BY MARK KREGEL
It used to be that kids would dream of running away to join the circus. Fremont High School student Laurie Browne did become part of a circus act, but she didn't have to run away to do it.
Browne, 15, performs this month in Cirque San Jose's production Spaced Out.
Browne performs acrobatics and gymnastics for the Cirque San Jose show, which opened April 11.
"I do it basically for the enjoyment of other people," Browne said. "When you're done with a show, you get home and you can't sleep because you still have an adrenaline rush."
Browne walks the high wire, tumbles, rides a unicycle and performs on the Russian swing. She had eight years' experience in gymnastics with Golden State Acrobatics before joining the circus. She said gymnastics became boring and monotonous, and the circus sounded fun.
"With gymnastics, you're competing rather than performing," she said. "If you make a mistake, you don't have a chance to redeem yourself."
She said that although acrobatics may seem intimidating, the danger is lessened by mats and other safety devices.
Cheryl Taylor, the artistic director for Cirque San Jose, said one of the goals of the circus is to develop talent at home.
"Cirque San Jose is made up of people who want to stay home and join the circus," Taylor said.
Taylor has performed with many circuses, including Circus Circus in Nevada. She said Browne is very talented.
"She's a good kid to work with," Taylor said. "She's one of our key people in the show."
Cirque San Jose has many performers from abroad, including a balancing-act performer formerly with the Moscow Circus.
"They provide a good example to look up to," Browne said. "It shows where this can take you."
Browne joined Cirque San Jose after participating in the troupe's circus camp. The instructors believed she had talent and recruited her for the show. Today, Browne teaches at circus camp, providing youngsters a chance to work up to where she is now.
Since then, she's done several shows with the circus. She's not sure if she'll pursue it as a career, but she's keeping her options open.
"If anything, it'll be a really good experience," she said.
Spaced Out runs through May 10 at Cirque San Jose, 634 N. Eighth St., San Jose. Performances are at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 292-4286.
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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, April 30, 1997.
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