And then also with -my stepmom being ill, -I had time pressure.

So, -you know, -I want her to see it.

-It was really surprising -when dad built things -for the show.

-She never was ever -involved in anything -my school did.

-And I was just like, why?

-And then I learned to.

-Was because he had a crush -on the director.

-I had wanted Haley -to participate -from the beginning, -because I feel like -she would benefit -from the experience, or -just the responsibility -and the work, -and something -to open her world -being sparkly -and being able to use her -talent.

-I never really been scared -of heights.

-Good.

-When I'm scared, it's -because my dad's there -and I'm like, he's.

-He's thinking all these -negative thoughts.

-Sometimes -he'd come into the barn -when we were practicing, -and as soon as we started -doing something, -it wasn't even scary.

-Like he'd -be holding my legs -and he'd be -like, I can't watch this.

-So when I started -hanging from her neck, -he stopped coming into -the barn at all.

-Like, I don't want -to see it.

-It's just the rest -of the stuff.

-One leg -that looked really nice.

-It shows the easy part -that it, -The traditional route -into circus for many years -and in many places -has been through family.

-You pass it -down to your kids, -and they continue to that -tradition.

-Sara, she was the first -in her family -and brought her daughter -into it.

-In my family, -we always say -we're a reverse -generational circus family -because my daughter -started very young -and pulled me in -that work.

-JT and Marci in the last -couple of years, -and I felt like between -them and G.G.

-and I, we would -be able to carry this show.

-When the idea -that we were doing a -summer circus -was first introduced.

-I was so nervous about it -because for a professional -actor, you're taking me -out of work -for two and a half months.

-That and summer months -to boot.

-Bit by bit, it became -the most distracting thing -in my life.

-Once I committed to it -and it took over, it.

-We have a cast -of ten people, -most of whom -have not toured -with traditional circus, -who want to do a dance.

-I will, -I will absolutely do it.

-Okay.

-We're going to work hard, -but I think -they have a nice cast.

-Everybody has something -special to bring -to the show, and also just -to our little community -Gigi, what happens -in case of evacuation?

-is to get me and Hayley -to safety out of the tent.

-But -The first time -to the restaurant.

-You're going -right to the restroom.

-Yeah, that's a fire.

-And so everybody will have -their specific roles.

-There will be -a written announcement.

- Nobody has to sing.

- This is protocol.

-It'll be posted, and -everybody will have a copy.

-And this is.

It's -your forte.

Yeah.

-I feel very strongly -about this stuff.

-I'm.

You know, I'm -not Johnnie Walker, -so let's just put that -I have.

-Let's put that there -right now and then, -the guy who owned the tent -that flew down and -killed people last summer.

-That part is no joke.

-Investigations are underway -today -to determine the factors -at play -in a deadly tent collapse -last night in Lancaster, -New Hampshire.

-It was just before 6 p.m. -when 60 mile per hour winds -tore through the Lancaster, -New Hampshire, Fairgrounds -just after the start -of the Walker Brothers -Circus.

-Forecasters -warned of the storm nearly -half an hour -before it hit last night.

-This morning, investigators -are placing the blame -squarely on the Walker -Brothers circus, -now accused of not -having the proper permit -to set up the massive -big top -that came crashing down -on a crowd -of about 100 spectators.

-The circus did not have -a place of assembly permit, -and that's -one of the things that -we're looking into.

-So.

So far, -conditions of approval.

-I have include, The plans -need to be stamped by a -New Hampshire engineer.

-flame proofing requires -a U.S. -certification, -staking requirements -and emergency procedures -for severe weather -and emergency -evacuation are required.

-When do you want that by?

-she's already submitted.

-Some of that work gets -under review at this point.

-Any questions or comments?

-Motion.

-That of the conditions -executed.

-favor.

-Motion passes.

Thank you.

-Good luck.

-Good luck.

-we're gonna park -the big trailer here, -Randy's trailer, -and then we have the -other trailers -there.

Right?

-I'm really hoping -to live in the grass.

-I know there's no grass.

-This is inside the bathtub.

-Is all dirt Gigi -(Laughs) -last year.

-We came through here, -and it was an amazing -sunny day.

-And there was all kinds -of people on the pier -and on the beach, -and there was just all this -empty space up here.

-And we said what, -you know, with power, -power and parking.

-And we said, -why is there no circus?

-And my father -for a long time -tried to sell me -on the idea of, -I can't -just do a theater show.

-Why does -it have to be the tent?

-And for me, -it has to be the tent.

-Tent delivery day.

-My boyfriend -Jamies family.

-This is their golf course.

-And it's a nice big space -dump out my tent.

-From the beginning, -I fell in love.

-That emotional response -to walking on -to the Big Apple -Circus lot was the big top.

-It was.

-It was magic.

-It was this space.

-It was like a cathedral -for me.

-I got my start with Big -Apple that first spring -summer tour.

-It was crazy.

-I didn't sleep, -I was working -with the horse trainer -and getting up at six -to do the animals, -practicing at night.

-After the show -and the big tub, it was.

-It was -just magic.

That time.

-For me, -that kind -of work was what I needed.

-I never thought I could sit -at a desk.

-It was too abstract for me.

-You get on the lot -and you drive the stakes -and you unload the truck -and you put the tent up.

-The results of your work -are very tactile.

-You see them every day, -okay?

-The rest of it's -going to be fun, I promise.

-After the city -hall meeting, -I had a email -from the fire chief.

-It was forwarded from -the state fire marshal, -and he wanted -a special fire certificate -for the fabric, -which the manufacturer says -it's been tested -and approved, -but they don't record it, -so there's no certificate.

-But I have the California -certificate, -so I'm waiting to hear -whether he's -going -to accept that or not.

