PARTICIPANTS |
"You opened my mind to an entirely new world of thinking. Now I am apt to try new things and work hard at the task ahead of me until I can successfully perform it. I no longer give up when something seems tough or impossible; I try even harder due to the fact that I accomplished everything I wanted to during this circus program." Tribyn Fisk (Student) "This circus has become my favorite unit I have ever been a part of. I really got to know my classmates and saw sides of them I hadn't seen before. I will remember this for the rest of my life. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything." Billiejo Wood (Student) "Enjoying things I'm not good at is not a common occurrence for me. I think the reason I liked circus so much was that I genuinely cared about making the show 150%. I just wanted to thank you for teaching me about that passion." Paige (Student) "Your personality fits the job you do perfectly. You are patient and approachable. You put so much effort into making it the best it can be. Thank you again!" Noah Halnon (Student) "Your input and talent is really inspirational. Your program helps to bond our school together and teaches us how to work as a unit. All of us will remember the past two weeks for the rest of our lives." Tom Brisaillon (Student) "I liked watching my friends become leaders in the circus performance, and I like being seen as a leader myself. I liked spending time practicing my skills in and out of class. I liked watching myself grow as a person, and I like that you recognize my growth as a performer and as a student." Aiden (Student) "I want to thank you for everything you have done for my class, my family, and my school. You have brought happiness into everyone's lives." Ellie van Gemeren (Student) "The circus was an excellent, unforgettable, wonderful opportunity for all of us to work together and stretch ourselves in new ways. My colleagues and I believe that this is exactly how learning works best. Cooperative-based learning designed around skills that inspire." (Student) "All kids should do this at least once in their life." James Kieran (Student) "Troy was so friendly and inviting that from the very beginning I knew it was going to be an extraordinary experience. In fact, it was a phenomenal once-in-a-lifetime experience. He was so encouraging that he boosted my self confidence in unimaginable ways. Before I was very shy about performing but now, I can stand in front of a crowd of any size." Jenna Hyde (Student) "This was a once in a lifetime experience and making the crowd laugh filled me with extraordinary joy. They weren't laughing at me they were laughing with me!" Jazmyn Guraf (Student) "When Troy first came to our school not knowing anyone, he treated everyone as if he knew them for years. He got everyone involved and never lost his cool. He also never excluded anyone. He is the best director I've ever known." Colin Young (Student) "I'd like to thank you Troy for showing me how to act like a kid again." Patrick (Student) "I was very inspired by your seemingly endless energy and good humor, and your ability to turn our circus into a brilliant and enjoyable event." Kaila (Student) "You have inspired me to be the best possible person I can be." Jackson (Student) "Anyone who has had the pleasure to be taught by you should consider themselves extremely lucky. Thank you for everything." Ollie (Student) "This program gave kids that struggle in class an opportunity to shine on stage. It allowed us to forget our differences and have fun together" Skyler Litchfield (Student) "This circus show was the best night of my life." Camille (Student) "Troy’s enthusiasm and positive attitude made us believe that we could do anything!" Katie Reid (Student) "You have created memories that will last a lifetime and inspired dreams that have turned into passions and ambitions." Abby (Student) "The past two weeks will probably be my most memorable childhood experience." Jackson N. (Student) "You really have brightened this school up and I know that I will never forget this artist in residency." Willa (Student) "Thank you for the best night of my life. It was superb!" Jimmy Churchill (Student) "I loved it! I was eager to get up and go to school. Normally I have to be dragged out of bed." Shayla (Student) "Your expertise and uplifting attitude was really fun to learn from." Caroline Atwood (Student) "Thank you for giving me the courage to overcome my fears. This has been the best two weeks ever!" Jessica Savage (Student) "I'm so glad I got to meet you and learn circus tricks from you. I'm sure I'm one of the luckiest kids in the world." Rebecca Castillani (Student) |
RESIDENCIES |
