For festival artists, jurors, and spectators– not to mention the organizing team and their terrific volunteers– it was another big year at the Young Stage festival, and I was delighted to represent CircusTalk on the jury. Industry peers and prizewinners shared their take on the role circus festivals play in helping the art form flourish.

“A festival is between a fairground and a jewel box. For a talent scout with the motto ‘You never know,’ festivals are essential.” — Pascal Jacob, Artistic Director, Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain Nadja Hauser, Young S...