Where Are All the Creative People? – Part 1
I will be honest; I hate articles about creativity and innovation. I don’t like hearing people talk about it; I don’t like reading about what one needs to change in…
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Opening Up Pathways for Emerging Talents – Interview with Nadja Berger, Founder of the YOUNG STAGE International Circus Festival
As the YOUNG STAGE International Circus Festival gears up for its 15th edition from May 2-6, 2024, we had the privilege of sitting down with Nadja Berger, the festival’s founder…
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Circus Cities with Shenea Stiletto – Santiago
“Circus Cities” is a CircusTalk Original Video Series by “Think Like an Acrobat” host Shenea Stiletto. In each episode, Shenea will explore a city with a vibrant circus community by…
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Melody Bates Presents “All the Birds of the World,” A Magical Tale
Melody Bates, in partnership with 5th Wall Studio, presents All the Birds of the World, part of her Enchanted Islands project, on Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5 at…
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The “Whats” and “Hows” of Taking a Show to Edinburgh Fringe
Dominique Salerno, one of the many talented artists we work with, took her one woman show, THE BOX SHOW, to Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the summer of 2023 where it…
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Casting in the Age of the Cloud – Part 6: The Ballad of the Overkill
Next up in our series, Casting in the age of the cloud, is about the ballad of the overkill and not submitting more than what is asked for. By now,…
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Tilde Björfors: A Woman with A Circus Heart
The month of March has been a time set aside to recognize and honour the many contributions that women have made to our world, contributions that may have gone unsung…
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Capturing the Magic in Circus Through Film at the Circus International Film Festival
The Circus International Film Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of the mesmerizing world of circus arts through the lens of filmmaking. Over the years, it has seamlessly brought together…
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Explorations of Research and Creation with Charles Batson – Relationships Between Humans & Non-Human Animals
CircusTalk is pleased to present “Explorations of Research and Creation with Charles Batson.” A series dedicated to provocative dives into where research and creation meet in the development of intriguing…
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How to Function in a Feminist Way with Steph Cox from Women’s Circus
When this series began, a few people and institutions came immediately to mind. One was Women’s Circus in Melbourne. Being sixteen hours apart and often living during different days of…
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Publishing Circus: An Interview with Thom Wall of Modern Vaudeville Press
…of Independent Study, where she designed a Circus Studies curriculum with a focus on spectatorship. Madeline’s profile Thom Wall Juggler, Writer – United States Thom Wall is an American juggler…
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Casting in the Age of the Cloud – Part 5: Cut to the Chase
Next up in our series, Casting in the age of the cloud, is about cutting to the chase. There was a time, years ago, when a friend (a cellist by…
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Nominations Open for Inaugural PROPULSION AWARD Celebrating Innovation in Circus Arts
En Piste, the National Circus Arts Alliance, in collaboration with the Conseil des arts de Montréal (CAM), is thrilled to announce the launch of the PROPULSION AWARD, a prestigious recognition…
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PRO Talk: Gender Representation in Circus. Conversation with Ess Hödlmoser
PRO Talks are CircusTalk’s live virtual events led by industry influencers and experts focused on career-building topics. Our virtual conversations feature talent seekers from different sectors within circus and the…
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Life Lessons from a Professional Bullwhip Artist: Robert Dante
My name is Robert Dante. I am a professional bullwhip artist. Indiana Jones. Lash LaRue. Cowboys and Indians. Nightclub Variety act. Half-time entertainment for football fans. 6-foot, 8-foot, 12-foot bullwhips….
