From learning about Black history in circus to supporting clowns, variety artists and jugglers in numerous ways across the world, we’ve got plenty of great suggestions below!
READ
- Dispatch from Seattle, Part Two: This article series highlights our neighbors to the (far) northwest, detailing our common struggles in the circus industry in the past year. This work is possible thanks to our monthly Patreon sponsors.
- Flipping Out for 75 Years: Read this Maryland Today article to take a trip through the history of University of Maryland’s Gymkana troupe, which has been performing and spreading its ‘clean living’ message for three quarters of a century. Support their ‘Load the Truck’ campaign through Sunday at this link.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY
Tomorrow (2/27)
- Versatile Arts is hosting a virtual talk at 9 p.m. EST with Veronica Blair about the Uncle Junior Project, which chronicles the historic contributions of Black circus artists to the art form in America. Visit this link to register. Tickets are available at a sliding scale.
Anytime
- The Crown is a short circus film that boasts a stunning all-female cast of circus artists of African descent. Watch the show on YouTube here. Donate to the artists at this link. Learn more about the cast and creative process behind this work by watching this In Center Ring episode hosted by Johnathan Lee Iverson.
- Read about historic circus figures from the UK in this Guide London article, which profiles circus proprietor Pablo Fanque and aerialist Miss La La.
WATCH
Tonight (2/26)
- The Parallel Exit at 25 show is happening at 7 p.m. EST. This stellar virtual line-up commemorates the company’s 25 years of creating artistic and thought-provoking performances. Watch at this link.
Tomorrow (2/27)
- The Internet Streaming Early Evening Show — A live streaming variety spectacular for the whole family from Johnson Hall in Maine. Show starts at 7 p.m. EST. Tickets at this link.
- Andrew’s Big Online Birthday Show is a variety show and auction starting at 8 p.m. EST to benefit the Education for the Children campaign in Guatemala. RSVP at this link.
Tomorrow (2/27) and Sunday (2/28)
- Clowns Without Borders USA is hosting multiple events throughout the weekend as part of their annual fundraising program. On Saturday, attend a children’s hour at 5 p.m. EST and watch the Pandemic Pandemonium Gala Show at 10:30 p.m. EST. On Sunday, learn about the early years of CWB at 5 p.m. EST, then watch Hob Nob (a showcase of new work) at 7 p.m. EST. Tickets for all programs are pay-what-you-can at this link.
March 1
- Bindlestiff Family Cirkus presents 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.
March 7
- Cirque Us presents a live stream of their 2017 show DreamCycle at 7 p.m. EST to benefit the Sellam Circus School in Maine. Visit this link for tickets.
LEARN
- Kathryn Carr is teaching an upcoming juggling workshop through the Creative Alliance in Baltimore. Visit this link to learn more and register for the class, which runs from March 28 to April 18 and will be held in-person with social distancing in Patterson Park on Sundays at 11 a.m.
ATTEND
Tomorrow (2/27)
- The Texas Juggling Society is hosting Jugglefest: Pandemic Edition at 8:30 p.m. EST with a free, livestreamed YouTube show featuring a knockout lineup for technically brilliant, elegant and hilarious performers. There will be a Zoom after-party following the show. Watch the show at this link.