Liz's Circus Story

By and performed by Liz Bussey Fentress

Ever feel like running away and joining the circus?

Find out what happened next for someone who did.

Liz's Circus Story, an autobiographical, one-actor play, written and performed by Liz Bussey Fentress, spans 23 years. It tells the story of one woman's real-life experiences under the big top and on stage.

At 21, having just graduated from UW-Madison, Liz takes a job as ring mistress, organist, and puppet show performer with the brand-new, one-ring, Franzen Bros. Circus.

While portraying herself and an array of other circus characters and animals, Liz shares the trials and triumphs of the fledgling circus and her own efforts to pursue her dream of working in theatre.

Liz is an award-winning playwright with extensive experience as an actor, director, and teacher in professional, community, and educational theatre. Her plays have been produced across the U.S. and staged in London’s West End.

Working in new play development in Kentucky, Liz coordinated the Kentucky Voices program at Horse Cave Theatre, and taught in the New Voices program at Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Liz taught playwriting at the School of the Arts in Rhinelander for many years and later facilitated the Wisconsin Wrights playwriting workshops in Madison for UW-Extension.

Born and raised in northern Wisconsin, Liz has returned to the north woods and now calls Bayfield home.

Produced by TNW Ensemble Theater at TNW Ensemble Theater, 1957 Winnebago Street, Madison

Performances: May 15, 2026

Performance Times:
One night only! Friday, May 15, 7:30 pm

Ticket Prices: Tickets $20 at buytickets.at/tnwensembletheater/2190201

Call for reservations or more information.