-I'm on -my way to Walden, New York, -to the winter quarters -of Big Apple Circus.

-These are people who have -known me for 20 years.

-They are very generously -letting me -use some equipment, like -a carpet and extra stakes.

-That's four hours.

-I have my list of phone -calls to make.

-Look at them -all grown up like this.

-Youve grown!

Wow.

-You're getting way -beyond what I used, -Yeah.

-Tomorrow I'm going -to have to look like this.

-You might give us -some small stuff.

-Oh, no.

Oh my God.

-Oh, no.

-Thank you, thank you.

-And it's just plain blue.

-Yeah, yeah.

-The one on the bed -is already on a dolly.

-Nice.

-!

I want to learn how to drive a -truck and trailor -through New York City, -and then -I can drive anything.

-Mom can drive -a truck and trailor -through New York City.

-Oh, yeah.

-Is that what you want to do -when you grow up?

-No, no, I just need to -learn how to do that.

-Because then I can do -just drive anything.

-We've never really been, -like, a traditional family.

-I guess so know it's fine -for me to be doing -my own thing and not, -like, graduate high school, -go to college, get married -like the normal steps.

-My school -had a circus, electives, -and Sarah was teaching it.

-I really liked that.

-And then I decided -to do aerials for my senior -project, and I wanted her -as my mentor.

-We lived in a RV -for six years -when I was little, -traveled around the US.

-I feel more at home in -an RV than in a real house.

-You have to have -one at least one mouse nest -in every old trailer, but -luckily there's nothing.

-I don't think there's -anything permanent.

-I'm never happier -than when I'm cleaning a -like a decrepit trailer.

-There's -just so much possibility -that the whole idea -of travel and freedom, it's -all encompassed in that, -you know, box on wheels.

-I think the freedom of -just being able to hitch up -and be anywhere else -12 hours later, -another state, -another view, -and you have your house -with you.

-It's great to pull over -to the side of the beach -and make lunch -while you're looking at it, -the waves rolling in -or watching the sunset -over a mountain.

-So when Sarah asked Kirsten -to be part of the circus, -she didn't know that -she came -with her own little trailer -and with a father -that could fix up things.

-And so that's some.

-That's a good package, too.

-Yeah, -I'm taking a gap year -or mini gap year.

-I'm not really interested -in college at this point.

-I can't imagine anything -worse than having -to spend four more years -at school.

-Having a roommate -sounds awful.

So -I'm excited -just to have a little -while on my own.

So.

-I remember -when I was little, -I just wanted to move, -but I never was really -aware of wanting to travel.

-I was aware of not wanting -anything that I had seen.

-And so I picked apples -to get a ticket to Ireland.

-And then that was the -beginning of the long road.

-Ireland was a really -important place for me -and that's where -I found my work.

-Definitely had an emotional -response to being there.

-I really -felt like I was at home.

-My real name is -Grana, but people call me -Gigi.

-Grana was a 16th century -pirate queen -in the west of Ireland.

-Was a big name, -though for her -a baby, so she became Gigi.

-I Feel Like Pirate -Queen is an awesome -title, is an awesome title.

-because one -I like pirates and two -I like warrior Queens.

-So exciting -to take her there -to Galway -where I started Circus, -visited friends -and they were just -really amazed by her -and how comfortable she was -and kick off her shoes -and run up -the mountain, chase a horse -they were like, -yeah, Apple didn't fall -far from the tree.

-It was.

-But that was -the great unknown.

-About bringing a child into -your life -is the compatibility -and how compatible would -this person be to this -lifestyle or to the work?

-I feel lucky -that I got somebody -that that gets it.

-Some people say, oh, -it's your parenting wise.

-And I think -it's more than that, -but it's really and truly -to get to introduce -this world to this person.

-Yeah.

Oh, air.

-That's nice.

-Okay.

-I have about 15 years -worth of shows ideas -written down already, -but it took a while -for me to decide -what the theme should be.

-And then, -all of a sudden, I had it.

-My stepmom, Susan's -favorite song -is Bruce Springsteen.

-Dream baby dream -that theme.

-It was weirdly perfect -for this year.

- Nice.

- It's really pretty Gigi.

-And then lean out, -my parents had -come to see us in Ireland -and had just said, -Sue can't walk -really far.

-She's still having problems -with her hip, but that -was all I knew.

-My parents had already -known since the spring -that Susan had ALS.

-Oh, initially -the symptoms -weren't so bad, -but there's a time frame -on this disease.

-The odd person -makes it for ten years, -but most people don't.

-My parents -split up when I was nine, -so I'm 43, so this is like -she's been in my life -since I was small.

-You know, like Gigi's age.

-I actually don't -even like calling her -my stepmother -because I feel like it.

-Stepmother -is like a weird thing.

-This is Gigi's grandmother.

-For all the -the trauma that might come -with your parents -divorcing or whatever.

-I just remember -from pretty early -on being like, -this is the best thing -that could have happened -to me, -just to -have this other influence.

-Here was this -person who could relate -to me in a different way.

-That wasn't my mom, -and who was -really interested -in how I thought.

-Once she got to know who -I was, -it was like, you know, -we had this relationship -where it was like, -I think it's time you read, -you know, this, you know?

-And then we'd go along -and, you know, -and then it would be like, -I think it's time -you see this film.

-You know, and and it was, -You know, not -everybody gets that.

-They've watched, -you know, -from my first season -on Big Apple -that whole journey.

-And they've been -a part of it too.

-And for people -who have supported -my crazy career, -knowing -how much it means to me, -I need her to see it as -a big star -and hang out good.

-Like I found this quote.

-Sometimes -the only available means of -transportation -is a leap of faith.

