The Actors Gymnasium Announces Change in Leadership Structureto Coincide With 20th Anniversary Season
Evanston, Ill. ─ August 10, 2015: The Actors Gymnasium today announced a leadership change in conjunction with its 20th season. Co-founder and Artistic Director of Programming Larry DiStasi will become Advising Artistic Director and join the Advisory Board as he focuses on his performing and personal artistic career. DiStasi has been cast in the fall production of Treasure Island at Lookingglass Theatre, where he is a Founding Ensemble Member.
"Five years ago, The Actors Gymnasium embarked on a bold capacity-building initiative with the goal of having in place by our 20th year an enduring, leading professional circus and performing arts institution. We have successfully achieved that goal. While I will remain involved, I can now focus on acting and other artistic pursuits knowing what we have built will continue to thrive," DiStasi said.
A longstanding Chicagoland cultural icon, The Actors Gymnasium has achieved national recognition for its classes, programs, and productions. The Gym recently opened a second studio at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Its Professional Circus Training Program, designed to prepare dedicated artists for professional circus performance, is set to launch in September.
"Larry has filled many roles over the years, including that of managing director," said Board President Sam Fishkin. "His focus on excellence helped build The Actors Gymnasium into one of the nation's premier circus and performing arts centers."
Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Circus Arts Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi will assume full artistic responsibility for the company. Executive Director Virginia Nugent will continue to oversee business operations.
"Larry's physical theatre background and artistic vision of circus as a multi-dimensional performing art form became a core part of The Gym. That vision is key to what makes The Actors Gymnasium unique," said Hernandez-DiStasi. " Larry is an amazing writer, actor, and director, and will continue to inspire."
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
Staff Changes at Local Non Profit
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium is thrilled to welcome Scott Dare as the company's new Office Coordinator and Deanna Myers as the new Education Coordinator.
After completing his M.A. in Contemporary Performance Practices in London, Scott moved to Chicago to be a part of the vibrant theatre comunity. His background as an actor, deviser, and martial artist brought him into the world of physical theatre many years ago, and he's thrilled to be a part of a team bringing exciting new things to the American theatre. Scott's works have been seen in San Francisco, London, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He plans to get his Ph.D. in performance studies, exploring martial arts and their effect on the actor's body.
Deanna is an actor, educator and theatre-maker who is proud to be a part of Chicago's community of artists. As an educator, Deanna has worked with Barrel of Monkeys and Catharsis Productions, and is most passionate about projects with a focus on social justice and inclusion. As a performer, she has been seen on a wide variety of stages around Chicago including The House Theatre, Steppenwolf, Redmoon, The Goodman, Lifeline and The Waltzing Mechanics. Deanna is incredibly excited to join the staff at The Actors Gymnasium, and can't wait to continue nurturing her love of theatre and education with the wonderful people here.
In addition, Michelle Higgins has been promoted from Marketing & Development Coordinator to Marketing Manager. She succeeds former Director of Event Entertainment & Marketing Kiana Harris who has moved to Publicity Manager at Goodman Theatre. Michelle is glad she listened to the crazy voice in her head that told her to jump from a stable job to part time job at an arts non profit. The leap of faith has completely paid off. She is constantly amazed that after years of working in theatre, independent film, and speech/forensics; circus continues to expand her in new ways of storytelling and connection.
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 24 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. Starting Fall Session 2015 additionally classes will be taught in Studio 108, a 900 sq/ft classroom space that features a floating sprung White Oak dance floor, a fully rigged 14 foot ceiling, a handstand wall, conditioning ladders, and room length 12 foot mirrors for aerial work.
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
Budding Circus Artists Showcase New Acts
EVANSTON, IL - After 6 weeks of demanding training, some of AG's best students will put on the Summer Circus Intensive Performance Showcase. The workshop participants have spent the time with master circus and performing art professionals Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Dean Evans, Tommy Rapley, Charlene Numrych, Tommy Tomlins, and Javen Ulambayar to develop professional acts.
The performances on July 25 & 26 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.
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 II Performances
Saturday, July 25, 2015
4:30 & 7:30 pm
Intensive I Performances
Sunday, July 26, 2015
1:00 & 4:00 pm
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 T he 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.
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 24 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. Starting Fall Session 2015 additionally classes will be taught in Studio 108, a 900 sq/ft classroom space that features a floating sprung White Oak dance floor, a fully rigged 14 foot ceiling, a handstand wall, conditioning ladders, and room length 12 foot mirrors for aerial work.
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
Local Company Breaths New Life into Circus Space
EVANSTON, IL - Chicago area CHJ Painting gave a wonderful gift to The Actors Gymnasium - free painting of their new studio space.
