While it feels strange to once again be listing live events in this weekly update, we are thrilled to witness the cautious return of in-person circus productions. Whether you are ready to see some live theatrics or would prefer to stay on your couch and marvel from home, you’ll find some great options below!
ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT
May 21
- Battle Night USA returns with competitors going head-to-head in stylish, funky and outrageously fun club juggling battles every Friday in May. Tune into tonight’s battle at 8:30 EDT at this link.
May 29
- The Zoom Circus Show that Goes Wrong is a cinematic, musical celebration of all the inevitable follies of Internet circus productions, including a wide range of talented performers filming acts to an original soundtrack. This is a pre-recorded show with a live emcee, starting at 8 p.m. EDT. Get tickets at this link.
IN-PERSON EVENTS
May 22
- Visit Baltimore County for an outdoor juggle-gathering at Miami Beach Park from 2-4 p.m. There will be a pavilion reserved, and guests can also enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaks and catamarans. You can bring your own food or purchase concessions onsite.Email michaelrosman@me.com with any questions.
May 23
- The comedic (and elegant) aerial duo Forever Marzipan will be performing an in-person show at 5 p.m. at 9705 Laurel St. in Fairfax, VA. Send $15 via Venmo to @ForeverMarzipan and bring your own chair to enjoy this family-friendly circus show. Follow their Instagram for the latest updates.
June 3-13
- The Hand to Hand Circus Festival in Philadelphia features contemporary circus performances by students at Circadium, as well as the show Eventide by multidisciplinary performance company 3AM Theatre. There will also be a free circus midway on June 12 with timed-entry passes to learn circus and occasional street performances. Get all of the details about this festival’s offerings at this link.
VIRTUAL FESTIVALS
May 22-23
- Triforce Flow Online is a collaboration of three major flow festivals to create a one-of-a-kind virtual event. Create an avatar and roam the online map to take workshops, watch the showcase, and catch up with friends in groups or one-on-one. Get tickets at this link.
June 4-6
- Club Fest 2 is bringing you another virtual festival jam-packed with workshops, shows, panels and head-to-head club juggling battles. All are welcome to join this event, organized by Club Motion Juggling, which has cultivated a truly worldwide community of club jugglers. RSVP at the Facebook event page, where you will see an updated schedule and show line-up soon.
July 12-18
- Join hundreds of jugglers from around the world at the IJA Online Festival 2021, featuring shows, workshops, panel discussions, a prop raffle and much more. Last year’s online festival revealed just how fun and far-reaching a virtual juggling event can be. RSVP at the Facebook event page.
CLASSES & COMMUNITY
- This is a gentle reminder that despite the CDC’s updated guidance on mask usage, most private circus businesses are still requiring all visitors to wear a mask when entering and enjoying their facilities. Check out our list of organization offering circus classes in the DMV, and contact them to confirm their Covid safety measures prior to stopping in for a class. Thanks for being a conscientious member of our community!
- You can help advocate for circus as a legitimate art form worthy of inclusion in a federal relief bill by submitting a video of yourself reading this open letter to the president and vice president. This is part of the #BeAnArtsHero Campaign, funneled through the American Circus Alliance. Sign the letter at this link, and submit your video here.
Photo is a poster circa 1870 from the Bella C. Landauer collection via the Library of Congress. https://loc.getarchive.net/media/aerial-balloon-performance-with-tents-and-audience-below