So.

-And you know, for me, -it really is that -want to try the tightrope.

-I have all the pieces.

-Just the going for it.

-Rosie.

-Sit down.

Sit.

-starting from 0 to 0.

-There is no way -to avoid it.

-Okay?

Just remind myself -it will never be this -bad again.

-I'm struggling -with some of the management -stuff, like the ticket -selling and and promoting.

-We are the new Granite -State Circus, -New Hampshire's very own -Big Top show movie, -and we're speech -on Lake Winnipesaukee -from July to Labor Day.

-Come out, spend the day -at a great spot.

-There's a train arcade -to the beach and us -and your time hike.

-All right, -come on.

Line up.

-Line up.

Whoops.

-And my family is super -generous and patient.

-It's not a small project.

-Everybody's involved -at this point.

-Laconia.

-Yeah.

-Having to ask.

-Feeling confident enough -to say, I need this help.

-it's horrible -I'm writing a check -for $6,000 -and just made it.

-Just bought $3,000 -worth of chairs.

-So why am I feeling -a little queasy -these days?

You.

-I'm in debt now.

-I don't like that feeling.

-So I need to sell tickets.

-The circus doesn't come -to every town anymore.

-I think when you say circus -in the US, people either -think Ringling or Cirque -du Soleil.

-That giant, -very well-established, -now playing at arenas -for big shows to play.

-They can't just set up -anywhere.

-There are a lot of people -that don't have -immediate access.

-If we leave it -just to soleil and Ringling, -like they're playing -only major cities, -they can't just set up -in somebody's field.

-Are just helping us out.

-I know, I know -now actually, -we need to put the tent up.

-But all the city officials -seem pretty happy for it.

-We're not going to be -in a major city.

-We're going to be -in a place -where people can walk down -the pier -and play skee ball -and have an ice cream and -go swimming in the lake, -and then come over and see -the circus at night.

-So I think for a location, -this is exciting -because it -is this slice of Americana.

-It's also really nice -to be part of a community -and the fabric -of that community -for the entire season, -and we're really -looking forward to that.

-You turn that corner -and you see the tent -just right there.

-This this great yellow tent -is waiting for you.

-It's like, so excited.

Now.

-Yeah.

-I don't think most kids -after high school -run away with the circus -for their first job.

-Before this, -hope for a summer job -was, like, -working at the local movie -theater or something.

-So this is much -more exciting.

-You pull on to the lot -and you set up -your little village -and you have the tent.

-You know, that's -where you spend your day.

-Everybody has their -little space, but, -you know, the whole -lot becomes your home.

-There's all these other -spaces that get created -in between -or just outside the trailer -Surprisingly, it doesn't -get claustrophobic.

-We've created a big space -for personal space.

-I know this is sparkles.

-The eye sparkles.

-The first night for here, -I think was great.

-The first night for me.

-I couldn't -sleep last night, -so it was a little bit -sketchier than I pictured.

-It was a little -out of my comfort zone, far -as my up to this point, -pretty sheltered 18 year -old daughter -at a trailer park -yesterday, -there was a guy on a golf -cart drove by like 20 times -at like 11:00.

-But yeah, -it's it's really cool here.

-This could be -the start of a career, -or it could just be -something I did the summer -after high school.

-So I'm -really leaving it open.

-I'm a circus person -for the summer, -just for the summer.

-The repairs are going -to be on hold for the time -being until Eric comes back -next weekend.

-I say it's so crazy.

-Thanks for saving my life -here, -but I'm -juggling propane tanks.

-Thanks for this one.

-Pennsylvania, -where the last house on the -block closest to the porta -potty is, which is -pretty key.

-I got a call from the USDA, -and they're coming on -Monday -to do their inspection.

-So this whole pressure, -you know, -it's a little stressful -since I don't really know -what to expect.

-And then -just trying to get -some settle to a point -where they're -at least comfortable.

-We had electric fencing up -and then all these strong -people from the restaurant -were coming in -and with their dogs, -and let's bring our dogs -over to see the animals.

-And I don't have my own.

-That's -the girls can do that.

-The animal science.

-And I'm still trying -to get the carpet out -so we can start doing -our rigging.

-Haley -and I need to practice.

-We haven't -been able to practice, -so that's a priority today.

-White or black?

-Thank you.

-It's still my turn, -Just made signs -trying to deter anyone -who's not -part of the circus from, -touching the animals -right here.

-Because I heard -there was a problem -a couple of nights ago.

-Probably.

-I like -what I found in circus.

-Life was a very cohesive -community.

-It's really like -being in a small town.

-It's infused with art -and history and creativity.

-It's a very rich, -rich lifestyle.

-No, you don't love -everybody -that you work with.

-But everybody is important.

-You value everybody.

-Ready?

-One, two three, four.

-But in the end of the day, -you guys are all working -towards -the same goal to set up -(Laughs) -It is -Its something -That'll be really -something.

-If I pull it off.

-That's the.

-That's what keeps me going.

-That.

-it's food time.

-Food time until next year.

-We could make a new show.

-Here's the thing, kids.

-As much as you -like to sleep, this is not -a sleeping week.

-It just isn't.

-So if you're not -practicing, -there's lots of stuff to do -in order to pull this off, -there's a bunch of stuff -that needs to get done.

-Besides the show, -dishes are one.

-Food shopping is another.

-The actual -food preparation.

-Put your hands together -for -The Granite State -Circus!

-and have help -with the animals.

-We need to work a bit -on promotion, posturing.

-Lovely ladies and -handsome gentlemen, -and you sir.

-Welcome to our performance.

-On one hand, I would like -to fill the tents -for opening weekend.