The Actors Gymnasium recently received a second space in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center due to the support of the City of Evanston and the Noyes Tenants Association. In March, they signed the lease for Studio 108 where they plan to expand class offerings for their early childhood and younger students, add new classes specifically for students with special needs, as well as a training space for their new Professional Circus Training Program and dance and rehearsal space for their eight annual shows.
A new studio space represented many new opportunities but also some major expenses for the non profit. When Bill Barton of CHJ Painting reached out to Executive Director Virginia Nugent about donating their services, she recognized it for the wonderful windfall it was. "It was clear from the beginning that CHJ Painting are committed to community. Their generosity in helping more of our precious resources be dedicated to making our programs accessible to all Evanston kids is to be applauded. Thanks to their terrific partnership with Sherwin Williams who donated the paint, we were able to redirect over $2,000 towards our scholarship program."
CHJ Painting & Remodeling Inc. is a North Shore based residential/commercial, interior/exterior painting company - licensed and insured. Dedicated to meeting client expectations by delivering excellent service and quality craftsmanship, they do everything from quick clean-up jobs to detail-oriented high-end projects, single rooms to complete homes. They also offer rental repaints of offices and living spaces.
After the long process of removing the old trappings of the studio, including a blackboard from when the Noyes Center was originally a school, putting in a dance floor, installing professional rigging b y Chicago Flyhouse, adding mirrors and the painting done by CHJ Painting, the space will open up for its first session of classes in the fall. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the new space is expected to take place in early September.
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
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 24 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. Starting Fall Session 2015 additionally classes will be taught in Studio 108, a 900 sq/ft classroom space that features a floating sprung White Oak dance floor, a fully rigged 14 foot ceiling, a handstand wall, conditioning ladders, and room length 12 foot mirrors for aerial work.
Whole Foods Partners with Local Circus School
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium is pleased to announce that it is the latest non profit to be chosen by both the Downtown Evanston and the Evanston South Whole Foods for a Community Support Day. On Tuesday May 19, money spent at the grocery store will buy more than food, 5% of all sales will be donated to The Actors Gymnasium in support of outreach initiatives.
"This partnership is about Creativity, Community and Courage. Whole Foods and Actors Gym share these values, and both are pioneers in healthy living. Together we will create a totally fun way to stock up for the long weekend," Says Co-Artistic Director Larry DiStasi. "Our students are young and old, recreational and professional, Being healthy, confident and fit is essential to their success, both in circus studies and in life. The money we raise on Tuesday supports outreach and accessibility at Actors Gym. Thanks to Whole Foods for believing that everyone deserves the chance to Learn to Fly."
Both Whole Foods locations are open from 8 am-10 pm, and representatives from The Actors Gymnasium will be there all day to answer questions about the organization. From 11:30 am-1:30 pm, professional jugglers from The Actors Gymnasium will entertain shoppers at both locations followed by a visit from the Teen Ensemble on their unicycles outside the Downtown Evanston store from 5-6:30 pm encouraging passersby to stock up for the week ahead.
Past non-profits to receive the honor include Random Acts of Flowers, The Douglas Center, the City of Evanston's Evanston Parks Foundation, the Youth Job Center, Literature for All of Us, The Talking Farm and Family Promise Chicago North Shore.
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
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 24 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 are added if necessary.
Curtains Up at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium is pleased to announce the installation of new drapes in its theater made possible by a grant from The Saints as part of their mission to support arts organizations in Chicago and nearby communities through volunteer and charitable services.
The new drapes were installed on Sunday after being delivered by manufacturers MainStage Theatrical Supply. The Actors Gymnasium puts on eight productions annually, ranging from summer camp performances and youth performances to original circus-theatre productions featuring the best of the Chicago circus community.
"After years of dealing with mismatched drapes held together by gaff tape, upholstery thread, and hope, we finally have drapes that match the professionalism and hard work that our students and performers bring to the space," says Co-Artistic Director Larry DiStasi.
The Actors Gymnasium was one of 22 organizations to be awarded a total of $115,000 in grants. In total 144 applications were submitted for the grants that ranged from $500 to $7,500. Funding for the grants comes almost exclusively from the annual membership dues of the 2,200 members of the Saints.
The curtains will be put to immediate use for a production opening May 16 titled The Great Superhero Exposition: Spring Youth Circus.
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
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 24 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 are added if necessary.
Return of Popular Circus Series in Evanston
EVANSTON, IL - On May 30,
Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work returns to The Actors Gymnasium after over three years of sold out performances. 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.
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: Eric Allen (Straps), Benjamin Barnes (Magic), Jennifer & Una Breen (Duo Silk Knot), Paul Bozek & Becka Colon (Duo Trapeze), Ariele Ebacher & Jan Damm (Acrobatic Bottle Act), Kasumi Kato (Aerial Silks), Megan Mallouk (Cloud Swing), Michael Montenegro (Comedic Puppetry), Alison Tye (Lyra), and The Actors Gymnasium Intermediate Aerial Class (Group Aerial).