"You have an inspiring way of sharing your own failures, challenges, and successes that captivates their attention and harnesses their willpower. You are also an unparalleled model of hard work and passion. I wish for all of our students that they can find a driving passion in their lives that gives them as much purpose and fulfillment as circus gives you. Circus also gives us as teachers an uncommon opportunity to show our own vulnerabilities and learn alongside them. I have learned a great deal from you as an educator the last two years by watching you bring humor, clear expectations, and overflowing energy to every moment." Clare Smith (Teacher at Sharon Academy) "The importance of building a culture of pride is a strong foundational element of Wunderle’s residency. Each student is an active participant in the program, gaining movement skills, balance, and coordination through the physical aspects of the art. The soft skills of confidence, self-esteem, projection and composure, are silently infused throughout the process. Through the process of practicing these entertaining skills, the students will have learned deeper messages about themselves and their unique potential." Drew McNaughton (Bus Stop Conversations) "My daughter gained more self-confidence and was really excited about the whole circus unit. At first, I wasn't sure this was such a good way to spend that much money... but after watching the show, I realized it was worth every penny!" Linda Weston "The circus itself is a crowd-pleaser. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from parents and community members. People said they laughed so hard they cried. Even the most introverted staff members loosened up and joined the fun. The circus drew the largest audience of any middle school production we have had in 10 years. Kids with high physical energy levels have a place to direct their activity; less active children are inspired to get their bodies moving. There is something in the circus for everyone." Pam Ward (Sharon Academy) "No residency could even come close to topping yours! We will never forget this magnificent experience. You are an amazingly awesome talent and a great teacher too. I felt totally relaxed the moment I met you, and the kids totally respected you. I believe you are the most famous talent to have ever come to our school." Lesly Ely "I want every school in the country to get a chance to work with you!" Frumie Selchen (Executive Director at Arts Alliance at Northern NH) "You are an incredible educator and truly fine human being." Michael Livingston (Head of School at Sharon Academy) "This man is one of the most gifted performers I've ever seen in my life. I was not expecting this master level performer when I went to my children's school. They were lucky enough to get him to come and spend a week there, where he not only taught the children how to perform, but also to never give up, to be able to laugh at yourself and to not be afraid to stand out. It's not just a circus class, it's a life-changing experience for these kids. I've been a performer since I was 6 years old and have a background in TV, film, radio, and Broadway. I'm a talent scout and I know talent when I see it." Jessica Lee Smith (Parent at Dover School) "Wunderle’s energy is infectious, both while he’s teaching and in conversation. His enthusiasm for his work is contagious, and his students jump in with him at full force, jumping, balancing, juggling and running with smiles and excitement." The Deerfield Valley News "Troy proved to be extremely reliable and responsible in executing his professional duties and assignments at our schools. Troy independently developed plans that maximized student learning and challenged students at different ability levels based on their personal experience. As an Artist in Resident, Troy Wunderle showed a high degree of professional competence in teaching our students. I am confident that Troy will be an asset to any school district that hires him as an artist." Mark T. Weikert (Health and PE Teacher at Flood Brook School) "While teaching our students circus skills including juggling scarves and balls, spinning plates, feather balancing, hula hoops, jump ropes, and rolling globes, the program is truly jam-packed with circus-related lessons for art, music, science, math, and language skills! His program provides students with fun opportunities to learn and practice gross and fine motor skills. Equally important, Troy teaches the children the importance of "practicing a skill" and "not giving up" with the end result that all children gain self-confidence, increased body awareness, and 'grit.'" Joanna C. Hirsch (Founder/Director of Longmeadow Montessori Internationalle) "My son learned that getting up in front of an audience and performing can be a positive experience. He was super excited and talked every night about what they had learned in school (something that doesn't usually happen!). I was amazed by the amount of work that went into this show." Janet Fenn "Your energy and enthusiasm are boundless, and