Summer Circus Intensive Showcase Performance Doubles its Shows at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - On July 19 & 20 The Actors Gymnasium will debut its newly expanded Summer Circus Intensive Performance Showcase. The Intensive is an innovative workshop for adults dedicated to the development of high-level physical performance and circus skills.
The workshop participants have spent six weeks with master circus and performing art professionals Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, David Catlin, Dean Evans, Naomi Hummel, Melinda Myers, Oyunchimeg "Oyuna" Yadamjav, and Javen Ulambayar to develop professional acts. The performances on July 19 & 20 will be the first time the public can see these exciting, collaborative acts in their completion. The culminating Summer Circus Intensive Showcase Performance is open to all ages.
This year, the intensive expanded to meet the growing community of participants and the show schedule reflects this growth.
Tickets are available now for both days of performances. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here or at www.actorsgymnasium.org. For group reservations and general questions, call 847-328-2795. The on-location box office opens 1.5 hours prior to the start of each performance.
Intensive 1 Performances
July 19th
4:30 & 7:30 pm
Intensive 2 Performances
July 20th
1:00 & 4:00 pm
View the trailer here
About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming
Larry is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School as well as an ensemble member and founder of the Lookingglass Theatre Company. For Lookingglass, Larry has served as actor, director, administrator and designer over the past 25 years. He has performed in over 30 productions, among them the Tony Award winning production, Metamorphoses, and the Jeff Award winning productions Lookingglass Alice, The Arabian Nights and Hard Times. He directed and adapted The Baron in the Trees for which he received a Jeff Nomination in Adaptation. Larry directed The Actors Gymnasium circuses Dream, Science Fiction, Lost and Found, Skooled, and The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus. He has appeared on television and film and in a Philip Glass Opera called Galileo Galilei. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.
The Actors Gymnasium Theatre Information
The Actors Gymnasium venue is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, Illinois - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months. There is limited metered parking in the Noyes Cultural Center Parking lot and other events in the building can make parking more difficult. Parking in the lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays in the Noyes lot. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center and metered parking on Noyes Street.
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. For more information, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org
CORRECTED: Local Brewery Opens Taps to Support Circus
EVANSTON, IL - Much of life is about who you know. But most social connections don't lead to such unique partnerships. Evanstonians Josh Gilbert and Jenny Breen recently reconnected years after their high school days at ETHS while their lives took them in directions neither expected. Gilbert recently transitioned from architect to the owner of Evanston's first craft brewery, named for the homegrown temperance movement that swept the US in the 1920's. Breen recently became a board member of Evanston's first and only circus school, after taking classes for several years.
Though the paths they took were unlikely, it seemed natural for Breen to ask Gilbert to sponsor the beer at a recent fundraiser at The Actors Gymnasium (AG). It seemed natural for Gilbert and Breen to team up for one of a kind entertainment for Temperance Beer Co.'s Tap Room. Out of that conversation came the idea of the Temperance Circus Night.
On June 20th, fans of local brewing and local circus will be able to enjoy both under the same roof. Attendees will be entertained by AG performers both on the ground and in the air, including stiltwalkers, acrobats, and aerialists while sipping brews with such names as Birdsong, Freedive, and Greenwood Beach Blonde.
There is no admission fee for the fundraiser. Instead Temperance Beer Co. will donate a percentage of that night's drink sales
to raise funds for the school which provides classes in circus and performing arts to students of all ages and financial backgrounds.
Additional funds will be raised through sales of a commemorative poster created by designer and illustrator Joe Taylor, with printing donated by Fisheye Graphics.The poster design can be seen below.
The Temperance Circus Night takes place June 20 from 8-11 pm at the Tap Room, located at 2000 Dempster Street in Evanston. More information about the fundraiser can be found on the event's facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1388709868085050/
About The Actors Gymnasium:
The Actors Gymnasium is a professional Circus & Performing Arts Organization with over 19 years of experience providing premiere instruction and entertainment to the Chicagoland area. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative classes, class descriptions, and performances, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795
About Temperance Beer Co.