-But on the other hand, -we just need -to get the show going.

-Not only is the show -going to be new, -opening is tough.

-There's some nice moments -for sure.

-It's a rough time.

-(Laughs) -It's announcing -New Hampshire's own -Granite State Circus -debut summer season -under the Big Tough -July 2nd to September 5th, -2016.

-Weirs beach -tickets.

-No time for parents -states are -$2 off child's admission -limit 4 per family.

-It's important for people -to have access -to this experience.

-Where do people go to fall -in love with the circus?

-Where does the public go?

-Hopefully we can -make it work to keep, -you know, -a piece of that alive -and to give new artists -the chance to understand -where their art came from.

-The fire chief was here -yesterday and said -he was giving me a permit, -and then wrote back -and said that he needed -new fire -proofing certificates, -although I had sent him -all the stuff.

-In May -at the time of the hearing, -and he said it was okay, -and then decided yesterday -on holiday weekend -that it wasn't -okay, and I wrote back, -that's not fair -at all, said -if you won, if it was not -okay, I was prepared -to independently test -to do whatever I had to do.

-You know.

-You know, and I can -cut a piece of the tent -and have it tested, -but it's not going -to happen July 4th weekend.

-You know?

-And then I have to -redo this steak pull test -because they said -that the calibration was -too old on the dynamometer, -even though -it had hardly been used.

-so I have a brand new one.

-I have to do that -on Saturday.

-And I said to the -Fire Chief -I said, I'm not trying -to get away with anything.

-So he did write back -and say that -he would, -you know, allow us to open -on this weekend, -but it's not over.

-This is going -to go on all summer.

-Watermelons will be $0.59 -a pound next week.

-Yes.

And -regular watermelons or?

-Oh, this is -the time to make popcorn.

-Yeah, I should like that.

-They are going -to make popcorn - for the show tonight.

- The preview tonight.

-So make cotton candy.

-I did make popcorn -last night, -but I made it on the stove -with the pot and now.

-And I eat two thirds of it, -or maybe three quarters.

- I eat a lot of it.

- So everybody else in there, -have you ever eaten since?

-We didn't know if -somebody -should cook for later -and somebody should make -popcorn or -a, What would you like?

-Well, it depends how hungry -for popcorn.

-So crazy.

-as of right now -we're not opening -in indefinitely -or working, having to call -in to the city manager.

-There's still a fire chief -that can be called, -so I don't know -really how to proceed -this afternoon.

It's -20 to 4 on July 4th -weekend.

-Friday, -I have more than crossed -all my t's and dotted -the I's and over the last -six months and, -you know, like like I say, -I've gone above and beyond -any regulation -and, you know, -I've been super proactive.

-And they had told me -that fire proofing -was sufficient, -my certification -was sufficient.

-And then to go back on -that.

-And I also, -in terms of the retest, -I have a brand -new dynamometer -that I spent 1500 bucks on -and have it overnighted -to retest tomorrow -with the engineer -before there's -public in there.

-I only speak for me -and Marcy, -but you're -up here.

Yeah, really?

-Amazing.

-And I -do stand right here.

Sir.

-Come on.

-There's no crying -circus.

-I cry all the time -There's always a sad clown -to circus school.

-And I'm pretty sure -there was lots of crying -6 days -when I didn't actually cry.

-Well, I've seen your act -and I've cried.

Ha!

-So let's go on to the -I hope, I hope the -directions are in Japanese.

-That's all I know.

It -makes.

-No, but you have to do it.

-Puppetry.

-From New England.

-Pretzel and popcorn.

-All right, let's get out.

-There's things on the door -that say things -like you -that we will.

-Yes, sir.

-Sarah is always doing -something -to make the show happen.

-She moves all the time.

-It's like -you don't know where she is -because -she is doing something.

-And Sarah really -wants to see other people -succeed, too.

-She invited me here -because I am -an emerging circus artist.

-The other people -she invited here are also -breaking -into this performance world -and giving them all -a chance to see what it's -like and to see what it's -about and to get a start.

-She's pretty amazing, -and her work ethic -and generosity for sharing -this experience with us -makes us like an art.

-It's.

-We're going to open -that opening.

-we have storms coming in.

-I have to go to the bank.

-if it starts getting windy, -close the doors -and drop the slide.

-Yeah.

Okay.

-Who else?

-I told mom to cry -later tonight.

Why?

-Because she needs to cry -just to get it all out.

- Yeah.

- She's like cries a lot, -I think -she went to the bank.

- Can I have some popcorn?

- Yeah.

-Successfully made popcorn -for the first time.

Yes.

-I just like tear this?

-Yeah.

-Going on at 730.

-Which -I think is like an hour.

-But I've never done -false eyelashes before, -so I wanted -a lot of time to do them.

-I think I finally got it.

-I plenty of others -though -Its okay.

-I tried to walk -through the door with it.

-It's a little thicker -than the door.

-Yeah.

-This storm is going.

-Looks like it's going -a little bit to the north.

-We may stop.

-Okay?

-We need to.

-Thank you.

-I had the most -amazing dream -what was it?

-Moma was a -circus song.

-Welcome to the -Granite State Circus -Im Sara Green -And this is my -big dream -The circus.

-It's a place of dreams.

-And we hope that each -and every one of you has -brought your dreams with -you this evening.

-How do we hope -you will share your dreams -with all of us.

-My friends, -the dream catcher -has entered our tent -Means your back.

-She will not steal -your dreams -she will mearly take them -and cherish them.

-this evening -we will release them -into the sky.

-Everyone remain -calm -Everything is okay -This is an evacuation.

-We need you to follow us.

-Yes.

Go.

- All right.

- I got last check.

-Okay, I will.