Nibbles and beer after the 7:30 performance are sponsored by Union Pizzeria and Temperance Beer Co.
To view the trailer, click here
Tickets are available now for the one day only performances on May 30 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.
About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming:
Larry DiStasi is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium as well as a co-founder and ensemble member of 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 received a Jeff Nomination for his direction and adaptation of The Baron in the Trees. Larry directed and co-created 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.
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. Parking in the Noyes Cultural Center lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center around the corner, as well as 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
Superheros Descend to Save Evanston
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium presents the third annual Spring Youth Circus, The Great Superhero Exposition opening May 16.
As a superhero exposition falls victim to a team of villains out for revenge, a young nobody finds a strength within herself that might have the power to save the world. Aerial acrobatics, dance battles and superpowers collide in this original circus-theatre production.
The Actors Gymnasium 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, aerial and circus arts - not to mention collaboration, verbal communication, listening skills, problem solving, and other social skills that are invaluable. The Youth Circus is one of The Actors Gymnasium's most popular ticketed events each year.
Students in 5th grade or higher are eligible to audition and the original script evolves from the characters each participant creates during workshops early in the rehearsal process.
To ensure a broad education in circus and performing arts, The Actors Gymnasium brings in instructors who specialize in dance and drama, while Co-Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez DiStasi teaches circus and aerial skills that include juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, stilts and more.
"Youth Circus is such a lucky opportunity, one we definitely don't take for granted. Where else can kids be part of the development and execution of a complete work of performance art with such a uniquely talented team of teachers and artists... and to truly feel like part of the 'team' throughout the process." says parent and board member Lauren Sinai.
The show runs May 16, 17, 23 & 24, 2015 with three shows each weekend. Tickets are available now and 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 Great Superhero Exposition: Spring Youth Circus:
Directed by Alex Tey and Sara Sawicki
Written by Alex Tey
Circus Choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi
Assistant Circus Choreography by Akemi Berry
Dance Choreography by Topeka Ellis
Lighting Design by Nicholas J. Carroll
Sound Design by Connor Murray
Costume Design by Emily Swanson
Props Design by Robin Miller
Stage Management by Kelsey Lamm
Assistant Stage Management by Lesley Fisher
Stage Management Intern: Madie Doppelt
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.
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
The Actors Gymnasium Announces Benefit Performance for "Visually Stunning" Show
EVANSTON, IL- The Actors Gymnasium (AG) hosts Circuscope Magnified - a benefit performance on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Attendees enjoy the "visually stunning" Circuscope and meet the shows creators at the Circuscope Magnified reception.
The event, which will take place at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center after the 7:30 show, nourishes the unique fusion of spectacle and storytelling that is only found at AG. The evening will begin with the closing night performance of Circuscope and then lead to a special access reception, the highlights of which includes meeting the acclaimed director and cast, taking an "out of this world" photo in the photo booth by Matt Arauz Photography, and enjoying drinks provided by local brewery Temperance Beer Co and sweet treats by Fannie May.
In addition to these highlights,the evening will include the "VIP Pippin Experience" raffle drawing. One winner will receive chauffeur service, dinner at Oprah's favorite restaurant RL, and tickets to the Tony award winning Broadway touring show Pippin for four.
"The development process for the show began in a converstaion with Deavn Evans and his fascination with a creature called a tardigrade. They are microscopic and have the ability to survive just about anything, including outer spaces," says Circuscope director Vanessa Stalling.
"The arts and circuses are a lot like tardigrades. They are resilent and fascinating. But unlike tardigrades, they need support to continue to thrive. Circuscope Magnified is the epitome of all that The Actors Gymnasium strives for. Showcasing thrilling performance, enabling incredible creativity and developing extraordinary artists. This benefit performance will help us to expand and reach our community with this life changing art," says Executive Director Virginia Nugent.
For tickets to Circuscope Magnified, go to http://www.actorsgymnasium.org/support-us/benefit-performance/ or contact Executive Director Virginia Nugent at 847-328-2795
Tickets for the Pippin raffle can be bought at the same time as tickets for any performance of Circuscope including the benefit evening or at the event.
About Circuscope:
Enthralled by the extraordinary shapes and sizes of life, the creators of the Actors Gymnasium Winter Circus will explore a fascinating world on the other side of the microscopic lens. Directed by spectacle-theatre veteran Vanessa Stalling and featuring acclaimed Chicago clown Dean Evans, Circuscope will transport audiences through surprising acrobatics, mime, live music and other-worldly design. Circuscope also features Meredith "Tommy" Tomlins, Molly Plunk, and Leah Leor. Running through March 22, 2015 www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows
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
Circus summer camp provides safe environment for youth to learn to fly
EVANSTON, IL- This summer, The Actors Gymnasium (AG) will offer Circus and Performing Arts Camps (CPAC) at their space in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The camps are perfect for young performers who want to strengthen, stretch, and flex their creative muscles and learn circus and aerial skills that include juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, and stilts.
