If you’re a fan of clowning, mime, juggling, dance and orchestral circus, you’re going to want to read on. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t forget to do something irredeemably silly every day!
LEARN
Tomorrow and Sunday (1/23-24)
- Master of club juggling and manipulation Anni Küpper is teaching a masterclass from 5-6:30 p.m. PST both days for $35. Hone your existing skills while thinking about new creations and sequences with expert advice from Anni. Sign up to get one of the last spots at this link.
WATCH
January 22-February 21
- Discover the world of A, a lonely clown quarantined on an old theater’s stage, in A.Lone, a one-man theater show produced by the Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center out of Troy, NY. Get tickets to watch the production at this link (the stream is viewable for 72 hours once purchased).
January 22-31
- The diverse and family-friendly cast of of Omnium: A Bold New Circus is performing virtually throughout the month. Performers include aerialist Jen Bricker-Bauer, ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson, and animal trainer Jenny Vidbel. Get timed tickets at this link. If you are unable to donate, you can fill out their complimentary ticket request form.
- The London International Mime Festival is in full swing (in virtual form). You can watch free talks on their YouTube page — including a recent chat with juggling virtuoso Sean Gandini — or check out the festival website for the full program.
Monday (1/25)
- Bindlestiff Family Cirkus will premiere their Open Stage Quarantine Edition: Season 3 at 8 p.m. EST on Facebook and YouTube. Want to perform in future editions of this weekly show? Fill out their act submission form at this link.
January 30
- CirqOvation will perform a collaborative, live-streamed show with Symphoria, a symphony orchestra based in central New York, at 7 p.m. EST. Circus acts will be accompanied by music from Vivaldi, Shostakovich, and many more. Get tickets at this link ($20-$35) for this 1.5-hour show.
January 31-February 20
- Bill Irwin returns to your computer screen with his playful and inquisitive production of On Beckett/In Screen. Shows are January 31 and February 5, 10 and 20. In this virtual show, Irwin utilizes his mastery of physical theater and his lifelong fascination with Samuel Beckett’s writings to great effect. This is a production of the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City. Reserve free, donation-based tickets at this link.
February 12 and 13
- Witness an incredible collaboration between two Japanese artists, juggler Teruki Okamoto and dancer Chiharu Kuronuma, in I/O Double Bill: Dance & Juggling. This unique performance incorporates the performers’ expertise in computer programming, calligraphy, choreography and movement. Showtimes are Friday (2/12) at Midnight and Saturday (2/13) at 11 p.m. EST, with a 50-minute runtime. You can purchase the streamed performance as well as an archival recording at this link.
Anytime
- Watch REFLEXION, a circus film taking a stance against systemic racism and making a plea for empathy, understanding and action, at this link. This 6.5-minute piece features five performing artists, directed by circus artist and producer Matthew Richardson.
DO BUSINESS
Anytime
- First-time applicants — as well as some returning borrowers — are now able to apply for the federal Paycheck Protection Program as the small business relief program restarts. Whether you own a small business or operate as an independent contractor, it’s worth looking into how this program can support you. This New York Times article answers your basic questions, including who is eligible, when to apply, and how the loan structure works. Often, these loans are forgivable as long as you meet certain requirements.
APPLY
- Apply to circus school using the amazing resources provided by Connecting Circus Students Around the World (CSAW). Visit this link for an application master sheet, as well as information about CSAW’s Ambassador Initiative, which pairs prospective circus students with current student liaisons at circus schools around the world.