It's taken almost one hundred years, but Evanston can once again call itself home to a Temperance movement. But this time there's beer. In fact, this one is all about the beer. Aside from that tiny detail, Temperance has always been about making life better in ways big and small. We think that's a worthy goal, and one that only comes about by being open to the possibilities. It's something we think about with the beers we brew and the things we do. (And when you join us, you will too.)Welcome to a new Temperance movement. More information about Temperance Beer Co. can be found here.
Local Brewery Opens Taps to Support Circus
EVANSTON, IL - Much of life is about who you know. But most social connections don't lead to such unique partnerships. Evanstonians Josh Gilbert and Jenny Breen stayed in contact ever since their high school days at ETHS while their lives took them in directions neither expected. Gilbert recently transitioned from architect to the owner of Evanston's first craft brewery, named for the homegrown temperance movement that swept the US in the 1920's. Breen recently became a board member of Evanston's first and only circus school, after taking classes for several years.
Though the paths they took were unlikely, it seemed natural for Breen to ask Gilbert to sponsor the beer at a recent fundraiser at The Actors Gymnasium (AG). It seemed natural for Gilbert to ask Breen for one of a kind entertainment for Temperance Beer Co.'s Tap Room. Out of that conversation came the idea of the Temperance Circus Night.
On June 20th, fans of local brewing and local circus will be able to enjoy both under the same roof. Attendees will be entertained by AG performers both on the ground and in the air, including stiltwalkers, acrobats, and aerialists while sipping brews with such names as Birdsong, Freedive, and Might Means Right.
There is no admission fee for the fundraiser. Instead Temperance Beer Co. will donate a percentage of that night's drink sales to raise funds for the school which provides classes in circus and performing arts to students of all ages and financial backgrounds.
Additional funds will be raised through sales of a commemorative poster created by designer and illustrator Joe Taylor, with printing donated by Fisheye Graphics.The poster design can be seen below.
The Temperance Circus Night takes place June 20 from 8-11 pm at the Tap Room, located at 2000 Dempster Street in Evanston. More information about the fundraiser can be found on the event's facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1388709868085050/
About The Actors Gymnasium:
The Actors Gymnasium is a professional Circus & Performing Arts Organization with over 19 years of experience providing premiere instruction and entertainment to the Chicagoland area. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative classes, class descriptions, and performances, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795
About Temperance Beer Co.
It's taken almost one hundred years, but Evanston can once again call itself home to a Temperance movement. But this time there's beer. In fact, this one is all about the beer. Aside from that tiny detail, Temperance has always been about making life better in ways big and small. We think that's a worthy goal, and one that only comes about by being open to the possibilities. It's something we think about with the beers we brew and the things we do. (And when you join us, you will too.)Welcome to a new Temperance movement. More information about Temperance Beer Co. can be found here.
Master Workshop on Aerial Straps Offered
EVANSTON, IL - Due to a notable level of interest, The Actors Gymnasium (AG) will offer a master workshop on aerial straps taught by Javen Ulambayar in June.
Ulambayar graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2012 with a Kinesiology degree and an emphasis on clinical movement and science. During his high school and college years, he attended the circus school Circus Juventas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he attained his skills in a variety of performing acts. His performances while in circus school included tumbling, teeterboard, jump rope, Chinese Pole, acro and Russian Bar. He specializes in aerial straps.
The straps workshop will focus on incorporating movements and techniques that develop strength, flexibility and endurance. Many moves are similar in nature to those seen on Men's gymnastic rings, though the pliable nature of straps allow for more moves than the rigid rings. Due to the advanced nature of the apparatus, previous aerial experience is required to take part.
The two hour workshop will take place on June 29 for students ages 16 and older. For more information and to enroll in the workshop, click here.
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. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.
Actors Gymnasium classes are taught in a 3,000 sq/ft gymnasium space that features a 1,600 sq/ft sprung floor and a fully rigged 17 foot ceiling. All aerial equipment such as the aerial hoop, Spanish Web, aerial silks, static trapeze and more are provided, as well as the equipment for ground skills such as unicycling, juggling, tight wire and gymnastics.
