PRO Talk – A Conversation with Billy Alwen about Empowering Diversity in Circus and Beyond
In the realm of casting for the performing arts, inclusivity is paramount. Embracing individuals with disabilities is not only a matter of equity, it enriches the tapestry of talent. Casting people with disabilities fosters a more authentic representation of society on stage and screen, reflecting the diverse experiences of all individuals. Casting is an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and showcase the incredible range of abilities within the industry.
In our our last PRO Talk of 2024, Stacy Clark’s guest was Billy Alwen, Artistic Director of Cirque Bijou.
With a passion for crafting circus experiences that transcend boundaries and captivate audiences of all backgrounds, Bilhas dedicated over 25 years to the art form. Formerly a circus artist himself, he has ventured into the realm of creation, pushing the limits of his craft and encouraging artists to explore new horizons. From the grandeur of Battle for the Winds, a spectacle celebrating London 2012, to the birth of Extraordinary Bodies, the UK’s pioneering integrated circus company, Billy’s journey has been one of innovation and collaboration. Embracing the ethos of teamwork and collective vision, Billy continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of what circus can achieve, leaving an indelible mark on the world of performance art.
Stacy and Billy delve into various strategies to support emerging integrated circus companies, focusing on fostering the creation of innovative new work. They explore ways to encourage greater participation of disabled artists in formal circus training programs and create more employment opportunities within the commercial circus industry. Additionally, they address the importance of enhancing audience access to performances, both on stage and outdoors, and discuss evolving circus aesthetics and the reinvention of traditional aesthetics.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
This is our last PRO Talk episode of 2024. Many of you might already be aware, but for those who aren’t, CircusTalk has joined forces with the entertainment media site, Theater Art Life. Together, we’re excited to introduce StageLync—a new platform that will make it easier for audiences to access detailed information about performances. We’re also launching StageLync Pro, a subscription service designed for industry professionals. This service with be very similar to your current CircusTalk PRO experience, it will offer enhanced visibility, networking opportunities, and career support tools. Learn more about here how the merger impacts your CircusTalk profile and membership.
StageLync is launching at the beginning of the summer, packed with fresh content and features. Meanwhile, we’re exploring how we might continue PRO Talk in the future. We value your input on this series and would love to hear about your experiences and needs. Your feedback will help us shape the future of PRO Talk. Please share your thoughts by emailing us at [email protected], and add ‘PRO Talk feedback’ in the subject line.
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