The beginning of the coronavirus pandemic threw the entire circus industry off track, including long-time performer Neisha Murphy. As the variety show star reevaluated her needs, she also reconsidered what was important to her and to the greater circus community. She has made it her mission to ask the artists alongside her what matters most to them. The Nonessential Project unpacks what it means to be labeled “nonessential” during COVID times. CircusTalk is excited to shine a light on artists’ COVID stories as we repost some of Neisha’s episodes.

The fifth interview up is livewire Circus performer and Director Charlie J Truscott. Charlie Truscott uses her physical theatre and circus skills to turn stories into highly physical engaging experiences. Charlie was a competitive gymnast from the ages of 5 to 17. She then went on to pursue Performance Studies at University before “running away” to Join Circus Monoxide in 2009. Here she worked as a performer, stage manager, Outreach Programs Coordinator and a Head Circus Trainer at the Circus Monoxide Circus School. In 2014 Charlie went to train at Dell Arte International School of Physical Theatre in California. Here she studied Commedia, Acrobatics and clowning under renowned trainer Ronlin Foreman. For over 17 years Charlie has worked with kids of all abilities and skill levels. Charlie is the Director at Burgh Healthy Hub where the creative physical arts program for children is attended by over 250 students each week. For Young Australia Workshop, Charlie travels all over the country performing her own school shows and workshops. She presents over 250 programs a year and has visited some of the most remote schools in Australia. When she isn’t performing for schools, Charlie is working on her other professional project Tree Top Circus, a company that promotes and produces outdoor circus performances. Charlie has also worked with a number of organisations and festivals including Sydney Children’s Festival, The Sydney Royal Easter Show, Merrigong Theatre Company, KISS Arts Festival and the Sydney Festival just to name a few.

Main image credited to original video.