The Actors Gymnasium [an Illinois Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) corporation] 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 for our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For more information, visit www.actorsgymnasium.org
The Actors Gymnasium Wins Best Interactive Event Entertainment Award
2014 NICE AWARDS
This April, the Actors Gymnasium won the NICE Award for "Best Interactive Entertainment" accepted by Director of Event Entertainment Kiana Harris Simon.
The N.I.C.E. Awards were established to recognize Chicago area members of NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) and ISES (International Special Events Society) for their accomplishments within the special events industry. The joint awards ceremony celebrates achievements in the areas of event planning, catering, entertainment, creative and support services.
View more of The Actors Gymnasium's innovative Event Entertainers here. You'll also find more information regarding our event entertainment here.
To book performers from The Actors Gymnasium, contact Kiana at events@actorsgymnasium.org or by phone at 847.328.2795.
Recent Testimonials Include:
"...the entertainers were FANTASTIC. Thank you so much for all of your help."
"The Grand Opening of Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram was the 3rd time I've hired The Actors Gymnasium to perform at one of my events. The reason I keep on bringing them back is because they have a very large selection of diverse performers, their prices are fair and they are very helpful to help me find the right performers to fit each event."
"Kudos to Actors Gymnasium and the over the top customer service and response time. Great organization with which to do business!"
"We received many compliments that it was [a] unique touch and a beautiful accompaniment to the event. We appreciate all the effort you put in and we will be sure to use [The] Actors Gymnasium or recommend them to others in the future should the need arise."
"We loved our [performers]! Both actors were great and very personable. They got a lot of great photos with our guests, and interacted with the crowd in exactly the way we were hoping. I would definitely call upon The Actors Gymnasium again!"
"Thanks for a great event. Kudos. The professionalism, friendliness, and skill set of the performers were absolutely excellent. The energy fed back into the crowd. Your event night coordination with this group was great, and [we] enjoyed working with you that evening."
"I so appreciate all of your work and efforts to make [the] party a huge success. So many people asked for their information, and inquired as to how I found them. That's just how awesome it was! I will definitely use your services again for any future events I plan. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
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.
Evanston's Only Circus School Teaches Students to Fly
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts School starts registration today for their Summer session beginning on June 9. Classes include unique offerings in subjects such as Circus & Aerial Arts, Parkour & Art du Deplacement, and more for both youth and adults.
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to teaching circus and aerials arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance. Their highly-skilled faculty teach classes for all ages, as well as extremely popular and innovative skill building camps and workshops throughout the year.
To take advantage of the warm weather, Parkour & Art du Deplacement classes for adults and youth ages 11 to 15 will be offered on Saturdays. Students learn the disciplines in which practitioners use their bodies to interact with and traverse all type of environments while simultaneously focusing on mental and spiritual development. Further class offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Circus Arts, Contortion, Gymnastics, and Imaginastics. The new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins June 9 and runs through August 3, 2014. There are no classes July 4.
Due to popular demand, The Actors Gymnasium has also expanded its Summer Circus Intensive Workshop to provide options for both afternoon and evening classes. More information on this high level performance ready workshop can be found here. Additional evening and weekend classes are available for adult students here.
Registration for all Summer classes are now open at www.actorsgymnasium.org. Classes fill quickly and limited space is available. Financial aid and payment plans available. For more information, contact our office by email or by phone (847)328-2795. The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.
Actors Gymnasium classes are taught in a 3,000 sq/ft gymnasium space that features a 1,600 sq/ft sprung floor and a fully rigged 17 foot ceiling. All aerial equipment such as the Aerial Hoop, Spanish Web, aerial silks, static trapeze and more are provided, as well as the equipment for ground skills such as unicycling, juggling, tight wire and gymnastics. Classes such as dance, or drama may take place in other studios within the Noyes Cultural Arts Center that feature tiled/wooden floors. Padded gymnastic mats and other equipment will be added if necessary.
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. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative classes, class descriptions, and performances, and more, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795.