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PRO Talk LIVE at Cirque de Demain: Gender Representation in the Circus Arts with Diana Salles & Stacy Clark
PRO Talks are CircusTalk’s live virtual events led by industry influencers and experts focused on career-building topics. Our virtual conversations feature talent seekers from different sectors within circus and the…
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Maximizing Your Network: Insights from Cirque du Soleil Talent Scout Xavier Brossard-Ménard
Online talent profiles and digital platforms aside, the casting process is at its core a process of forging human connections… and no one knows this better than Cirque du Soleil…
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What’s up APAP? The American Circus Alliance Hosts Conversations at the Largest Theatrical Booking Conference in the World
The 2024 American Performing Arts Professionals conference in New York City asserted itself in a recent press release as the “World’s most influential gathering of performing arts professionals.” Between January…
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Maria Folguera: A Decade of Artistic Brilliance and Visionary Leadership in the Circus Arts
The official announcement of María Folguera’s departure from her position as the Artistic Director of Teatro Circo Price came in December from CircoRED, the Federation of Circus Professional Associations of…
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Casting in the Age of the Cloud – Part 4: 7 Video Audition No Nos
Next up in our series, Casting in the age of the cloud, is all about the visibility conundrum. In a conversation I had with a choreographer friend of mine several…
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Explorations of Research and Creation with Charles Batson – Gender, Power & Change
CircusTalk is pleased to present a new series, “Explorations of Research and Creation with Charles Batson.” Dedicated to provocative dives into where research and creation meet in the development of…
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Crafting a Compelling Performing Artist Profile: Must-Have Elements
More now than ever, a performing artist’s online presence is crucial for establishing and promoting their brand. As a result, no matter what type of performer you are, having a…
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Illuminating Identities: A Conversation with Lui L’Abbate, Trans and Non-Binary Lighting Designer
Lui L’Abbate (all pronouns) is a trans and non-binary multi-artist and designer from Brazil. Born and raised in Brasilia and Belo Horizonte, Lui works mainly with technical lighting and lighting…
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Circostrada Launches Comprehensive Guide for Big Tops in Europe
Circostrada, the European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts, has released an informative resource document focusing on “Touring, Programming, and Funding Big Tops in Europe.” The guide is the…
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Circus and Sustainability with Acting for Climate – Creation & Touring
Inspired by Piet Hein’s definition of art as “the solution to the problems that cannot be formulated clearly before being resolved,” contemporary circus company, Acting for Climate (A4C), uses circus…
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Casting in the Age of the Cloud – Part 3: Video Manipulation
Next up in our series Casting in the Age of the Cloud is all about video manipulation. When I originally planned the electricity renovations in my house many years ago,…
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East Tennessee State University Unveils Innovative New Program on Physical Theatre
Do you want to learn circus skills? Are you taking clowning seriously? Do you feel called to a career in the performance arts? Do you wish to earn a bachelor’s…
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The 15th Budapest International Circus Festival Opens This Week
The 15th Budapest International Circus Festival is set to kick off on January 10, showcasing a spectacular gathering of over a hundred artists from across the globe. Brace yourself for…
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“The Stage is My Reality, the Theatre is My Fortress”: Cirque Inshi’s “Rêves”
Performed at the Théâtre Graslin in Nantes, France, Rêves by the Ukrainian company Cirque Inshi conveys the stories and values of its cast and creators through their on-stage feats. In…
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Act in a Moment—Showcasing Cirque de Demain Talents
So much can happen in a moment, and so much can be conveyed! With circus, the art is usually left to speak for itself, and discussions with the artists about…
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APAP|NYC 2024: Celebrating the Dynamic Landscape of Performing Arts in the Post-Pandemic Era
…In an interview, I had the privilege to speak with Jenny Thomas, the remarkably efficient Director of Marketing and Communications for APAP since 2013. Among her many talents, Jenny executive…
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The Future of Casting: Challenges and Opportunities
JamarGig had the pleasure of hosting “The Future of Casting” webinar. We had over 200 attendees from 30 different counties attend and listen to experts from Disney, Feld Entertainment, Celebrity…