"Kids who started the summer with no confidence or experience [were] transformed by the time of the camp show into beaming performers." says former board member and camp parent Peggy Nelson.
Each day is structured with a warm-up, followed by training and workshops in circus, drama, and movement. Each week is capped by talent shows, skills contests, and fun-filled field trips to local beaches or water parks. Each session of camp culminates with a circus-theatre performance where campers gain hands-on experience creating and performing in these shows.
Camp director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi is a second generation circus performer who grew up touring with various circuses, including Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. She also performed at The Circus World Championships in London, England. In 1990 she moved to Chicago and began her career as a circus teacher and choreographer. Sylvia is a co-founder of The Actors Gymnasium and an Artistic Associate of The Lookingglass Theatre Company. Other theater credits include The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theater, Marriott Theater, and The Steppenwolf Theatre, among others. She recently won the 3Arts award for design, and she has been nominated for five Joseph Jefferson Awards for her choreography, winning four.
AG has provided children in the community with a fun, safe environment to grow and learn through summer camps for 18 years, starting as part of the Evanston Art Center's Summer Art Camps.
To ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, The Actors Gymnasium offers financial assistance to those in need through donations by individual donors, family foundations and governmental entities. Scholarship information is available at the Scholarships tab.
Registration for the youth summer camp is open to boys and girls ages 9 to 15. Registration started on December 3, 2014 at noon. All registrations take place online. The first session of camp will begin June 15 and end on July 10, with performances of alternating casts on July 9 and 10. Second session will begin July 13 and end on August 7, with performances of alternating casts on August 6 and 7.For more information, visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call (847)328-2795
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.
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 classes, class descriptions, and performances, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795
A Strange New Circus to Take Over Chicago
EVANSTON, IL - Circuscope, a theatre production unlike any other, opens February 14 at The Actors Gymnasium. Acclaimed Chicago performer and headliner, Dean Evans, describes Circuscope as "one of the most unique shows I've worked on in my 10 years in Chicago [and] visually incredibly different than any other circus I've ever even seen."
Assistant stage manager Lesley Fisher agrees, "I just don't think the general population has much experience with circus in this vein. They think of big top. They think of animals. They don't think of stuff like this. But, this is telling a human story through circus. This is telling a story using circus elements in ways that you didn't even know they could be used."
Enthralled by the extraordinary shapes and sizes of life, the creators of The Actors Gymnasium Winter Circus will explore a fascinating world on the other side of the microscopic lens. Directed by spectacle-theatre veteran Vanessa Stalling,
Circuscope will transport audiences through surprising acrobatics, mime, live music and other-worldly design.
The show follows an Alice in Wonderland-type journey of two clowns, played by Evans and Molly Plunk. "Originally, I just wanted to explore the idea of not being a human character, of being just an organism, an amoeba or a blob or whatever;" explains Evans, "and I started thinking about what's called a tardigrade, or a water bear, as an inspiration, which is just a little tiny microscopic organism that simply survives by being almost indestructible. That was very interesting to me, especially from a clown perspective, of being a character that is neither a human or any type of life size thing - just a blob that is existing."
The setting continues this abstract concept. "We aren't sure where or what place in time or space we are or if we are even on this planet. One character is a dot. One character is a tardigrade. One is this kind of air plant/aloe plant looking creature that morphs into a beautiful butterfly. There are all kinds of different creatures in this world," states Plunk.
The uniqueness extends to the costumes. "I just finished this really intense fringe costume that is inspired by Nick Cave's sound suits," says costume designer Delia Ridenour. "We wanted it to be this huge head-to-toe unitard covered in fringe, that really illustrates and accentuates body movement with every turn and move of [the performer]. The costume waves like crazy. Its awesome."
Circuscope also incorporates some of the great spectacle and flare that people are used to seeing at The Actors Gymnasium. From physical theatre perfection, to vigorous rope acts, to stunning black light moments; the cast and crew promises that the audience can expect numerous delightful surprises.
"This is my first experience with circus," admits Fisher, "Not only is it really amazing and beautiful to watch, but it's accessible. We're telling a story that everyone can relate to."
Circuscope performances run February 14 - March 22, 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 2/14). Tickets can be purchased through www.actorsgymnasium.org. There are a limited number of tickets available for each performance and tickets are first come, first served. Check early for the best selection.
In addition to Dean Evans and Molly Plunk, Circuscope features professional circus performers, Meredith "Tommy" Tomlins and Leah Leor, as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's Teen Ensemble.
For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative programming, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795.
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.