The Actors Gymnasium's Popular Circus in Progress Series Returns
EVANSTON, IL - On May 31, Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work returns to The Actors Gymnasium after over two years of sold out performances. Chicago theatre and circus lovers of all ages delight in this popular sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art. This cabaret style performance series focuses on the development of new acts, showcasing many Chicagoland area circus and variety arts professionals as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's classes.
Tickets are available now for the one day only performances on May 31 at 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here or at www.actorsgymnasium.org. For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795. The on-location box office opens 1.5 hours prior to the start of each performance.
Further performer announcements will continue throughout the month through The Actors Gymnasium's social media and on the production page, but the following acts are confirmed: Spring & Tulga, ETC Music School Ensemble, Aerial Dance Chicago, and advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's own classes.
To view the trailer, click here
About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming
Larry is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School as well as an ensemble member and founder of the Lookingglass Theatre Company. For Lookingglass, Larry has served as actor, director, administrator and designer over the past 25 years. He has performed in over 30 productions, among them the Tony Award winning production, Metamorphoses, and the Jeff Award winning productions Lookingglass Alice, The Arabian Nights and Hard Times. He directed and adapted The Baron in the Trees for which he received a Jeff Nomination in Adaptation. Larry directed The Actors Gymnasium circuses Dream, Science Fiction, Lost and Found, Skooled, and The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus. He has appeared on television and film and in a Philip Glass Opera called Galileo Galilei. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.
The Actors Gymnasium Theatre Information
The Actors Gymnasium venue is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, Illinois - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months. There is limited metered parking in the Noyes Cultural Center Parking lot and other events in the building can make parking more difficult. Parking in the lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays in the Noyes lot. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center and metered parking on Noyes Street.
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. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative classes, class descriptions, and performances, and more, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795.
Early Bird Discount Ends Wednesday for New Summer Circus Intensive Programs at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium has announced the addition of an Adult Summer Circus Intensive (SCI) to their summer scheduling. SCI is an innovative six-week intensive workshop dedicated to physical performance and act creation. The program offers performers the chance to choreograph their own work. In this way, the Summer Circus Intensive fosters the creative and artistic development of the performers in addition to the development of technical skills. Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Dean Evans and area master teachers provide instruction in a variety of circus and performing art disciplines. More information can be found below and at our website here.
Early Bird Registration:
The Early Bird Discount of $750 is for Adult Intensive only and valid through Wednesday, April 30th only.
Enrollment process:
Enroll for either intensive here. It is required that students have taken at least one class prior at The Actors Gymnasium or have teacher permission.
If you have never taken a class at The Actors Gymnasium please add yourself to the wait list and submit the following information below to sylvia@actorsgymnasium.org.
Brief background
Training (if any)
Goals
Pictures or video link (not required)
Class Times & Dates:
Students will have classes 4 days a week, Monday - Thursday. Classes begin June 9th and run through July 18. No class July 4.
Teen Intensive: 4:15-6:15pm
Adult Intensive: 6:15-8:15pm
Daily Classes:
Students work with master circus professionals each day on individual circus skills. Students also receive an Open Gym card which provides students with the opportunity to practice their act outside of class without additional cost.
Performances:
A high point of the SCI experience is the performance. Technical rehearsal takes place Friday, July 18th at 4:15pm. Performances take place July 19th at 4:30 and 7:30 pm and July 20th at 1:00 and 4:00 pm. For tickets to the performance, please visit our Shows page.
Faculty:
Full time faculty includes: Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Oyunchimeg "Oyuna" Yadamjav, and Javen Ulambayar, with guest artists such as Dean Evans (Chicago Physical Theater), and Naomi Hummel. Additional teachers to be announced.
Age Qualifications:
Teen Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 16 and over.
Adult Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 18 and over.
Fees:
Tuition: $825
**$100 non-refundable deposit for intensive
Location:
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. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.
Actors Gymnasium classes are taught in a 3,000 sq/ft gymnasium space that features a 1,600 sq/ft sprung floor and a fully rigged 17 foot ceiling. All aerial equipment such as the Aerial Hoop, Spanish Web, aerial silks, static trapeze and more are provided, as well as the equipment for ground skills such as unicycling, juggling, tight wire and gymnastics. Classes such as dance, or drama may take place in other studios within the Noyes Cultural Arts Center that feature tiled/wooden floors. Padded gymnastic mats and other equipment will be added if necessary.
