SHOWGOERS will have to be on their best behaviour this year because rumour has it, there’s a new police officer in town.
Allegedly severe budget cuts to the police force have halved the bicycle unit and officers will be on the lookout for the “flimsiest excuse” to issue a fine to young and old alike.
Roving performer Scott Griffin is set to entertain crowds at this year’s show when he transforms into a diverse range of characters, including a witty police officer on a unicycle.
Unsuspecting showgoers will be flabbergasted in disbelief at the new police laws which will leave the crowd slightly bemused in what promises to be a delightful, light-hearted performance.
While Mr Griffin has always had an interest in juggling, it wasn’t a career path he was initially destined for.
Prior to becoming an entertainer, Mr Griffin grew up in Wagga Wagga and completed a Bachelor of Applied Science at university, majoring in horticulture.
However, it was trip to ConFest, a festival designed to share talents, skills, ideas and philosophies which marked a turning point for Mr Griffin’s future career.
During one of the demonstrations, he came across Canadian stunt performer Tom Comet who left a lasting impression.
“I was so impressed by him,” Mr Griffin said.
“I was in awe and wanted to be able to perform like him.”
With no drama, theatre or dance background, but inspired by his festival experience, Mr Griffin began to learn a range of circus skills.
“This was back in the day,” Mr Griffin said.
“YouTube wasn’t readily available back then. I did a lot of reading and attended circus conventions, soaking everything in.
“It was blind ignorance, I was young and stupid and not thinking about the future.”
However, his determination and perseverance paid off.
Mr Griffin launched his performing arts career with POG Circus Entertainment and is now director of Circus Elements, an Adelaide-based company.
His career has seen him perform across many different states and venues, taking on a range of different acts and characters.
He’s featured on Australia’s Got Talent, and has performed at major festivals including Woodford Folk Festival and Canberra Summernats.
He also runs circus workshops, teaching what he concedes to be “a dying artform” to the younger generation.
“I love the diversity of the places we perform at, the kids are always chuffed and it’s an enjoyable experience,” Mr Griffin said.
