Meet Our Summer Intern: Zachary Wells
Quick Answer: Zach Wells is a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy who has volunteered with Circus Sarasota and The Circus Arts Conservatory for three years and chose to do his senior internship with The CAC to learn what happens behind-the-scenes.
My name is Zach Wells and I am a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy. I have been involved with the circus arts for three years now. During my senior year, I helped start the ODA Circus Club with fellow student Mia Hamill and Mr. Michael Salmon (who is also on the Board of The Circus Arts Conservatory). These two individuals are very passionate about circus and its history. Within the circus club, we have done it all, from having speakers come in and tell their life stories about their involvement in circus over the years, to flying high above the trapeze with Tito Gaona.
My journey with the circus started my sophomore year when I needed volunteer hours for my school. A friend of mine who was an upperclassman recommended that I volunteer with the circus to get the last few hours I needed. I only needed to do two shows to get the hours I needed. However, I found myself working with the team under the Big Top for six shows!
In my junior year, I found myself back at the Big Top, this time signing up for more shows and spending more time getting to know the performers. I had found something I was passionate about and loved being a part of! This year, I was tasked with leading the ODA Volunteer Team under the Big Top along with fellow senior Brett Szalbirak. It was our job to encourage our friends and other students to come out and volunteer under the tent.
Since I had spent the last three years being involved with Circus Sarasota and meeting so many amazing people who have amazing stories, I figured The Circus Arts Conservatory was the perfect place to do my senior internship. I wanted to learn what went on behind-the-scenes and what happened when the red and white tent came down for the season.
Volunteering with The CAC for the last three years has created countless memories that I will never forget, from working the Big Top to flying on the trapeze. I have met, talked to,and become friends with people that have infinite knowledge about all things circus and have created friendships that I will carry with me throughout college and life.
Zach will be studying Psychology and Education in the fall at Florida Gulf Coast University.
At a Glance
Key Facts
- Zach Wells is a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy.
- He helped start the ODA Circus Club with Mia Hamill and Mr. Michael Salmon, who is also on the Board of The Circus Arts Conservatory.
- He began volunteering with the circus in his sophomore year, initially needing only two shows but completing six under the Big Top.
- In his senior year, he led the ODA Volunteer Team under the Big Top alongside fellow senior Brett Szalbirak.
- He chose The Circus Arts Conservatory for his senior internship to learn about behind-the-scenes operations.
- Zach will study Psychology and Education in the fall at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zach Wells?
Zach Wells is a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy who has been involved with circus arts for three years and is doing his senior internship with The Circus Arts Conservatory.
How did Zach Wells get involved with the circus?
He started volunteering in his sophomore year to earn volunteer hours for school, after a friend recommended the circus, and ended up working six shows instead of the two he needed.
What role did Zach play in his senior year?
He led the ODA Volunteer Team under the Big Top along with fellow senior Brett Szalbirak, encouraging friends and other students to volunteer.
Why did Zach choose The Circus Arts Conservatory for his internship?
He had spent three years involved with Circus Sarasota and meeting people with amazing stories, so he wanted to learn what happens behind-the-scenes when the tent comes down for the season.
What will Zach Wells study in college?
He will study Psychology and Education in the fall at Florida Gulf Coast University.
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