Circuscope Trailer - Actors Gym 2015 Winter Circus
About Dean Evans
Dean Evans is a professional performing artist working in theater and television. He was recently ranked number 33 of Chicago's top 50 "players" of 2014 by New City magazine. He has studied Mime and Physical Theater at The School for Mime Theater, The Ohio State University, and with masters Marcel Marceau, Phillipe Gualier, Stephen Niedzialkowsky, and Avner Eisenberg. He is a former ensemble member of the Neo-Futurists and has performed with 500 Clown, iO, Kapoot Clown Theater, Redmoon, Chicago Children's Theater, Second City, The Goodman, The Actors Gymnasium and extensively as a solo artist. Dean is a faculty member of Columbia College's Comedy Studies program in conjunction with Second City. He also performs as the entity who goes by the name Honey Buns.
About Director Vanessa Stalling
Vanessa Stalling is most known for her work with Redmoon, where she served as Associate Artistic Director. She enjoyed collaboratively directing several Redmoon productions including a remount of The Cabinet, Last of My Species, Winter Pageant, Princess Club, and The Great Chicago Fire Festival. This spring, she'll be directing The America Play at Oracle Theatre and will serve as choreographer for Shining Lives: A Musical at Northlight Theatre. Vanessa is also an instructor at Columbia College and University of Chicago.
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
Circuscope Joins Chicago Theatre Week
CHICAGO, IL and EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium (AG) joins Chicago Theatre Week. Chicago Theatre Week celebrates the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago. Returning for the third year, Chicago Theatre Week 2015 will be held February 12-22 and will include specially-priced tickets to 100 shows. Visitors and residents will again have the opportunity to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout Chicagoland. Theatre Week ticket offers are listed on a centralized website, chicagotheatreweek.com. Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres and sponsored by ACME Hotel Company, Choose Chicago, Dana Hotel and Spa, and Exelon.
As part of the celebration of Chicago's theatre scene, The Actors Gymnasium will offer discounted tickets to the first two weekends of Circuscope, 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. Enthralled by the extraordinary shapes and sizes of life, the creators of the Actors Gymnasium Winter Circus will explore a fascinating world on the other side of the microscopic lens. Directed by spectacle-theatre veteran Vanessa Stalling, Circuscope will transport audiences through surprising acrobatics, mime, live music and other-worldly design. Circuscope also features Meredith "Tommy" Tomlins, Molly Plunk, and Leah Leor.
For the first two weekends 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.
Circuscope performances run February 14 - March 22, 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 2/14).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.
For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative programming, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795.
AG aerialist Tommy TomlinsThe 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.
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
The Actors Gymnasium Partners with Award-Winning Organizations to Launch Exciting New Professional Program
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium (AG) was created in 1995 by professional physical performers looking for a place to hone their craft. Nearly 20 years later, the next chapter in that journey unfolds. The Chicago area's first and longest-running circus school launches a Professional Circus Training Program set to open in September 2015 under the direction of Master Teacher Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi. Beginning December 10th, the application process opens for all interested students at www.actorsgymnasium.org
The program is designed to prepare students for professional circus performance, or for audition into a multi-year circus program. It is intended for dedicated artists looking to take their circus training and theatrical skills to the next level.
"To me, circus is magic," explains AG Co-Artistic Director Larry DiStasi. "Circus is a dazzling display of one impossible thing after the next. In the circus, people can fly. Who wouldn't want to do that? I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't. And that's why we started The Actors Gymnasium. At least, it's part of the reason. And it's why I study circus myself."
Equally as passionate, Co-Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi elaborates, "The thing I love about Circus Arts is that it means different things to different people. It can be used to tell a story: it can be used to portray a metaphor: it can be used to show the limits of what the human body (and mind) is capable of. I believe there is validity in all forms of circus. Do it because it makes an audience feel something. Do it to amaze your audience. Do it because it makes you feel something. Do it to prove to yourself you can. I embrace any and all reasons that people do circus. "
Program Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi is a second generation circus performer who grew up touring with various circuses, including Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. She also performed at The Circus World Championships in London, England. In 1990, she moved to Chicago and began her career as a circus teacher and choreographer. Sylvia is a co-founder of The Actors Gymnasium and an Artistic Associate of The Lookingglass Theatre Company. Other theater credits include The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theater, Marriott Theater, and The Steppenwolf Theatre, among others. She recently won the 3Arts award for design, and she has been nominated for five Joseph Jefferson Awards for her choreography, winning four.
To provide a foundation for The Professional Circus Training Program and ensure students receive a well-rounded education, AG is partnering with the award-winning companies Lookingglass Theatre and Lucky Plush Productions, who will provide dance and physical theatre instruction. Our faculty also features some of the leading circus and physical comedy instructors in the Chicago area, including Nourbol Meirmanov, Oyunchimeg "Oyuna" Yadamjav and Dean Evans.