-She -At the moment, she's -trying to make that vinyl.

-carpet.

-the carpet will be dry -before three.

-Dangle over there.

-But just like the edges.

-But actually pretty, right?

-I mean, I guess -getting up at six -and laying it out here -works.

-And looks like this -wasn't on my list today.

-Making crazy carpet I.

-Won't be dusty.

-I mean.

-Like good luck.

-The trunk of the elephant's -trunk.

-so I could use a lot.

-We are -making chili for dinner, -and and I know it's like, -what, 11?

-But we're not going to -have time to prep -any other time today -and put it.

- That's why it's ready.

- There's oil in there.

-And then the peppers go in.

-And this is for the meat.

-That's what we do now.

-So we need some help -to flip rug.

-So I got another one -there it goes here.

-Or maybe if you go over -a little further away.

-There you go.

-There.

-four and seven today.

-Opening day.

- Earlier in the day.

-!

Yesterday we werent going up.

- Then we were than -we flooded -the lights blew.

-And we're actually opening -today.

-All right, a couple more.

-Whats the show -start at 4:00?

-Yeah, -I still think it is windy -today, but.

-Yes, this time up, then -its their reject bag -Yeah.

-So far, -we've only had rejects -Make those first ready?

-Ready for those three.

-Whoa whoa whoa.

-Both come back a little.

-So we're at 2002.

-Yeah.

-Might be hard -to regulate.

-This road, it's very -just the motorcycles.

-I mean, all night long.

-It's crazy.

-That the fire chiefs, -I see it.

-Yeah, like, help it.

-So, -It's medium, large.

-A large.

-Right.

In front.

Okay.

-Oh -that says reserved.

-We can sit on that one.

-No peeking.

-This is going to be.

-Oh, okay.

So -thank you.

-Youre welcome -programs are there.

-We'll make them.

-I'm going -to just go ahead and start.

-Welcome to -Granite State Circus.

-This is our very first show -I hope will be patient -with us.

-And our dress rehearsal -was flooded out last night.

-But we will -get through today.

-Im Sara Green -and this is my dream.

-Ladys and gentlemen, -Boys and girls -Welcome to, -The Granite State Circus!

-at the end -of our show.

-We will release them -the lovely Wendy -suspended -in her dreams.

-Oh 7 to 16.

-It's opening -day of the Granite State.

-Circus is a -really big deal.

-Human Michael Knight - What?

- Jealous Oberon?

-Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

-Bye Macy!

-Bye!

-Oh, thank you guys -did wonderful.

-I wish they had a bat -under Haley, but -Hell -it was good -I actually hadn't seen it.

-Actually, -I've never seen Haley -and Sara's thing either.

-even though -they practice it in my barn.

-But I haven't seen it yet, -Is it tough sitting -through death defying -stunts?

-it it is a little.

-I know -they haven't fallen yet.

-Hey!

-I think we have a show.

-Considering -all the other stuff -I've been worrying about -and not worrying -about the show, it's, -Yeah, it's it's good.

-And I think good feedback -from people, and, -I think people like this -show.

-I think it -went well -you feel good?

-And it'll get better to.

-Three.

Oh, yeah.

-You're just sitting -on my head -Oh.

See?

-Oh, man.

-The 4th of July -is traditionally -for all circuses.

-It's usually -a very quiet day.

-What people have planned.

-Yeah, people have cookouts.

-I mean, -we went down to the beach -and the boardwalk -and walked around -and handed out fliers.

-We were hoping that some of -the people -at the beach would.

-They sounded -really interested -and we were hoping -they would show up.

-We were actually kind of -worried that like -100 people would show up -and we'd be overwhelmed -because they were really -they were like -really enthusiastic.

-But we still have -half an hour.

-Yeah.

To accumulate people.

-Yeah.

-Hi, guys.

- How can we help you?

- We already have tickets.

-Oh, I have also -have the kids free today.

-Yeah.

Did you buy -your tickets online?

Yes.

-I see your reservation -and then we will refund you -the children's prices.

-Is, cash refund.

-Okay, -that's even better.

-Ive never been -to a circus before.

- Well welcome!

- Thats so exciting!

-What happens here?

-So we'll see -people up in the air.

-Whoa.

- Thank you.

- Youre welcome.

-And thank you very much -for to.

-Said I'm performing for him -I got interested in circus -from an ad in a newspaper.

-AD for the New England -Center for Circus Arts.

-And I saw they had classes -and I signed up for one.

-And the day we tried German -Wheel, I was like, -this is it.

-Part of it is because it's -this big apparatus -that is so unlike -all the aerial apparatuses.

-It's so big.

-But controlling it takes -really fine movements.

-Doing sling, it makes me -feel really strong.

-The first time I ever -performed -was at my senior project.

-I had never felt anything -like that.

-It was like it was just me -in the sling.

-I was very like -a very personal experience, -just to be able to perform.

-I started out -as a competitive gymnast -as a kid.

-I started doing circus -only probably a decade ago.

-My daughter -was doing circus -and we began performing -together.

-When I met Sarah and Gigi, -it was really exciting -to find another mother -daughter team -that had, wanted to create -a circus together.

-They get a ton of work -because of my voice, -but I really love -physical comedy, -the comedy act -that Marcy and I do.

-I don't say anything.

-I think -I make a couple of noises -during the course of it.

-I'm silent -for the whole thing, - and I love that.

- I love that -for me, -I identify with clowns -being like an expression -of your true self -and a way of really, truly -being vulnerable -in front of an audience.

-People ask me, -what do you do in the show?

-Sometimes I say, I do wire -because when I say -I'm a clown, -people are like, -no, you're not.

-You're like, -what do you mean -you're a clown?

