Reviews to View

Spectacle Magazine Vol v, No.6

Summer camps and summer tours are winding down and the reviews are in. Ernest Albrecht, the guy who gave me my start with circus writing, has released another issue of Spectacle-an online journal of circus arts. This issue kicks in with an Editor’s Fanfare piece about biased circus critics and Ernest shares some eye opening examples.

Further in the issue, you can read a review of two of America’s most skilled youth circuses, Cirkus Smirkus’ summer tour with their show Up, Hup and Away and Circus Juventas’ Wonderland.

There is a review of Cirque du Soleil’s show Toruk by yours truly, and a review of Nik Wallenda’s Zirkus which played in my home town of Atlantic City.

Abroad, Circus Dairies Takes on the Fringe

Katherine Kavanaugh of Circus Dairies and her growing group of circus critics have done a fabulous job of covering the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. There are reviews, schematics, videos and all sorts of fun to be had in the reading. What I love about Ernest and Katherine is that they are each, in their own unique way, not simply reviewing the shows, but also helping to build a language, space and following for a critical look at circus as a cultural and artistic phenomenon.

Education

It happens but once every other year, the gathering of American Circus Educators, and this year it is happening in San Francisco from October  6th  through the 10th. Come to learn, network and gain insights in to circus education trends and techniques. The American Circus Educators Conference has an impressive list of workshops, ones that will enrich summer camps and afterschool classes like Circus Game Swaps, to technical workshops such as Rigging Basics and administrative like Building Local Collaborations. There are also  workshops that will stretch your imagination about what is possible in circus, such as Introduction to Parkour and Flow. There is a discount for ACE members.

Opportunities

A Residency for Circus Artists in the USA is Announced

In its August newsletter, Circus Now released the eagerly awaited details of its new residency program. Among the exciting news–the residency will take place at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.  For 6 to 8 weeks next spring, some up and coming company from the United States will have the opportunity to work with an international director to develop their work. In keeping with the global trend of having the art form diversify, the residency will be awarded to a company that includes multidisciplinary work. To learn more about the program, visit Circus Now’s Residency FAQ’s page.

Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival is Coming in March 2017

Although the line up has not yet been released, the organizers are kicking in to high gear, searching for companies to perform, the key group of volunteers needed to make it run, and also looking for instructors to teach the master classes that give the festival goers and professionals alike a chance to swap knowledge and have a hands-on experience to complement the shows. Visit CCCF website for more information on how to perform, volunteer or teach.

Late breaking news! The US is about to get its first three year full time professional circus training program and it will be in Philadelphia. Circadium is slated to open next year. More details here on how to donate or apply.