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. For more information, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org
New Summer Circus Intensive Programs at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium has announced the addition of an Adult Summer Circus Intensive (SCI) to their summer scheduling. SCI is an innovative six-week intensive workshop dedicated to physical performance and act creation. The program offers performers the chance to choreograph their own work. In this way, the Summer Circus Intensive fosters the creative and artistic development of the performers in addition to the development of technical skills. Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Dean Evans and area master teachers provide instruction in a variety of circus and performing art disciplines.
Class Times & Dates:
Students will have classes 4 days a week, Monday - Thursday. Classes begin June 9th and run through July 18. No class July 4.
Teen Intensive: 4:15-6:15pm
Adult Intensive: 6:15-8:15pm
Daily Classes:
Students work with master circus professionals each day on individual circus skills. Students also receive an Open Gym card which provides students with the opportunity to practice their act outside of class without additional cost.
Performances:
A high point of the SCI experience is the performance. Technical rehearsal takes place Friday, July 18th at 4:15pm. Performances take place July 19th at 4:30 and 7:30 pm and July 20th at 1:00 and 4:00 pm. For tickets to the performance, please visit our Shows page.
Faculty:
Full time faculty includes: Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and Javen Ulambayar, with guest artists such as Dean Evans (Chicago Physical Theater). Additional teachers to be announced.
Enrollment process:
It is required that students have taken at least one class prior at The Actors Gymnasium or have teacher permission.
If you have never taken a class at The Actors Gymnasium please add yourself to the wait list and submit the following information below to sylvia@actorsgymnasium.org.
Brief background
Training (if any)
Goals
Pictures or video link (not required)
Age Qualifications:
Teen Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 16 and over.
Adult Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 18 and over.
Fees:
Tuition: $825
**$100 non-refundable deposit for intensive
Early Bird Registration:
Early Bird registration is encouraged to save money and secure a spot in this intensive. The Early Bird Discount of $750 is for Adult Intensive only and valid through April 30th.
Location:
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. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.
Actors Gymnasium classes are taught in a 3,000 sq/ft gymnasium space that features a 1,600 sq/ft sprung floor and a fully rigged 17 foot ceiling. All aerial equipment such as the Aerial Hoop, Spanish Web, aerial silks, static trapeze and more are provided, as well as the equipment for ground skills such as unicycling, juggling, tight wire and gymnastics. Classes such as dance, or drama may take place in other studios within the Noyes Cultural Arts Center that feature tiled/wooden floors. Padded gymnastic mats and other equipment will be added if necessary.
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. For more information, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org
Master Workshop in Chinese Pole Offered
Photo by Cole Simon
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium (AG) recently featured a circus apparatus known as Chinese pole in their highly acclaimed show, The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus. The Chinese Pole was a major crowd pleaser in the shows finale and piqued interest among students and staff. Due to this notable level of interest, AG will offer a master workshop on the apparatus, taught by Javen Ulambayar.
Ulambayar graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2012 with a Kinesiology degree and an emphasis on clinical movement and science. During his high school and college years, he attended the circus school "Juventas" in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Here he attained his skills in a variety of performing acts. His performances while in circus school included tumbling, teeterboard, jump rope, Chinese Pole, acro and Russian Bar. He also specializes in aerial straps.
The Chinese pole is a vertical pole on which performers display strength and skill by climbing, sliding down, and holding poses. The two hour Chinese pole workshop will focus on incorporating movements and techniques that develop strength, flexibility and endurance. This class is suitable for all levels and abilities and is open to complete beginners.
The workshop will take place on May 3rd for students ages 16 and older. For more information and to enroll in the workshop, click here.
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. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.
Actors Gymnasium classes are taught in a 3,000 sq/ft gymnasium space that features a 1,600 sq/ft sprung floor and a fully rigged 17 foot ceiling. All aerial equipment such as the Aerial Hoop, Spanish Web, aerial silks, static trapeze and more are provided, as well as the equipment for ground skills such as unicycling, juggling, tight wire and gymnastics. Classes such as dance or drama may take place in other studios within the Noyes Cultural Arts Center that feature tiled/wooden floors. Padded gymnastic mats and other equipment will be added if necessary.