you bring out so much from the kids." Nicole Pease (Principal at Dublin Consolidated School) "I entered the crowded gymnasium, filled to the rim with nearly 700 people of all ages brimming with excitement and waiting fervently for over 200 students to perform. By the end of the night there was solid evidence of Wunderle's core belief, "Circus works because everyone works together, the audience and performers celebrate and support each other." This night serves as just one more reminder of how our schools can do much more than educate children; they bring our communities together." Jacquelyne Wilson (Superintendent at BRSU) "The kids were mesmerized by Wunderle, who taught different circus skills and brought them to the brink of joyful chaos with his humor one second and serious direction the next." Addison County Independent "We were so completely impressed by what you were able to achieve with the kids in such a short time and enjoyed the show immensely. The kids were beaming with excitement, before and after." Jen Moore "I have never seen a performance where both the students and audience were so happily engaged." Carrie Chalmers (Parent of Flood Brook School) "From the expressions on the students faces, Wunderle more than accomplished his goal of Spreading Joy, Creating Memories, and Inspiring Dreams." Penny Williams (Tri-Town Times) "One of the best programs we offer at our school. Students, teachers and parents ALWAYS approve!" Katie O'Rourk (Head of School at Sharon Academy) "It was a gift having you at our school and I feel truly lucky our students got this experience." Tammy Bates (Principal at Wardsboro School) |
BIG TOP SHOWS |
"Your performance was a SMASHING SUCCESS! The kids raved about the show and so did the faculty. Thank you so much. It lifted everyone's spirits. Everyone was dazzled by your skills and showmanship." NAS "...But his greatest, most remarkable, and hilarious success comes when he fearlessly invites every kid in the audience into the ring with him for an extended romp through his fun house. Talk about audience participation! No exclusions, no embarrassments, just the most irresistibly hilarious and affectionate work with kids I have ever seen. He is the only one I know who can create and then control this kind of manufactured bedlam with hundreds of kids doing their own version of what is asked of them. It is a true marvel of performance art." Ernest (Editor, Spectacle Magazine) "When the show was over and all of the plates had stopped spinning and the diabolos were put quiet, the lessons of the circus were still very much alive in the hearts of these young people. Wunderle’s message of “follow your dreams, use passion to overcome challenges and be true to yourself is reinforced by the excitement of the show” This goes along with Wunderle’s teachings; use passion to dream and use practice to perform and perform to spread joy!" The Valley Reporter "You not only do an excellent job, but you are one of the biggest draws that we have, and your act very much exemplifies what we are trying to do at the Kids Fair." Bob Furman (River Valley Kids Fair) "Thank you so much for performing circus acts at VSNB's first day celebration! I really enjoyed the assembly. I thought it was incredible how you balanced a real ladder on your chin! The stilts were an amazing way to top it all off. The day would not have been as amazing without you." Student at Village School of North Bennington "Kids, adults, everyone loved you and your show. You are so crazy talented and have the most engaging, dynamic presence. We were all smiling all day today, reflecting on what a special treat it was to have you here yesterday." Shelby Girard (Old Brookfield Town Hall) "When you did that trick with the rolling thing on the bottom, the box on top, a board and four bottles on top of that, then four more bottles and another board, I almost fainted. When you started juggling, I could have run out the door screaming!" Student at Cobb School "You're the best entertainer we ever had!" Heather N. Dainiak (CEO and Co-Founder of NMOP) "We all were blown away by your performance on Wednesday. We couldn't have had a better start to the school year." Josh H. (Village of North Bennington School) "I am so thankful that you came to perform at our school. My favorite act was when you used the bubbles and I liked when your bike fell apart. I liked when you walked on the stilts over the sixth-graders." Student "Debanne's Grandmother is 92 years old, and still talking about 'The Best Show I ever saw.' Thanks for what you do!" Brooks Bartlett (The Flying Monkey Movie House + Performance Center) "Once again you have entertained our school community in a way that will be long remembered. Your method of delivery spreads joy and makes our first day back to school a thrill. Your creativity astounds me! Thank you for the unique way