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What’s the Difference? Demo Video vs. Self-Tape vs. Highlight Reel in the Entertainment Industry
In the dynamic world of entertainment, performers rely on various tools to showcase their talent and versatility. Three common digital forms for presenting one’s skills are demo videos, self-tapes, and…
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Remembering Phillip Gandey: Pioneering Innovations in Circus Arts
Phillip Gandey, a visionary circus director, passed away at the age of 67 after battling cancer. His indelible mark on the UK circus scene spanned five decades, where he transformed…
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The TheatreArtLife Podcast – Tech Talk and Stage Stories with Jack McLean (Ep. 199)
A lifelong fan of live music and entertainment, Jack McLean found his passion for live performance in Glasgow, Scotland, working as a local stage hand loading in and out of…
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YUCK Circus Pairs Subliminal Normalization with Bold, Frank Fun! – Interview with Georgia Deguara
“There’s some shows where we’ve had people come up and do a shoey–randomly–because they were so excited. Do you know what a shoey is? It’s where you pour a beer…
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Farewell 2023… Hello 2024! A Reflection of the Past Year
As 2023 comes to its final bow and the curtain falls, it’s time to reflect on the highs and lows, our successes and opportunities to grow, and bring our newfound…
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Casting in the Age of the Cloud – Part 2: Showreels
Although I already established it in the last article of this series, “Casting in the Age of the Cloud: Eponym,” I think it is a good idea to recap the…
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Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO: Where Small Actions on Stage Have Big Effect
…wall even when all four of the Cube’s walls are open. Images are courtesy of Cirque du Soleil. Credit to photographer Jean-François Savaria with respect to all but the image…
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Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Academy Presents Holiday Show, ‘Candyland’
…in their mission of saving their beloved Candyland from Lord Licorice? Acts audience will enjoy include the trampoline wall, high wire, cloudswing, slack rope, hammock, juggling, bike for five, web,…
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Mastering the Creative Mindset with Sofranie Trencia Part 2
Launched at the start of 2023, the Career Lab is a digital space where professionals and creators in circus and the performing arts share their knowledge with our PRO members,…
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Normalizing Rescue Plans within the Circus Community
For the circus community in Las Vegas, production shows carry a prominent corporate structure based on the glamorous and conglomerate casino resorts they reside in. Having a more technically advanced…
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Gravity & Other Myths’ THE MIRROR Premieres in North America in January
…high-level dance choreography with innovative production design – incorporating an LED wall, cameras, and selfie sticks – an atmospheric electronica soundscape, and a levity that belies its heart-pumping feats of…
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Developing a Circus Organizational System
I recently developed a visual that shows the ways that over 300 circus disciplines, skills, and apparatuses are connected to one another. Along the way, I got to connect with…
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Liability Insurance for Performers with Specialty Insurance Agency – Part 2. Safety Tips & Questions
Specialty Insurance Agency (SIA) is a boutique insurance agency servicing performers, vendors, and event planners across the United States since 1992. Think mimes and mermaids, fire performers and aerialists—or food…
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Casting in the Age of the Cloud – Part 1: Eponym
I will be honest with you. I hate Top 10 lists. I hate them because they often end up being a cheap way of avoiding the need for writing skills….
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Cirque Immersive: Performers on the Border of Artistic Genres
Circus productions and their audiences are constantly pushing their borders into the wider world of the performing arts. Raffaele De Ritis reflects on this through the model of the 2023…
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Liability Insurance for Performers with Specialty Insurance Agency – Part 1. Policies & Examples
Specialty Insurance Agency (SIA) is a boutique insurance agency servicing performers, vendors, and event planners across the United States since 1992. Think mimes and mermaids, fire performers and aerialists –…
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Epicirq 2023: Heading Towards Diversity in Baltic Circus
…theatre, but in many cases, it follows the same principles and rules: for instance, the construct of the “fourth wall,” as is usually performed in a black box. Soon-to-be-finished performance…
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From Dreams to Stage: Industry Veteran Anna Robb on the Three Essential Ingredients of a Great Production
Veteran producer and TheatreArtLife co-founder Anna Robb has more than two decades under her belt of bringing artistic visions to life onstage, helming production teams in six continents for everyone…