Chicago was recently featured as one of the U.S.'s top three vibrant circus cities according to Spectacle Magazine. At the first annual Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, it was cited in panels as one of the most supportive places for circus professionals to live due to the large number of circus companies, variety of working opportunities, and relatively low rent for living and working spaces compared to their West and East Coast peers.
The Actors Gymnasium has been a pioneer in Chicago's circus-theatre movement since 1995. Celebrated for its longstanding collaborative relationship with Lookingglass Theatre, AG has won awards for artistic excellence from 3Arts, The City of Evanston and the Joseph Jefferson Committee. Multidisciplinary training is a hallmark of AG, and applications are encouraged from those who have additional skills in music, acting, design, original work and more.
The 9-month intensive curriculum provides 27 hours per week of premier training in circus arts, dance and physical theatre. Aerial arts skills including trapeze, silks, lyra, straps, Spanish web, invented apparatus, and Chinese pole are featured, as well as handbalancing, tumbling, partner acrobatics, juggling, tightwire, and contortion. Study also includes stretching and conditioning, pilates, and special topics such as rigging and career management.
Each week, students work on circus skills, stretching and conditioning, dance (classical and modern forms), physical theatre training, and a special topic course. Students also receive one private lesson per week and 2-3 hours of open practice time daily. The program culminates in a capstone performance in May when students will showcase their work.
DiStasi continues, "For me, the idea of a year-long program, where a person can study circus full-time, with additional courses in dance and physical theatre, sounds like a dream come true. I've seen the incredible progress that kids make in our four-week long summer camp. I've seen stunning grace and strength and fantastically creative, original circus acts developed in our 6-week Circus Intensive Workshop each summer. Now, after 9 months of continuous study at the end of our new Professional Circus Training Program, I cannot wait to see what evolves. I think it could be breath-taking." Complete details on tuition, faculty, schedule, audition deadlines, and more can be found at www.actorsgymnasium.org/classes-camps/professional-training/professional-circus-training-program/
FacilityActors 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 to 24 foot ceiling. All aerial equipment such as the aerial hoop, Spanish web, aerial silks, static trapeze and more are provided, as well as equipment for ground skills such as unicycling, juggling, tight wire and gymnastics. Classes in dance or physical theatre may take place in other dance studios within the Noyes Cultural Arts Center or our partnership location, Foster Dance Studios.
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.
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
Local Youth Ensemble to Perform Shakespeare with a Circus Twist
EVANSTON, IL- The Actors Gymnasium presents the third annual Fall Youth Circus, A Circus Night's Dream.
The Actors Gymnasium 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, aerial and circus arts - not to mention collaboration, verbal communication, listening skills, problem solving, and other social skills that are invaluable. The Youth Circus is one of The Actors Gymnasium's most popular ticketed events each year.
Students in 5th grade or higher are eligible to audition, and students in 8th grade or higher take part in writing the script. The original script evolves from the characters each participant creates during workshops early in the rehearsal process.
To ensure a broad education in circus and performing arts, The Actors Gymnasium brings in instructors who specialize in dance and drama, while Co-Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez DiStasi teaches circus and aerial skills that include juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, stilts and more.
"Youth Circus is such a lucky opportunity, one we definitely don't take for granted. Where else can kids be part of the development and execution of a complete work of performance art with such a uniquely talented team of teachers and artists... and to truly feel like part of the 'team' throughout the process." says parent and board member Lauren Sinai.
The show opens November 8th and runs for two weekends with three shows each weekend. Tickets are available now and 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 A Circus Night's Dream: Fall Youth Circus:
Written/Directed by Chris Mathews
Circus Choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi
Dance Choreography by Topeka Ellis
Assistant Directed by Alex Tey
Assistant Circus Choreography by Akemi Berry
A marriage, a circus, and Nature itself,
All hang in thrall to love's suspended health,
While the King and Queen of forces unseen
Do quarrel as mortals through a midnight dream.
Chris Mathews (House Theatre, Barrel of Monkeys), a creative team from Chicago's professional theatre community, and the outstanding young performers from The Actors Gymnasium add their own fantastic spins and twirls in an original, acrobatic adaptation of Shakespeare's most imaginative comedy.
Featuring: Maddy A., Nico A., Abbi B., Sofia B., Alice C., Griffin D., Alexa D., Eva D., Molly F., Noah F., Emma I., Lia K., Mia K., Sean L., Rebecca M., Simone N., Allie P., Eric P., Caroline P.. Ella R., Grace S., Brendan S., Maggie S., Claire T., Issy W., and Macey W.