-Like youre too pretty -to be a clown.

-Sounds really stupid, -but the clown -supposed to be ugly.

-So I just say I do wire, -but I don't do wire.

- I do clown.

- I'm a clown.

-My friends, we're going to -take a brief intermission.

-During that intermission, -you will hear what I'm -Put them in our dream -jar -9 of you will be lucky enough -to have your dreams.

Read -on the stage this evening -in joy and tradition.

-And thank you for being at -The Granite State Circus -When I -started, -I saw all kinds of shows.

-There was something -about the the small shows.

-It was this feeling -that you don't - get anywhere else.

- It's raw.

-You feel the energy -of the people.

-It's very personal.

-I think for the audience.

-And I think we need -more of that -kind of entertainment.

-Everybody's -stuck on their phone, -and I think people forget -what they can do -on their own steam.

-There's something magical -when you connect -with the audience in ways -that often have no words, -and you just watch people's -breath change -and it's like, hey, -maybe I can do something -I never thought I could do.

-I want to put on some.

-I have to go?

Oh.

-What was that?

-Hello?

-Is that you?

-Just trying to drum up -some business.

-So we're gonna hit the -firework -pre firework crowds.

-There's some pleasure -this summer.

- There are all summer.

- We have two shows.

-Yeah.

-You guys like the circus?

-I think we did, like, -two weeks of shows.

-I kind of had a feeling, -and I think a lot of people -had a feeling.

-So, like, we all kind of -braced ourselves.

-Nobody really knew -what to do.

-Well, do we leave -or are we gonna -try and get it back?

-So we got shut down -by the fire department.

-Sounds silly.

-It is silly.

-You have a permit -that has been revoked -even though we've got it.

-So we're working on -getting that permit re -issued.

-It's maybe, -you know, ten days -into opening, -there had been a press -release -by the state fire -marshal concerning -charges -of negligent homicide -against Walker Brothers -Circus -for the blow down -in Lancaster last year.

-So on the same day -that that press release -was issued, I had an email -saying, -you've had enough time, -I want this certificate or -I have to close you down.

-Either there's risk -or there isn't.

-So you can't say, -there wasnt insufficient -risk not to issue -the permit, -but there's sufficient -risk to take it away.

-I have a permit -and there are conditions -on the permit, -but the updated fire -certificate -was not a condition -on the permit.

-The fabric is is flame -retardant -inherently flame retardant.

-We've made so many phone -calls to see -if we could perform -somewhere this weekend.

-And everybody's booked, -you know, -since we're not even doing -shows, it's -more like we're just this -random small group -of people stuck in -this parking lot together.

-Not sure what to do.

-I also have emails saying -that the tent did -not need to be retested, -but the only way to get -a certificate -is to have it retested.

-So I overnighted this stuff -to California, -and we've been sitting here -ever since.

-Then you kind of have to -decide, like, -what are you in it for?

-Are you in it for money?

-Are you in it?

-Or you know, the dream -experience?

-We're in the circus -or are you in it -because you feel like -it matters -and because art matters?

-I want it to be -as beautiful -as it can be, -when it can be.

-And I know that means -probably waiting around -for a bit and being bored -and feeling hopeless and -it will pass.

-The other night -we went into the tent -and we did a lip -syncing battle.

-We all like, put loud music -on and judged each other.

-Lip syncing -and we had a lot of fun.

-And it's just sort of -like not letting yourself -just be beaten and to just -touch on anybody.

You.

-Because I'm probably -having more fun -than the fire -department is.

-Marci -and Marissa -went to Amesbury.

-They feel like -they have a pretty -limited time, -financially, to wait it out -until we start doing shows.

-And Marissa, -JT, and Marci left.

-I didn't really -come into contact -with a lot of people, -so I guess it was -because, like, -those are the people -I really knew, -but now they're like, -they went away.

-I guess it's like -my instinct is like, all -right, find another friend.

-I don't know exactly why my -instinct chose Bianca, -but we've bonded a lot.

-We call we call each other -sisters.

-I usually get along -much better -with children than adults.

-Well, not much better, but -usually I form friendships -with them pretty quickly, -so I like.

-I like to play.

-Not to say that -I'm childish, but I like.

-I think we should try -to have fun every day.

-When Gigi says, -let's form a secret club.

-I say yeah of course, -because -that would be great.

-And it's also nice, -especially when -things were kind of tense -around here, just to be -able to hang out with a kid -and not feel the pressure -that sometimes -adults put on each other, -and social situations.

-I know -it's hard for Sue -to talk, so I haven't been -calling much.

-She was like, -I hope you have -somebody to talk to.

-I just haven't been, -you know, -we haven't been talking.

-You know, -I was like, well, I'm -you know, -I know it's, you know, -it's it's like physically -difficult -for you to do that.

So.

-It's like I do -miss talking to you -But you know.

-Her lung -capacity is below 30.

-And I just don't know -how long she can hang -in there.

-The bankruptcy lawyer -that I talked to this week, -he says, I'm going to say -this to don't be offended.

-People get offended.

-A lot of business -owners come in here, and -I do have to say to them, -if it's not working -and you're not making money -and you have a lot -of headaches, -maybe you should not -do this business.

-Then I was like, oh, -but come on, it's you know, -this is I said, -we didn't have a chance.

-It's not.

-I said, I'm -not ready to give up on my -whole project because -we ran into this roadblock.

-The losses -are unbelievable.

-It's like not -only in the financial loss, -but then you know, -we built a show, -we made a show, -and that show is, -for all intents -and purposes, -over and destroyed too.

-Since -we're not really performing -and the days -have been stretching -very long.

-You can either go -to the beach -or like the arcade, -but after a while, going to -the beach gets boring -and the arcade gets boring.

