Dean Evans to star in Winter Circus at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - Starting February 15th, alien queens, invisible circuses, and exploding boys will be taking over Evanston. Clown Dean Evans returns to The Actors Gymnasium to star in The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus. Newcity Stage recently recognized Evans as one of "The Fifty People Who Really Perform in Chicago" and Hedy Weiss called him "a master of irony" in his performance in the critically acclaimed Burning Bluebeard. In a previous show featuring Evan's character, the Magical Exploding Boy, NY Theatre Review said, "Magical Exploding Boy, a brilliant man-child with powers of creation and destruction, will absolutely destroy you."
As composer Greg Hirte describes it, The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus is "about the extraordinary person in all of us that's looking to get out, that sometimes thinks that it shouldn't. He dreams into being these worlds that happen and pop. In a way they are so real that they can't help but escape these
fantastic thoughts."
Though Evans is the main character in the show, he will be surrounded by an impressive cast with diverse talent. When asked how they created the show, co-star and co-writer Lindsey Noel Whiting stated, "we asked the main players what they were interested in doing, talked about what people were most excited about and tried to fit them together in a way that makes sense . . . a pretty free flowing creative process."
This creative process fostered a 'try anything' atmosphere, "there's an openness of people trying new things. I think that's pretty cool, especially seeing middle schoolers who usually are like 'I want to succeed. I don't want to take risks or chances. I can't do that.' Instead, a bunch of them are like, "I've never tried Chinese pole before. I'll try it", Whiting continued. Due to this enthusiasm, the writers ended up with a show that contains not only several of Dean's mime pieces but also a Chinese pole act, an alien queen performing contortion, young artists wearing business suits, acrobatics while playing ukulele, and more.
The cast credits this creative atmosphere to director Larry DiStasi. "There is so much encouragement and support from him. It really backs the whole essence of the show. I think people . . . feel really proud and really accomplished of what they are doing. That carries a ton through the show and that makes a much more enjoyable show to perform in and a much more enjoyable show to watch," says cast member Will Howard. Fellow cast member Simone Lazar elaborated on that point, "It was actually really cool because Larry was talking about what my acts mean to me and the inspiration in creating them . . . they somehow made it fit in the story perfectly, so I get to do my acts exactly [how] they were meant to be."
For Lazar, who studied under Russian gold medalist Elena Panova, this show has a deeper significance. "It's pretty cool to be back home for me. This is where I started, and then I went off to circus school and did some performing and now I'm back. Sylvia and Larry have known me since I was 7. So it has some sentimental value to me as well."
With so many shows happening in the theatre capital of America at the same time, it can be a struggle to find your audience. When asked why the public should come see this show, composer Greg Hirte had this to say, "I think its a great reminder to think and dream. I think we all get trapped in our own little worlds, especially in winter time. We all feel a little dulled down, and that can go in one of two directions. We can either just get weighed under, or we can use that time to explore the inner dream, inner fantastic. I think its important to also just have a little fun. There's time to just let loose a little bit, and circus is great for that. That's what is inspiring about it - the improbable and impossible all being brought to focus right before your very eyes. It makes you laugh and entertains you and inspires you to maybe put some happiness back into the world."
The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus runs through March 23rd at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston. For more information and for tickets, visit www.actorsgymnasium.org
View the trailer here
About The Actors Gymnasium
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.
Actors Gymnasium's Circus School Starts the New Year with New Classes
EVANSTON, IL- The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts School starts the new year with the Winter II session beginning on January 27. Classes include unique offerings in subjects such as Aerial Arts, Circus Fitness, Contortion, Drama and Physical Theatre, Imaginastics, Parent-Tot Circus, and Parkour.
Winter II session launches a new class after popular demand, Youth Parkour & Free Running. This class will be offered to students 11-15 years of age and is an introduction to the style of acrobatics which allows the practitioner to leaping and flying around the urban landscape. This class is in addition to the Parkour & Free Running class already offered to students of all levels age 16 and older.
The new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins January 27 and runs through March 30, 2014. There are no classes on January 20 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Further class offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Act Up & Dance, Aerial Arts, Circus Arts, Contortion, Gymnastics, Parent - Tot Circus and Tumbling.
Registration for all Winter II classes are now open at www.actorsgymnasium.org. Classes fill quickly and limited space is available.
About The Actors Gymnasium
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.