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Celebrating Circus and Life: Chamäleon’s Series 2024 “Play” Unveils a Dazzling Kaleidoscope of Acrobatics, Poetry, and Wit
…NouNous Festival, the group’s annual international physical comedy festival in Helsinki. The ensemble was founded by Finnish artists Jenni Kallo, Sampo Kurppa and New Zealander Thom Monckton, all of whom…
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Casting Advice for Performers: Navigating Auditions and Landing the Role
Auditions are the gateway to your potential dream job, where you have the opportunity to showcase your unique talent, personality, and passion. The casting process can be both exhilarating and…
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Queering the Circus and Beyond with Briefs Factory Collective
Briefs Factory is an Australian creative collective who manufacture, cultivate and present evocative, irreverent, physical performance. Inspired by circus, drag, dance, burlesque, music, comedy and the ever changing world around…
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PRO Talk: Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Biases: Unveiling Challenges in Casting
PRO Talks are CircusTalk’s live virtual events led by industry influencers and experts focused on career-building topics. Our virtual conversations feature talent seekers from different sectors within circus and the…
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Capturing the Circus Essence: Another Circus Library from Pascal Jacob Available Now
Whether you need a launching pad to jumpstart your ambitious circademic research or inspiration for your next creative endeavor, a circus library is the perfect place to begin. With circus…
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Chamäleon Theater: A Century of Shaping Berlin’s Arts Scene
…cabaret acts of all kinds, wild acts that reflected the city’s newfound freedom after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the people’s excitement to explore their new city. Fast-forward….
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The Release of a New Guide on Space Development For Circus Training And Equipment
…professional. The first part of the document focuses on facilities and buildings, with specific details related to the building size, walls, ceilings, grounds, light, circus tents, etc. Then, each discipline…
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Why Is Socially Responsible Casting So Important For Talent And Casting Directors?
“NEXT!” “DON’T CALL US, WE’LL CALL YOU!” — Have you been told things like this before? If so, you have probably spent some time in the entertainment industry. A multi-billion-dollar…
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Circus Cities with Shenea Stiletto – Berlin
“Circus Cities” is a CircusTalk Original Video Series by “Think Like an Acrobat” host Shenea Stiletto. In each episode, Shenea will explore a city with a vibrant circus community by…
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The Digital Future of Casting With JamarGig’s Rick Tjia
In the ever-changing world of live entertainment, both talents and talent scouts have more technological tools than ever before at their disposal to find what they need… if only they…
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The Significance of Maintaining a Professional Online Profile
In today’s digitally-focused age, our online presence plays an increasingly critical role in shaping our personal and professional lives. Whether you’re an artist, talent seeker, entrepreneur, student, or a seasoned…
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Last Waltz: Developing a Methodology for Partnering in Aerial Dance
My long-term aerial dance partner and I originally choreographed the trapeze duet, Last Waltz, in 2010. The work investigates the merging of ground and air spaces and the relationship between…
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What Defines a Circus Show?
Circus artists from all around the world have proven that there is more than one way to perfect skills, create pieces, and get on a stage. The definition of what…
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LEME 2023 – Exploring the Boundaries of Circus and Space
…individuals walking one collective path. In a big, impressive installation with a revolving wall and floating doors, they move in and through space. They propel each other, walk, collide, climb,…
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“People First and Foremost”: a Casting Jam with Gravity and Other Myths
On July 11, 2023, during what is arguably Montreal’s most action-packed week of circus and performing arts, Australia’s Gravity and Other Myths (GOM, to their mates) hosted a Casting Training…
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Circus Cities with Shenea Stiletto – Dubai
“Circus Cities” is a CircusTalk Original Video Series by “Think Like an Acrobat” host Shenea Stiletto. In each episode, Shenea will explore a city with a vibrant circus community by…
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Review: The Contemporary Circus Handbook
Modern Vaudeville Press’s new book The Contemporary Circus Handbook, written by Eric Bates and edited by Kim Campbell with Benjamin Domask-Ruh and Thom Wall, argues that not every circus artist…
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‘No Animo Mas Anima’- Farewell to the circus beasts?