About Chris Matthews, Youth Circus Director:
Chris Mathews is a company member with The House Theatre of Chicago where he performs, writes, and does any little thing in between. With Jake Minton and Nathan Allen, he has written Dave DaVinci Saves the Universe (Jeff Nomination, New Play), The Sparrow (Jeff Award, New Play), and Rose and the Rime. Chris is also an ensemble member with Barrel of Monkeys, an outreach program that teaches creative writing to students in Chicago Public Schools, then performs the stories the kids write as short plays. He has also performed with The Actors Gymnasium and Lookingglass. Chris also does motion capture work for WB Games within the Mortal Kombat franchise (Johnny Cage, Reptile), and others (Batman). Chris graduated from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.
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.
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
Actors Gymnasium's Circus School Year Continues with Winter I Session
EVANSTON, IL- The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts School continues its school year with the Winter I session beginning on November 11. Classes include unique offerings in subjects such as Aerial Arts, Circus Fitness, Contortion, Drama and Physical Theatre, Imaginastics, Parent-Tot Circus, and Parkour.
Winter I session also continues the Single Weapon Certification series with Rapier and Dagger. This class will be taught by Chuck Choyl, President of the Society of American Fight Directors (www.safd.org) and concludes with a skills proficiency test that awards a certificate from SAFD if passed.
A lunch time Circus Arts class has been added on Thursday afternoons from 12:30pm to 1:30 pm. This class is geared towards those looking for a work out during the work day, professional actors, and others with night-time careers seeking exciting new skills.
The new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins November 11, 2013 and runs through January 26, 2014. Due to the holiday season taking place during this session, there are several dates on which classes will not run. There are no classes November 28 & 29, December 23 - January 5, and January 20.
During the extended break from classes, the Winter Break Circus & Performing Arts Camps will take place. These camps are a shortened version of the extremely popular summer camp and offer an alternative to child care for working parents as well as a physical outlet for cooped-up kids. Session A runs December 23, 26, and 27. Session B runs December 30, January 2 and 3.
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 Gymnastics and Tumbling.
Registration for all Winter I classes and Winter Break Circus & Performing Arts Camps 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.
"One of a Kind" Local Designer Wins Major Award
EVANSTON, IL- The Actors Gymnasium is pleased to announce that Co-Artistic Director and Master Teacher Sylvia Hernandez Distasi has been awarded the 3Arts Designer Award.
The awards are given out for Dance, Music, Theater, Teaching Arts, and Visual Arts and provide longterm support for women artists, artists of color, and artists with disabilities in Chicago. More information about the amazing work 3Arts supports can be found here.
"All of us at the Actors Gymnasium are extremely proud and excited for Sylvia. Her unique ability to choreograph circus skills to tell a story, to stun an audience, and to stretch her performers' abilities is why she is a gem in the Chicago theatre community. Because of her enthusiasm for circus arts and physical theatre, Sylvia has encouraged hundreds of performers to juggle, spin, flip, and fly. One of ten to receive it; one of a
kind to all of us," said The Actors Gymnasium Board President Sam Fishkin.
Hernandez-DiStasi is a second generation circus performer who grew up touring with various circuses, including the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and also performed at The Circus World Championships in London, England.
Sylvia is a co-founder of The Actors Gymnasium and an Artistic Associate of The Lookingglass Theatre Company. Sylvia has won four Joseph Jefferson Awards, including a Special Achievement Award for her circus choreography of Lookingglass Alice which has toured nationally and been seen by over 100,000 people. Other theater credits include The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theater, Marriott Theater, and Steppenwolf.
The coming year looks to be a busy one for Hernandez-DiStasi. On top of her usual involvement in act creation for The Actors Gymnasium's theatrical season and acting as master teacher overseeing all classes, camps and workshops at The Actors
Gymnaisum, she will provide circus choreography for Lookingglass Theatre's remount of the critically acclaimed Lookingglass Alice and their June production of Moby Dick. She is also providing circus choreography and coaching for the Illinois High School Association 2015 All-State Production of Pippin, a year long process; while developing a pro track program set to start in the Fall of 2015 at The Actors Gymnasium.
Actors Gym Kicks off Season with Popular Circus in Progress Series
EVANSTON, IL - This Saturday, Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work returns to The Actors Gymnasium after over two years of sold out performances.
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. Striding Lion dance theatre appears for the first time; one of few women nationwide to practice straps, Leah Leor is featured; as is the puppet master Michael Montenegro; and the extraordinary Camille Swift on solo trapeze. Molly Plunk will perform on the tightwire, a timely apparatus in the wake of Nik Wallenda's historic walks across Niagra Falls, the Grand Canyon and his upcoming Chicago Skyscraper Live walk. The Nexus Project, who performed to great acclaim in the spring Circus in Progress return with a new dance piece.
Actors Gym teacher Akemi Berry debuts a new silks act. Other faculty acts will include Jill Heyser on aerial chandelier, and Eric Robinson performing adagio with partner Kae Henning. Student performances include Marc Sorensen on Spanish Web: long time contortion students, Buyana Bayarjargal & Enkhjin Ganzorig, under faculty member Oyuna Yadamjav; and the exciting young artists of the AG Teen Ensemble display a wide range of their skills.
