Circus and Changing Realities 2020: American Circus – The Now & The Future
This panel is part of CircusTalk’s Circus and Changing Realities 2020 series. In this episode, titled American Circus–The Now & The Future, moderators Jospeh Pinzon and Mark Lonergan, both established career circus artists and directors, check in with the next generation of American circus artists about their hopes, dreams, and best practices for success. Are the kids alright? Beyond that, they delve into the specific reality of being a circus artist, company founder and director during a challenging and disruptive time for the arts as well as in American history.
Moderators
.
Panelists
.
.
.
Mark is the Artistic Director of Parallel Exit, a three-time Drama Desk Award nominee for Unique Theatrical Experience. With Parallel Exit, he has created many original and award-winning works of physical theatre. Mark’s work has been seen in theatres and festivals in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. In New York City, he has presented work at The New Victory Theater, Lincoln Center, 59E59 Theaters, Symphony Space, and the Guggenheim Museum. Mark was the Guest Director for three productions of The Big Apple Circus, each a New York Times Critic’s Pick. He is also the Creative Director for Vermont’s celebrated Circus Smirkus.
Joseph Pinzon is the founder and creative producer of Short Round Productions, a Los Angeles-based circus company responsible for the show "Filament". With over 25 years of performing experience, Joseph also holds an MS in Arts Leadership from USC, a BA in Psychology from UCLA, and is a graduate of the National Circus School in Montreal where he specialized in aerial techniques. He has worked internationally with companies such as Cirque Éloize, Compagnia Finzi Pasca, Cirque du Soleil, Les 7 Doigts de la Main, Chämaleon Productions GmbH, and Wintergarten Varieté. As an educator, he has taught and lectured at ENC in Montreal, NCCA in London, and NICA in Melbourne. Several students he has coached have gone on to working with the companies mentioned above, in addition to Spiegelworld, Palazzo Productions GmbH, GOP Productions GmbH, and Strut & Fret Production House.