that you give." Pat Gibbons (4th Grade Teacher) "We saw your 'new' bubble act on Saturday night and were BLOWN AWAY! Very clever. I don't know how you did some of the things you did... As usual, you were terrific!" Dottie Cannon "My brother was so psyched that you brought him on stage, that afterwards he went to the Family Dollar and got his own juggling balls exactly like yours!" (Student) "As always, I loved your inclusion in our first day celebration. Your energy is magical to me and your message of spreading joy, creating memories, and inspiring dreams is a legacy we all need to strive for." (Teacher at VSNB) "Thank you for coming to our first day celebration and walking in our parade on your stilts! I thought your bicycle act was terrific and I love the bubbles..." Lily (Student) |
WORKSHOPS |
"Troy came to our school several months before our residency and helped with a Circus Night Fundraiser. It was a really nice way to get kids excited about the circus while providing a fun community-based event for kids!" Brian Godfrey (PE Teacher at Richmond Elementary School) "Thank you really can't say enough right now. Please know that your work with us today was more than uplifting and inspiring. It has been a really tough year for all of us in so many ways. To see the kids laugh, think outside the box, be inspired, be excited, work together, and be challenged in a positive way was good for the soul. Life is tough for a lot of these kids, but all that melted away today. Your workshop also reminded us all that school can be fun!" Andrea Bixler (Teacher at Barre City Elementary School) "Troy is an entertainer at the very core of the word. Thousands of kids have stretched their dreams and imagination to its limits with the guidance and wisdom of Troy Wunderle. He is a true inspiration to the entertainment industry in Vermont... The reason so many people have been touched by Troy is because people have a desire to be around him. He lights up every room with not only humor but intelligence and experience. The kids who are lucky enough to be a part of Troy's world come out on the other side with a better outlook on life and renewed belief that anything is possible." Brian Joy (Cider Magazine) "Micah came away with new skills and confidence after Friday's circus workshop. We are so fortunate to have you in the area. You're talent is appreciated by all, big and small!" Jennie Freeman (Parent) "Thank you so much for a magical and unforgettable day at the Old Town Hall. Brookfield (and beyond!) will fondly remember the day the circus came to town for a long, long time. Kids, adults, everyone loved you and your show. You are so crazy talented and have the most engaging, dynamic presence. We were all smiling all day today, reflecting on what a special treat it was to have you here." Shelby Girard (Old Brookfield Town Hall) "Troy worked well with all ages and levels of children. Our kids left feeling very good about themselves having had a fun afternoon learning all sorts of new skills. In short... Mr. Wunderle is wonderful." Becky Plunkart (Secretary at Chester-Andover Elementary School) "My little guy, Gus, was rather hesitant initially due to performance anxiety. He exited the day full of joy and gung-ho for his next opportunity to practice circus arts with you." Alex (Parent) "Under The Big Top was a wonderful day for our students. Your contribution as a workshop leader played an important role in making this day a less competitive event and more of a celebration of the performing arts. Thank you for sharing your expertise with young Vermonters." Linda Kristan (Enrichment Coordinator at Peoples Academy) "I appreciate the quality of interactions you provided with children and adults in such a short time span. The learning opportunities and non-competitive activities you taught the children could easily be transferred to play during recess. And we all enjoyed laughing, as I believe laughter is healthy for the soul! Thanks for an inspiring day." Anne Watson (Principal at Fletcher Elementary School) |
BIG TOP CAMPS |
"It was my hope that Troy could bring a camp to the area that would balance physical skills with artistic endeavors and provide families the flexibility to pick the days that best met their own personal needs. Troy and his camp far surpassed my greatest expectations!" Jen Samuelson (Organizer, Maple Street Circus Camp) "My son absolutely loved his circus camp experience! Not only were the program activities great, but the staff was professional and caring. Troy did a marvelous job with a large group of children of varying ages and skill levels. I just cannot say enough good words about him." Parent, Burlington Park and Rec "At tonight's dinner table, the talk was all about the fantastic week gone by thanks entirely to your skill as a teacher, organizer, and creative force. We are happy to count ourselves