Rachel Schiffer, camp director and interim co-executive director at Smirkus Circus, has been appointed executive artistic director of the Greensboro-based performing arts organization. In her new role, Schiffer will provide strategic and artistic oversight for the entire Smirkus operation.
A Vermonter and Middlebury College graduate, Schiffer joined the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour in 1995 for the first of her 10 years as a trouper. She later worked as a Smirkus residency coach and on the Big Top Tour as house manager and trouper head counselor.
Schiffer was also an active member of the Smirkus Alumni Committee for many years. She traveled the world as a circus artist — working in France, Denmark, England, Wales and the United States. In 2022, she was hired as Smirkus camp director.
“We are delighted to have Rachel take on this role,” said Smirkus board president Kate Hayes. “With a powerful combination of Smirkus institutional knowledge, international performing experience and arts administration expertise, she is well-positioned to strengthen this incredible organization and help spread its magic more broadly than ever before.”