-And then there's -nothing really to do.

-There was a family -that came in yesterday -because the other day -it was windy and the sign -out by the road.

-The shows today at four -and seven.

-We put paper over that.

-That says soon -and that got blown off.

-And so before we were able -to put those back -on, someone drove by -and saw shows -today, four and seven.

-So they came by yesterday -at like 630 or so.

-So they got to see the -animals up close because, -you know, they thought -there was a show.

-The last week or so is hard -when there's no news -and no movement.

-And trying to get motivated -to practice.

-Come here Rosie, -we've workshopped some -ideas for a modified show, -but it's hard to get some -momentum without having -some kind of target -to work towards.

-Jamie was like, -you just have to stop, -but you just have to, -you know, back it up.

-And I said, -but all the money I spent.

-If we can reopen, -then we have the ability -to work for a few weeks -and end on that note, -I said, so it's really hard -for me to take it down.

-And then what if I got -the certificate next week -and then to be impossible -to come back after that?

-Everybody -thinks we're just sitting -in the trailer, like hoping -something happens.

-So I was like, -no, actually, -all day, every day -I'm doing this thing, -it's like.

-It's actually -another element -to this whole thing -that just is torturing me, -because my stepmom hasn't -seen the show -and possibly didn't -get to see this show.

-And, you know, the timing, -the real, you know, -part of the reason -that I felt like -this was the time to do it -is because I want her -to see this.

-Her illness -is tied to the circus -in other ways.

To -the 2014 show.

-That was the first time -I saw Susan -in a wheelchair.

-And then by 2015, -there was, you know, -pretty significant decline.

-Then we actually spent -a whole year in Boston -and half the week -building the project -and trying to give my -dad some relief.

-When it was really, -you know, a dedication to -to Susan.

-The part that I think -I have the hardest time -reconciling about -this whole situation -is that -it took that away too.

-Like, just have like -the satisfaction -that I built it.

-But the.

-You know, the one person -that I needed to see it -may not be able to see it.

-I'm out of time.

-To have to face -that as part of this.

-It's a really weird thing.

-Until there's no way -that we can salvage -anything.

-It makes the idea of just -packing up more unbearable.

-I don't want that.

-to be the end, -you know, like, I don't -I don't want, Susan -to die with that.

-Do you guys wanna work -on -some kind of skit?

-I'm thinking -something short.

-And like big, -we're putting together -a little act.

-So tomorrow -we can go out onto the pier -and do some busking.

-It's the first real show -stuff we've had in a while, -but I guess I sort of like.

-I kind of miss it.

-I kind of miss doing shows.

-I don't know if we, -use a trunk or something, -you know, and then stop -would be like, -hey, you know, do -whatever that is there -and then pack it all up.

-But we have this.

-We have this big, cute -little show.

-It is really nice.

-Should we have -any kind of a dance -No wonder, -I wonder if we should -be, like, showgirls -for the opening.

-Yeah.

Like -this.

-You know, you.

-It's the circus, -I think has been -traditionally a place where -strong women -can display their strength -in a way that's appreciated -and celebrated.

-What circus do you -want to be?

-The lost circus -the one and only lost circus!

-It's nice -to have a chance to be able -to show, like, -different strengths, -too, that women have, -like aerial strength versus -being an acrobat -and artistry, strength -and making something -out of nothing.

-Sarah.

-Like to say.

-Oh.

Protect me.

-I'm crazy.

-We're gonna do a street -show.

-Not yet like this.

-All right, -so there's nobody on the -boardwalk there.

-Really?

-Is working for something.

-Is fun.

-Having been -unable to perform is not -fun.

-We are.

-Fortunately for you.

-Unfortunately -for us, the Lost Circus.

-But whenever we get -something -where we're working -towards, like bringing -a little show down to the -boardwalk, that's fun.

And -waiting is not fun.

-Waiting for word -whether we can open again -is depressing.

-Oh.

I -I I keep our up.

-So.

All right.

-So we do that, -like, three times.

-Yeah.

-We'll be good -at performing.

-Right side of fun.

-Whatever.

-People -laughed at the laughy part -Stuff.

-we'll have to repackage -my jacket.

-Is in there somewhere.

-All right, so it's probably -gonna rain.

-We don't want to leave -the instruments.

-I'll take our precious -instruments.

-All right.

-I think it went up -pretty well for first.

-go through with.

-I don't think anybody -besides Bianca and I had -street perform before, so.

-Yeah.

-If we wanted to do a ALS -benefit, -and maybe everybody -would come together -to do that show, -should -we be able to do a show?

-Suze could come.

-So I just do it and be -like, try and shut me down.

-You know, like.

-This is like, -you know, try.

-And do you know, -what are you going to do?

-Arrest me?

-You can arrest me when -I'm done with this show.

-We're definitely -going to do the benefit.

-Mom says whether -we have a permit or not.

-And I'm going to make sure -that the only people -she invites -are friends and family, -because I will not -have her arrested.

-We want to go out -with a bang.

-I think is our new motto -for the summer.

-All right, -guys, go into tent, please.

-Well, we have Thomas -and Jeremiah.

-Jeremiah -is here.

Thomas is not, -couple of kids.

-Kieran and Katie, -brother and sister.

-And then we have.

-Cora, who is a student -of Marcys.

-He's one of the young -flying gravity kids -lyric.

-Like we don't have -everybody -won't have -everybody till Saturday, -but we'll have most people -by Friday.

-But we're just gonna go -through all the transitions -and make sure at least -we know what's going -on.

And Saturday -will be filling JT -and hopefully -he'll be ready to just -jump in and like.