among the many lucky families who got to participate this week. Today's show was terrific, and even more than the output itself, I was incredibly impressed with the process, the skills each kid worked on and developed, and the obvious joy unleashed by all." Mark Tashjian (Headmaster at Burr and Burton Academy) "Fantastic program. Troy is wonderful. Hazel loved camp! I was so impressed by the final performance. Troy has a wonderful way of inspiring focus and plain old fun within his campers. His passion for the work is contagious. I've never seen such a diverse group of kids clearly enjoying themselves as much as they enjoyed cicus camp!" Parent, Burlington Park and Rec "You continue to amaze us with your running of camp. All kids challenged, supported, and having fun. Our kids really set goals and applied themselves. Thank you, as always!" Valerie Wood (Parent) "I don't think I will ever get tired of being a part of this magical week. Thank you again so much from all of us for all your energy and inspiration. Watching those kids truly dive into the challenges and the learning is reward enough. And that performance is icing on the cake. Everyone loved it." Jeff Barclay (Director of Admissions & Athletics at Maple Street School) "Troy is fantastic. He made my daughter feel seen and safe as she explored all kinds of new skills. He also pulled together an amazing team and helped the kids feel confident and excited in a very short time. We can't wait for next year's circus camp!" Parent, Burlington Park and Rec "My 6-year-old-son had the time of his life in Troy's circus camp. Every day he would tell us with some enthusiam about all the things he learned that day, and this is a kid who we usually have to pry information out of. We were initially concerned that he may not be able to participate in many tricks, but Troy has all kinds of props that appropriately challenge kids of any age. Circus camp was definitely a confidence-builder for our son." Parent |
CORPORATE EVENTS |
"Congratulations on creating such an amazing event for Kringle Candle! Everything was so well organized. The client was completely thrilled with how it all went!" George WBTA Performer "Thank you for your beautiful craftsmanship on the 4' stilts you made for our event. The details of the stilts looked fantastic when accompanied with the artist costume!" Michael Lamphear (Co-Founder of AcroArts Productions) "It is completely clear how much you love your job, and we are so thankful that you share that with us." Nikki Bickford "The audience was laughing, clapping, and bursting into spontaneous cheers throughout the show. Even I, who know of your capabilities, could not have imagined such a fantastic outcome. The performance is the talk of the conference." Becky Cassidy (Uniform Law Commission) Thanks for hiring the performers for the ULC Gala. It was truly and exceptional program. Many attendees commented that it was the BEST gala ever hosted by the foundation- very high praise from this group! I don't think that anyone anticipated a circus featuring such incredible talent. Elizabeth Cotton-Murphy (Chief Administrative Officer of ULC) "I just wanted to thank you for probably more things than I can really articulate. You have such an amazing, full, productive, and supportive energy that fills both the performance and the people who are performing with you. To put it simply, it filled a part of my soul that has been missing this last year. I admire and respect you in a lot of ways. Thanks for inviting me to share the stage with you." Melissa Knowles (WTBA Performer) "On behalf of the Haskell Library board of trustees I would like to thank you very much for participating in our wonderful Centennial celebration last week. I don't think I will ever forget how I felt to look back at the parade strung out along the road behind me and see such splendid horses' buggies, marching bands, and then way down at the end to see a stilt walker weaving back and forth across the road. It literally brought tears to my eyes to think that our hard work could produce something so wonderful and memorable. I'll never forget the sight of you sitting in costume in the tree prior to the parade either, I wish I'd had a camera! Your juggling has also drawn many comments. It was super!" Kim Praughey (Haskell Free Librarian and Opera House) "Everything went great. Thank you! The entire Wunderle team was awesome as always. We had over 2300 visitors which was great. Thanks again!" Renee Compagna (Family Programs Coordinator at Shelburne Museum) "The ideal candidate for this job was not just someone who was funny. We were looking for someone with excellent communication skills, someone who can communicate not just with performers but with the entire creative team. We found that in Troy." David Kiser (Director of Talent at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus) |