The Actors Gymnasium [an Illinois Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) corporation] 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 for our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For more information, visit www.actorsgymnasium.org
Exclusive Insights into Creative Innovation
EVANSTON, IL - March 22 - One Night Only
The Invisible Circus Revealed is a unique opportunity to get on the stage, behind the scenes and into the minds of local creative innovators. Following a champagne reception and seeing The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus, audience members will tour the stage, meet the cast, and get exclusive insights from the creative team.
The Actors Gymnasium is a performance laboratory where some of the most innovative and ground-breaking physical theatre in Illinois is developed. Recognized for its longstanding collaboration with the Lookingglass Theatre, The Actors Gymnasium trains multidisciplinary performing artists who have performed on stages from coast to coast.
The Creative Innovators:
Larry DiStasi (Director/Co-writer/Co-artistic director) - is a co-Founder of both the Tony Award winning Lookingglass Theatre and The Actors Gymnasium.
Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (Circus choreographer/Co-artistic director) - is a co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium whose choreography has received 4 Jeff Awards. Recent credits include Lookingglass Theatre's The Little Prince and Northwestern's upcoming Moby Dick.
Dean Evans (Clown/Mime/Co-writer) is as an actor, teacher, solo-performing artist and a major force in the physical theatre community of Chicago. His work recently earned him recognition as A Player in Newcity Stage's "The Players 2014: The Fifty People Who Really Perform in Chicago."
Lindsey Noel Whiting (Actress/Co-writer) is recognized for her musical and acrobatic work at Lookingglass Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Redmoon, Victory Gardens, and the circus-punk-marching band, Mucca Pazza.
Tickets are $50 each (incl $30 tax-deduction) and can be purchased here.
Sponsors for this special benefit performance include The Wine Goddess, Temperance Beer Co., Whole Foods-South Evanston, and Fannie May Chocolates. All proceeds will support creative innovation at The Actors Gymnasium, which reaches over 17,000 people a year.
Program:
7:00 pm - Libations and chocolates
7:30 pm - Performance of The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus
9:00 - 10:30pm - Explore the stage, take photos with the cast, enjoy the reception, and hear from the creative team.
Photo by Kate Tabor
About The Actors Gymnasium:
The Actors Gymnasium is a professional Circus & Performing Arts Organization with over 18 years of experience providing premiere instruction and entertainment to the Chicagoland area. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.
Actors Gymnasium's Circus School Welcomes Spring with New Session of Classes
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts School starts registration today for their Spring session beginning on March 31. Classes include unique offerings in subjects such as Aerial Arts, Circus Fitness, Stage Combat, Imaginastics, Parent-Tot Circus, and Parkour.
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to teaching circus and aerials arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance. Their highly-skilled faculty teach classes for both adults and kids, as well as extremely popular and innovative skill building camps and workshops throughout the year.
Due to popular demand, The Actors Gymnasium has expanded its Parkour and Art du Deplacement classes to provide options for both adults and children. Students learn the disciplines in which practitioners use their bodies to interact with and traverse all type of environments while simultaneously focusing on mental and spiritual development.
Society of American Fight Directors President Chuck Coyl returns to The Actors Gymnasium this Spring to teach a new Single Weapon Certification Sword and Shield workshop. This class will cover the basics of staged sword and shield combat including sword attacks, shield attacks, slashing attacks, binds, moulinets, parries and defense work. Participants will have the opportunity to take the SAFD skills proficiency test at the conclusion of the session.
The new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins March 31 - June 8, 2014. There are no classes April 7 - 13 and May 26 for Memorial 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 Spring 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.
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.
The Actors Gymnasium to Open the 19th Season with Circus in Progress
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium Artistic Director of Programming Larry DiStasi has announced the company's lineup for its 2013-2014 season. During 2013-2014, The Actors Gymnasium celebrates the organization's 19th season. The line up includes public performances of both narrative theatrical pieces, including the annual main stage Winter Circus, as well as variety act installations such as Circus in Progress and the Summer Circus Intensive Showcase.