The Magical Exploding Circus and the Invisible Circus Takes Part in Chicago Theatre Week
CHICAGO, IL - The Actors Gymnasium joins 100 of Chicago's finest theatres, taking part in the 2nd annual Chicago Theatre Week. Chicago Theatre Week is presented by The League of Chicago Theatres and Choose Chicago whose past projects include the hugely successful Restaurant Week.
As part of the celebration of Chicago's theatre scene, The Actors Gymnasium will offer discounted tickets to the opening weekend of The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus, the latest production in its winter circus series.
Celebrated Chicago clown, Dean Evans returns to The Actors Gymnasium to headline this wild, circus adventure into the imagination. A simple creature who longs to be someone else, the Magical Exploding Boy learns that he cannot escape his unique destiny. This Actors Gymnasium mainstage circus event features original live music, aerial acrobatics, and the birth of a clown. The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus also features Will Howard, Simone Lazar, Javen Ulambayar, and Lindsey Noel Whiting.
View the trailer here
For opening weekend only, locals and tourists can purchase tickets at a special Chicago Theatre Week discount of only $15. Ticket prices for all Chicago Theatre Week performances are so low that theatre fanatics could see two shows for the price of one. Fellow participants include: Lookinnglass Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, Goodman Theatre and Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.
Tickets can be purchased through the Chicago Theatre Week website or through www.actorsgymnasium.org by using the discount code: THWEEK
There are a limited number of tickets available for each performance and tickets are first come, first served. Check early for the best selection.
Performances run February 15 - March 23, with shows at 7:30 pm on Fridays, 4:30 and 7:30 pm on Saturdays and 3:00 pm on Sundays (No 4:30 show on 2/15).
The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative programming, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795.
About The Actors Gymnasium
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.
Speaking Circus - Chicago Seminar
CHICAGO, IL - Next Tuesday, January 7, in conjunction with the Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, Circus Now will host "Speaking Circus - Chicago," a free seminar on contemporary circus for local presenters and cultural journalists.
The event is part of a national series, the first installment of which was hosted in August at the New Victory Theater on Broadway, with presentations from Joe Melillo, the Executive Producer at BAM, and Monique Martin, the Director of Family Programming for Summerstage. Responses from the attendees were highly positive, and several chose to write about the event afterwards. The Wall Street Journal's Pia Catton asked "Circus, Performance Art, What's the Difference?" Newsday's Linda Winer wrote that it was "Time to pay attention to the circus scene." (PDFs attached.)
Please find an official invitation to the event below. Here are some additional links, if you're curious:
An editorial in the NYTimes about the rise of creative circus
Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival
If you have any questions or are interested attending, please contact Duncan Wall.
Duncan Wall
National Director, Circus Now
CN Web / CN Facebook
US: 347.587.8107
CAN: 438.936.7503
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Circus Now invites you toSPEAKING CIRCUS / CHICAGOa collective exploration of contemporary circus criticism
America's first contemporary circus festival is happening in Chicago. In conjunction, join circus practitioners, arts presenters, and fellow journalists for a seminar exploring the exciting emerging genre of contemporary circus. What is contemporary circus? What theatrical and artistic questions confront the art today? Through presentations and discussions, we will explore fresh ways to critically engage with this popular art.
Attendees are also invited to the festival's press screening and scheduled performances.
"It adds up to a movement -- complete with an advocacy group. When circus takes over the performing arts, it won't be hard to figure out what happened here." -- Wall Street Journal, after Speaking Circus / NYC.
PRESENTERS:
Duncan Wall (National Director, Circus Now); Heidi Coleman (Director of University Theater, University of Chicago); Diane Stern (Tour Director, Circa, Australia); Nathalie Hebert (Director of International Development, Flip-Fabrique, Montreal); Shayna Swanson (Artistic Director, Aloft Loft, Producer, Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival); Matt Roben (Producer, Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival); Virginia Niugent (Executive Director, The Actors Gymnasium, Chicago); Adrian Danzig, (Artistic Director, 500 Clown, Chicago); Laura Stokes (Ricochet Company, New Mexico); Cohdi Harrel (Ricochet Company, New Mexico).
WHEN AND WHERE:
Presentations, discussion and complimentary lunch
Tuesday, January 7, 2014, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Canadian Consulate
Prudential Towers
180 N Stetson Ave
Chicago, IL 60601
Press Screening for the Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival
Wednesday January 8, 2014, 7 p.m.
Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N Southport
Chicago, IL 60657
Please RSVP by JANUARY 5, 2014 to angelique@circusnow.org
WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS?Contemporary circus refers to any performance that uses circus skills to emotionally, intellectually, and viscerally engage audiences. It is extremely popular in Europe, Canada and Australia - and now the U.S. is catching up, with hundreds of circus schools and dozens of emerging companies. Circus Now wants to give you the scoop.
Speaking Circus is brought to you by Circus Now, in conjunction with the Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival and with the support of the Quebec Cultural Office. Circus Now is an American organization dedicated to supporting the evolution of circus in America.
About The Actors Gymnasium
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.
Local Students Strap in for Circus Festival Performance
EVANSTON, IL - The American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO) has chosen two 17 year old students from The Actors Gymnasium to perform in the AYCO Young Artist Showcase at the first ever circus festival in the United States.
Alison Tye and Justin Durham applied to AYCO's Young Artist Showcase with their aerial straps act and were selected among youth under 21 from all over the country.
Since acceptance, they have spent hours in The Actors Gymnasium's space, practicing their routine for its January 12 performance at the Atheneaum Theater's main stage. The performance is part of the closing day festivities for the the inaugural Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, taking place January 6 -12.
Durham and Tye first performed their aerial straps act in the highly acclaimed 2012 production of Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus. In the spring of 2013, America's Got Talent invited them to perform their aerial straps act for the producers while they were holding auditions in Chicago. They made it through many rounds of the rigorous audition process. The act has only improved with age and attendees of The Young Artist Showcase are in for quite the treat. Tickets to the performance are currently on sale at web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/9835616
Both Tye and Durham are members of Teen Ensemble and long time students of The Actors Gymnasium.
Tye started out dancing, studying ballet and tap, while also starting skating. When she was eight, she found a flyer for North Shore Rhythmics and decided to give rhythmic gymnastics a try. Through it she learned the dance, flexibility, and strength that she ultimately used for her circus skills.
Tye started in The Actors Gymnasium Summer Circus and Performing Arts Camps with a friend. Once camp ended, she decided to quit gymnastics and join the circus. Starting circus arts classes also helped her get over a fear of heights. Audience members say that they would have never guessed she had a fear. Tye says, "It doesn't affect me when I am performing because my love of performance is greater than my fear of heights."
At Glenbrook South High School, she was recruited for the girls' gymnastics team and made it known that her top priority remained circus. For each class, rehearsal and Teen Ensemble practice, Tye drives 30 minutes from Glenview with her parents who wait outside until it's time to head home again. Her circus pursuits have also taken her to studying flying trapeze in Chicago and the �cole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal. Tye graduates this summer and will be attending Illinois State University's Physical Education Teacher Education Program.
Durham started doing cartwheels before he could stand. When his mother signed him up for his first circus class at age three, it was a natural fit. An ardent student of circus and movement, Durham has taken classes at The Actors Gymnasium since 1999, starting in the Summer Circus and Performing Arts Camps as soon as he was old enough in 2005. Later he became a member of the Teen Ensemble, a camp counselor, and a performer in several of The Actors Gymnasium's theatrical shows.
Like Tye, Durham struggles with balancing circus practice and rehearsal with being a normal high school student. Durham rehearses nearly every day, sometimes for up to 14 hours. This summer, he participated in The Actors Gymnasium's six-week, daily Summer Circus Intensive Workshop, where he was taught by renown circus professionals such as drama instructor David Catlin of Lookingglass and physical theatre instructor Dean Evans. He also takes part in the Dance Lab and Menz Dance programs at New Trier High School as a dancer and choreographer and studies German Wheel under world famous Wolfgang Bientzle. Durham qualified to be a member of the US Men's Team at the 10th Wheel Gymnastics World Championships in Chicago in July.
Durham hopes that his hard work will pay off. He is applying to circus colleges such as Ecole National De Cirque in Montreal, the Nation Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Australia as well as U.S. colleges with dance programs such as New York University, Marymount Manhattan College, and the University of Illinois. He dreams of performing with a world famous circus such as Cirque Du Soleil. Knowing Durham's dream, The Actors Gymnasium nominated him for the 2013 American Youth Circus Organization Youth Leader Award. The winner receives a scholarship to the American Youth Circus Festival. Among the many excellent candidates submitted, Justin achieved placement on the shortlist for the award.
About The Actors Gymnasium
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.