Who is Merlene Hutt?
Merlene is a 27-year-old woman and a 2024 graduate of the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne. Currently working with a company based in remote Queensland called The Crackup Sisters performing, traveling, assisting with admin, teaching circus classes, media and show promotion.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Not much, I have a job that I love and currently spend winter working in Queensland and summer in Victoria – getting the best of both worlds haha!
Who inspires you and why?
Strong women who I know. They inspire me because they are adaptable and resilient no matter what life throws their way. Particularly mothers who juggle not only raising a family but also make time to do things to grow themselves. I am not currently a mother, so it blows my mind even more because some days I don’t have enough energy for myself, let alone others!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Live my life like time is going to run out. It can be easy to lose this important perspective that each day is a gift and not guaranteed. Choosing to remember this and not taking myself or situations as seriously would have a ripple effect on those around me.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere that I have been before because after the first time I don’t feel the urge to cram a million things into the same day and can enjoy my favourite parts.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Local restaurants or cafe’s that I have been meaning to check out but either haven’t had the time or have been waiting for someone to share the experience with. It’s just a great way to explore the local area and when you live somewhere for long enough, it is too easy to take little things for granted.
What are you currently reading?
The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson. Not sure what I was expecting with this book, but it sure has been a wild ride!
What are you currently listening to?
You’re wrong about podcasts for long drives; otherwise, music in many genres.
Happiness is?
Being aware enough to be able to appreciate what you have in your hands right now and recognise that you are probably living out the answer to yesterday’s prayer.
What does the future hold for you?
Does anyone really know the answer to this question? I am not sure what the future holds, but I know that life is full of the unexpected, so maybe I can guarantee that the future will not be how I’m thinking it will be, but something so much richer and better than I could ask, think or imagine!
Merlene is an alumni of National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) – who are currently accepting applications to Audition for NICA’s 2027 Accredited Circus Courses. Audition applications close on 14 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.nica.com.au for details.
Image: Merlene Hutt (supplied)