A new exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology in Châlons-en-Champagne reflects upon the ongoing debate about the place of animals in circus. In this review, exhibition contributor…
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Kristóf István, Founder of the Budapest Circus Festival Died
Kristóf István, a Hungarian circus performer with numerous national and international accolades, including the Silver Clown from the Monte Carlo (1977) Circus Festival, died at 82. István Kristóf was born…
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“The World Will Be More Beautiful”: the 77th Festival d’Avignon
…Wall of Posters. Photo: Jean-Pierre Carron At the Festival d’Avignon, everything often begins with—or without—a poster. For IN Festival shows, the question is quickly resolved: there are none. Rather, it…
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Career Lab ROUNDUP – Career Lab Sessions
Launched at the start of 2023, the Career Lab is a collection of curated professional content centered around careers in the arts, artistic creation, and business development, brought to you…
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Hupstate Circus Festival: For Circus By Circus! – Interview With Amy Cohen
In the US, Labor Day weekend always signals the end of summer and the beginning of fall routines. Vacationers get their last trips in, kids, parents and teachers prepare for…
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Site-Specific Circus as an Invitation: The Creative Europe Project that Gets People Talking
…playground. The full-on final show was a large-scale spectacular in which we incorporated all the buildings and sculptures surrounding us with wall dance, fire, acrobatics, and much more. We have…
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Original Series ROUNDUP – Physical Health in Circus with Yasmine Mucher
From Toronto, Ontario, Yasmine Mucher is a Certified Athletic Therapist, Registered Kinesiologist, and CSEP Certified Personal Trainer. She started training in circus arts in 2008, specializing in all things trapeze….
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Following Your Bliss As a Performer: Stacy Clark on How Consultants Help Shape Careers
If something feels impossible, it may be that you just need to tackle the idea from a new angle… and these awesome people can help you achieve it! To celebrate…
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From Circus School to Circus Stage: 2023 Graduates Reveal How They Learn to Take Flight as New Artists
…artist in resident at Legs on the Wall’s “Leg Upper” program. A founding member of Absurd Circus, Linda also co-created and performed in Sunday Cup of Absurdi-Tea as part of…
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Career Lab Sessions – Value Based Pricing with Ulrike Storch
Launched at the start of 2023, the Career Lab is a digital space where professionals and creators in circus and the performing arts share their knowledge with our PRO members,…
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Career Lab Sessions – Niche Down to Blow Up with Ulrike Storch
Launched at the start of 2023, the Career Lab is a digital space where professionals and creators in circus and the performing arts share their knowledge with our PRO members,…
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Circus Cities with Shenea Stiletto – Montréal
“Circus Cities” is a new CircusTalk Original Video Series by “Think Like an Acrobat” host Shenea Stiletto. In each episode, Shenea will explore a city with a vibrant circus community…
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An Interview With Shana Carroll, Member of the Order of Arts and Letters of Quebec
…fundamentally wrong to go backwards into a role I had said goodbye to. Also, there was something about having peered over a wall into motherhood, and it was like I…
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An ECHO From the World and Elsewhere: Cirque du Soleil’s Newest Show Thinks Outside the Box
…in its turn. It often takes a wall to bounce and propagate the sound. In some cases, that is the starting point for everything— A wall, a strict stone slope…
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Circus History Live! Featuring Sylvia Zerbini
Inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame in 2008, Zerbini hails from a nine-generation circus family and has been performing since the age of 13. Her Italian father and French…
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Notre Dame De Paris: Reviving a Classic Story Through Song, Choreography, and Circus
International musical hit Notre Dame De Paris, written by Luc Plamondon and composed by Richard Cocciante, has been making its way around the globe for over two decades now and…
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From the Philippines to Vegas: Leviwand Pioneer Ehrlich Ocampo on Opening New Roads Into Circus
The circus world is a vast place, one which many performers reach by unconventional roads—and with very unique skills to offer. Championing both the discipline of leviwand and his fellow…
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Cirque Du Soleil Artistic Casting Advising in Las Vegas with Tammy To-Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep.57