-she came into it -with the idea of Paris -and then we just sort of -collaborated on ideas -from there.

-So the idea was -going around Paris -and all of these normal -situations that would have -a circus element with that, -The CC ALS -organization, -like they've been amazing -for my parent.

-And I would love to do -something just to give back -because -they've been so generous.

-I think they've made a big -difference for my parents -in getting through this.

-Plenty of people coming.

-oh, we've sold like 20 -something tickets online.

-And then, you know, a -lot of other people -that are definitely coming.

-Oh, I think the last phone -conversation, Susan's -voice is changing.

-And that's been something -that's held out -pretty well.

-Things are getting worse.

-You know, they don't -get better with ALS -to be absent.

-For that also causes me -some.

-I don't know -if it's guilt or -You know, -just coming up here -to do this, knowing that, -Is just -knowing that -she might not be there.

-It's starting to be the end.

-So, yeah, we have to do -the things that we had -on our bucket list.

-I've never lived away -from my parents.

-The most I've been away -is, like, a week and a half -on a school trip.

-So moving in, -and my first night alone, -I was like, it's -just kind of sad.

-So the first couple of -nights -and days were really like, -this is a lot.

-Do I really want -to do this?

-And then I got into -the swing of things and -I couldn't imagine it -being any other way.

-I loved -living in my trailer -and having this life.

-And at the lot.

-If you had told me -two years ago -that I would be -like working in a circus, -I would have said no.

-What?

That's crazy.

I -can't do that.

-But now I, like, identify -as a circus performer.

-Yeah, well, -they're getting here early -to get their hotel and, -like, rest up effect.

-My grandmother -gets really dehydrated, -and then -they'll come at seven -or whenever they'll be here -to get a good seat.

-I'm reserved.

-I reserved -a spot in the tent for her.

-I'm punting.

-I have a brand new solo -activity.

-We'll see how it goes.

-It's literally -only been partially done -in my living room, -so we'll.

-We'll see how it all is.

- We'll see how it is.

- It'll be fun.

-It'll be fun.

-What is this?

-I got this stuffed animal -while ago for my birthday.

-You did?

Yeah.

-Not my ninth birthday.

-Like my sixth birthday.

-Wow.

I born seven.

-Yeah, I really wanted -to for that.

-Really?

I.

-So everybody feel okay?

-So.

So our show -order will be backstage.

-help each other out.

-Once we start rolling, -it's going to go so that, -you know, just everybody -that would be like, -okay, -right now, -all I want to do is -queue to queue for bodies.

-No treats, and.

-Okay.

Beautiful.

-No, no, no real hurry up.

-Then I'll be doing -my queue is -for leaving for, Yeah.

-When I, you know.

-I don't know what it could -possibly eat, but, like, -maybe I could -as you -probably put on, you know?

-I need to pay.

-How are you doing?

Hey, -how you doing?

-Like with -the show?

-Yeah.

So I know that's -why we're here.

-It's best ever -by far.

- You get more energized.

- Yeah.

-It brings up the energy.

-It raises the stakes.

- But that's good, right?

- Yeah.

-And like, -one person starts clapping.

-So everyone starts clapping -and it's 80 people.

-It's like way different -event.

-Ten people.

-I love it when you check -and see what's going on.

-If.

It's been an amazing -absolutely steady, -small, steady line.

-Everybody coming in.

-So cool to see.

-It's very cool to see.

-!

Im going ask you to be patient -for more minutes.

-Our guest of honor -has not yet arrived.

-A lot of equipment -to deal with.

-So if you just hang -in there for little while.

-So I'm just going to show.

-Oh right here.

-Yeah.

-Hey, hey.

-It's too.

-Ron -And then bon voyage -Moonlight tour operator -to tell you about our trip.

-Yeah okay.

-And then full voyage -and where -do you still want us -to wait for a dream, baby, -Dream?

-I see, yeah.

-Changing with throwing up.

-Go now.

-But, yeah, I don't know.

-we're barefoot -no matter what.

-Oh my God.

-Oh.

Oh.

-No we are ready to start -the show.

-Ladies and gentlemen -welcome to Granite State -Circus.

-And, Wow, it's really, -really great -to be doing a show.

-I would like to introduce -our moonlight -tour operator, -who's here to tell you -a little bit about our trip -this evening.

-Ladies and gentlemen, -adorable children -And you, sir.

-It was amazing.

-Performing in -front of almost 300 people.

-That was so cool.

-I think it was -really emotional for Sara.

-We sort of needed to take -charge of our own things -so that we could let -her be.

-Well, that's -one of the reasons I said -yes to coming.

-This is going to be -a really interesting story -to say -when I go back to school.

-Like, it would have been -interesting -just to say that I was in a -circus and we did -100 shows, -but now -it's like we did a circus -before with the state, -and we did it while -also keeping our heads up.

-And then having -a spectacular -show at the end.

-We went on Fox -to see the anchors, -sea air.

-It's her dream.

-And I really like that.

-I'm a part of her -big dream now.

-I got another round -of applause for this -wonderful crowd -I sincerely thank you -Non of this happens -without Sarah Morgan green.

-Suze doesn't -really feel like -she has a lot of regrets.

-And then -she thought about it.

-She was like, no.

-I have one regret.

-I would have loved -to have taken you and Gigi -to Paris.

-That was always my plan.

-But you took me.

-Is as much as I wanted.

-Dream baby, dream -show to be for her -to actually make a show.

-Just for her.

-I think it was, -for some reason, -a better tribute.

-The whole energy of it was -was in the right place.

-And it was funny -just to need that -in order to go home.

-Vermont public, -partnering -with local filmmakers -to bring you -stories made here.

-For more, -visit vermontpublic.org.