The Actors Gymnasium opens its 2013-2014 season on October 12 with Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work. Each year, Chicago theatre and circus lovers of all ages delight in this popular sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art. This cabaret style performance series focuses on the development of new acts, showcasing many Chicagoland area circus and variety arts professionals as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's classes. Tickets are available now for the 4:30 matinee and the 7:30 evening performances. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12.50 for kids, students and seniors.
Further performer announcements will continue throughout fall through The Actors Gymnasium's social media, but the following acts are confirmed: Will Howard & Pam Davidson (adagio), Meredith "Tommy" Tomlins (juggling and aerial sling), Simone Lazar (lyra and contortion), Isaac Schoepp (diablo), The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble (circus mash-up), Javen Ulambayar (aerial straps), Jill Heyser (trapeze).
PRODUCTION CALENDAR
Circus in Progress - An Evening of Daring New Work
Saturday, October 12, 2013
View the trailer here.
Get a sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art. This latest installation of our performance series focuses on the development of new acts. Professionals from the Chicagoland circus community will be featured as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's own classes. Two Performances Only.
A'Musing Myths: Fall Youth Circus
Written/Directed by Chris Mathews
Circus Choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi
Dance Choreography by Topeka Ellis
Assistant Directed by David Corlew
November 9, 10, 16, 17, 2013
A young girl who sacrifices love for the sake of the world. A fierce seamstress who dares flaunt her talents before the goddess of Arts & Crafts. That angry one with the snakes for hair. The gift of fire and the origin of man himself. Join us as Prometheus, our favorite Titan, recounts the origins of some of his favorite characters from mythic Greece. The Members of The Actors Gymnasium's Fall Youth Ensemble combine skills in circus, dance, clowning, and ensemble to delight us on adventures that span the heights of Mount Olympus, the depths of the Underworld, and every strange and imaginary place in between.
Winter Circus
Directed by Larry DiStasi
Featuring Dean Evans, "The Magical Exploding Boy"
February 15 - March 23, 2014
Previous Winter Circus productions include: Skooled: A Study in Circus ("a fascinating theatrical experiment...highly entertaining...Skooled crackles with energy" **Recommended** - The Chicago Reader), Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus ("This production will charm, warm and wow you...sly and nuanced clowning...wordless, impressive poetry" - Chicago Theatre Blog), and Science Fiction: An Experiment in Circus ("A funny and kinetic show the whole family can enjoy." - Evanston Roundtable)
Circus in Progress - An Evening of Daring New Work
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Get a sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art. This latest installation of our performance series focuses on the development of new acts. Professionals from the Chicagoland circus community will be featured as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's own classes. Two Performances Only.
Spring Youth Circus
May 31 - June 1, 2014
The Youth Circus is a performance-based training program that culminates in a fully-produced, original show. This intensive experience includes high-quality training in drama, dance and circus arts - not to mention personal and interpersonal skills that are invaluable. The Youth Circus is one of The Actors Gymnasium's most popular ticketed events each year.
Summer Circus and Performing Arts Camp Shows
Session One - July 2 & 3, 2013
Session Two - July 31 & August 1, 2014
Performances of the camp shows are intended for the participants and their families and have limited ticketing options.
Summer Circus Intensive Showcase
Saturday, July 26, 2014
The Actors Gymnasium Summer Circus Intensive is an innovative six-week intensive workshop for adults, dedicated to the development of high-level physical performance and circus skills. The workshop culminates in this exciting, collaborative final recital known as the Summer Circus Intensive Showcase Performance.
About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming
Larry is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School as well as an ensemble member and founder of the Lookingglass Theatre Company. For Lookingglass, Larry has served as actor, director, administrator and designer over the past 25 years. He has performed in over 30 productions, among them the Tony Award winning production, Metamorphoses, and the Jeff Award winning productions Lookingglass Alice, The Arabian Nights and Hard Times. He directed and adapted The Baron in the Trees for which he received a Jeff Nomination in Adaptation. Larry directed The Actors Gymnasium circuses Dream, Science Fiction, Lost and Found, and Skooled. He has appeared on television and film and in a Philip Glass Opera called Galileo Galilei. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.