In this special episode of the Live Like An Acrobat podcast, host Shenea Stiletto spotlights Las Vegas to celebrate the release of her new CircusTalk Original Series “Circus Cities,” where…
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Juggling: The Books
…building my juggling book collection (which you can explore in the YouTube video that accompanies this article). Then, in 2020, Thom Wall published Juggling: What It Is and How To…
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Jumping Into the Void: Les Envols of the 2023 Fratellini Cohort
As circus schools around the world wrap up another year, the graduating artists get the chance to showcase their skills in a final presentation that reveals what they have mastered…
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Circus Cities with Shenea Stiletto – Las Vegas
“Circus Cities” is a new CircusTalk Original Video Series by “Think Like an Acrobat” host Shenea Stiletto. In each episode, Shenea will explore a city with a vibrant circus community…
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Valuable Learning and Resources from Caravan’s Training for Trainers Program, Circus Overseas
Circus Overseas was a two-year project (2021-2022) facilitated by the Caravan Circus Network, which built on the Training for Trainers Program (Circus Transformation in Action) and the project partner’s expertise…
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Now on the Circus Jobs Market: Disney, Cirque, Feld and More Large Productions
As a career platform, CircusTalk offers the most comprehensive index of job opportunities for circus and the multidisciplinary performing arts, with 50+ new job listings posted weekly. Our Job Board…
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Sacred Arts Offers an Interdisciplinary Research Method for Circus and Beyond
…intertwined with the Jewish experience – and it is also just interesting circus history! Juggler and historian Thom Wall begins the section with the history of juggling in antiquity, focusing…
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Climb Aboard the S.S. Talent: Cruises Seek Circus Artists for Summer Contracts
As a career platform, CircusTalk offers the most comprehensive job opportunities for circus and the multidisciplinary performing arts, with 50+ new job listings posted weekly. Our Job Board allows artists…
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“It’s the Mix That Makes It”: Delve Into Young Stage 2023 With Nadja Hauser
One of the most widely recognized platforms helping to propel emerging circus talents into great careers in this day and age, the Young Stage International Circus Festival is almost upon…
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Out Now! View The Full-Length Show of The 2023 Circus Ring of Fame 35th Anniversary Induction Ceremony Now on Video!
The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation™ was created to formally honor and recognize those persons who have made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus over…
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Crossing the Danube on Wire, Simet Jr. to Help Commemorate Connectivity and Unity in the Arts and Beyond
As part of the 10th International Theater Olympics, which runs from April 15 to June 24 in Budapest, Hungary, the multi-award-winning high-wire artist László Simet Jr. will cross the Danube…
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Beyond Smiles and Splits: Closure and Conclusions
…opening night? Is a cast who goes into their last show as if it were a regular performance bound to hit a wall once the adrenaline wears off? What happens…
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In 2023, Monte-Carlo Festival Shows Many Shades of Tigers and Somersaults
From the stands of the 45th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival (January 20-29, 2023), Raffaele De Ritis reports to us on the triumphs and the art in its display and investigates…
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What to do in an Emergency! Dragone COO Anna Robb Shares Her Wisdom
People working in the performing arts pride themselves on believing that they possess high emergency and survival skill sets. In her latest TED Talk, Anna Robb, the Chief Operating Officer…
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Circus International Film Festival: Meet the 2023 Jury – Johnny Kim (USA)
A festival jury is no mysterious cabal that judges the rights and wrongs of art; rather, they are a team of fellow circus artists, creators, producers, and professionals, each of…
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PRO Exclusive: Think Like an Acrobat–Let’s Sing For Ourselves: The Art Of The Circus Singer with Sophie Guay
Shenea Stiletto is a two-time World Acrobatic Champion, USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Member, World-Class Handbalancer, and seasoned professional in the circus industry. Continuing the series into its second season,…
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Circus History Live! Featuring Cedric Walker, Founder & CEO of UniverSoul Circus
This edition of Circus History Live! features a conversation with Cedric Walker, founder and CEO of @universoulcircus. The conversation was hosted by Circus Historical Society (CHS) Vice President Chris Berry…
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