The Actors Gymnasium Theatre Information
The Actors Gymnasium venue is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, Illinois - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. There is limited metered parking in the Noyes Cultural Center Parking lot and other events in the building can make parking more difficult. Parking in the lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays in the Noyes lot. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center and metered parking on Noyes Street.
Friday performances begin at 7:30 pm; Saturday matinee performances begin at 4:30 pm and evening performances begin at 7:30 pm; matinees on Sunday begin at 3:00 pm.
Tickets can be purchased at www.actorsgymnasium.org. For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795. The on-location box office opens 1.5 hours prior to the start of each performance.
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 Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School
Each year, The Actors Gymnasium's education programs reach over 3,000 students of all ages in the Evanston and Chicagoland area. To register for classes, call 847-328-2795, email email@actorsgymnasium.org, or visit www.actorsgymnasium.org/classes-camps/
The Actors Gymnasium Event Entertainment
The Actors Gymnasium serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities for our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. With over 18 years of experience providing premiere entertainment and instruction, The Actors Gymnasium has a variety of great options for any event.
To book a performer or instructor now, call 847-328-2795, email events@actorsgymnasium.org, or visit www.actorsgymnasium.org/event-entertainment/
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 Actors Gymnasium Announces their New Executive Director
EVANSTON, IL - After an extensive nation-wide search, The Actors Gymnasium is pleased to announce that Virginia Nugent has joined The Actors Gymnasium staff as the organization's new Executive Director.
"We're thrilled to have found someone with the scope and breadth of knowledge of theatre and the not-for-profit world that Virginia brings to the table " says Co-Artistic Director Larry DiStasi.
Virginia is an arts and culture specialist with 25 years experience and was most recently engaged as Interim Managing Director and Development Director for Chicago Dramatists. She brings a deep understanding of show business from her background in technical production and general arts management.
Virginia literally "grew up" in theatre in her native Australia, napping in the dressing room and running lines over the kitchen table, which led to a professional production career primarily in musical theatre and opera. Highlights include the Australian premiere of Phantom of the Opera, and production managing Australia's first ever fully-staged Ring Cycle. Since moving to the U.S. in 1999, Virginia has also worked with Pittsburgh Opera, History Theatre, Grace Minnesota/Wishes for the Sky, Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
In addition to delivering results for a spectrum of arts organizations, Virginia's community engagement includes chairing multi-disciplinary committees for the City of St. Paul, representing a local research site to report out at the national Performing Arts Research Coalition, developing the Twin Cities' theatre awards, serving on the Rotary Club of St. Paul board of directors, reviewing grants for state and local government agencies, and facilitating Strategic Planning for volunteer service clubs.
Virginia starts at The Actors Gymnasium on September 3rd and her first month will focus on getting to know the staff, instructors, board and other key members of The Actors Gymnasium's community. Parents and Students interested in introducing themselves to Virginia will have an opportunity to do so at various Meet 'n' Greet sessions, tentatively scheduled for October.
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 GALA RAISES $12,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium held it's annual fundraising Benefit Gala on July 20 at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. Over one hundred fifty supporters came out to enjoy circus aerial acts, contortionists, and acrobats, raising over $12,000 in scholarships for Circus classes. The event was emceed by Actors Gym headliner Lindsey Noel Whiting and Lookingglass ensemble member David Catlin, and over 30 local Evanston businesses donated food and items for the silent auction.
"The Actors Gymnasium believes that diversity and accessibility to all of Evanston is important. It is because of this belief that the evening was so successful. The funds raised at the Gala will help more students become a part of the circus family we have here at the gym." says Tracy Aiden, Gala benefit Chair.
The Actors Gymnasium is a recipient of the 2009 Evanston Mayor's Award for the Arts. It serves over 3,000 students per year, and puts on six sold out productions annually.
The 2013 Shipwrecked Gala Committee with Artistic Co-Directors
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.