Tickets are available now for the one day only performances on October 11 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.
To view the trailer, click on the image below.
Fall 2014 Circus in Progress Trailer - The Actors Gymnasium
About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming:
Larry DiStasi is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium as well as a co-founder and ensemble member of 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 received a Jeff Nomination for his direction and adaptation of The Baron in the Trees. Larry directed and co-created 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.
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. Parking in the Noyes Cultural Center lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center around the corner, as well as 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
The Actors Gymnasium Announces 2014/15 Season
EVANSTON, IL - Amoebae, tribes of circus faeries, and showcases of daring new work are featured in the 2014-15 season from The Actors Gymnasium. Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming, calls it "a thrilling acrobatic ride into worlds of mystery"
A new work directed by Vanessa Stalling and starring Dean Evans examines the microscopic battlefield in the as-yet-untitled Winter Circus; House Theatre's Chris Mathews conjures a forest of faeries in A Circus Night's Dream, and three showcases of new work cement Chicago's reputation as the epicenter of contemporary circus.
"The Actors Gymnasium develops multidisciplinary artists who are able to engage their bodies, voices, and performance training to attain new levels of theatrical expression," DiStasi states, "The process for creating our shows usually begins with creative brainstorming, and embraces the strengths of each unique cast member or designer. We try to develop an atmosphere where artists can do their most remarkable work. The key, of course, is to start with very imaginative and talented people. This year, with folks like Chris Mathews, Dean Evans and Vanessa Stalling, it should be an extremely exciting season of circus-theatre exploration."
PRODUCTION CALENDAR
Circus in Progress - An Evening of Daring New Work
Directed by Larry DiStasi
Saturday, October 11, 2014
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: Striding Lion dance theatre appears for the first time; one of few women nationwide to practice straps, Leah Leor is featured, as is the invented-apparatus aerial display of Lindsey Noel Whiting on the Tireswing, and the extraordinary Camille Swift on solo trapeze. Actors Gym teacher Akemi Berry debuts a new silks act, and the exciting young artists of the AG Teen Ensemble display a wide range of their skills. Further performer announcements will continue throughout the fall.
Tickets are $15 and available now for the 4:30pm matinee and the 7:30pm evening performances. Two Performances Only.
A Circus Night's Dream
Written/Directed by Chris Mathews
Circus Choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi
Dance Choreography by Topeka Ellis
Assistant Directed by Alex Tey
Assistant Circus Choreography by Akemi Berry
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 2014
A marriage, a circus, and Nature itself,
All hang in thrall to love's suspended health,
While the King and Queen of forces unseen
Do quarrel as mortals through a midnight dream.
Chris Mathews (House Theatre, Barrel of Monkeys), a creative team from Chicago's professional theatre community, and the outstanding young performers from The Actors Gymnasium add their own fantastic spins and twirls in an original, acrobatic adaptation of Shakespeare's most imaginative comedy.
Winter Circus
Directed by Vanessa Stalling
Featuring Dean Evans
February 14 - March 22, 2015
Press Night February 14, 2015, 7:30 pm
No matter your size or shape...survival is a part of life. This winter the Actors Gymnasium will explore a world of microscopic daring and survival through chance, fight, or flight. The Actors Gymnasium Winter Circus, directed by spectacle-theatre veteran Vanessa Stalling, will feature acclaimed Chicago clown Dean Evans and surprising turns of acrobatics, mime, live music and single-celled adventure.
The Actors Gymnasium Winter Circus will participate for a third year in the League of Chicago Theatres' Chicago Theatre Week February 12-22.
Spring Youth Circus
Written/Directed by Chris Mathews
Circus Choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi
May 16, 17, 23, 24, 2015
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 invaluable personal and interpersonal skills. The Youth Circus is one of The Actors Gymnasium's most popular events each year.
Circus in Progress - An Evening of Daring New Work
Directed by Larry DiStasi
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Get a sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art. The spring installation of our new work performance series will showcase new acts in development from across the Chicagoland circus and physical theatre spectrum. Two Performances Only.
Summer Circus Intensive Showcase
Directed by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi
July 25 & 26, 2015
Thirty artists debut new acts that they have developed throughout six weeks of intensive training in high-level physical performance and circus skills. One weekend only. The Summer Circus Intensive is an innovative six-week workshop, dedicated to the development of emerging professional artists.
Collaborative productions
For nearly twenty years, The Actors Gymnasium has collaborated with Lookingglass Theatre. Bringing physical expression to narrative stories is the hallmark of both companies, and the collaborative relationship between the two goes back nearly twenty years. Combining Lookingglass's profile with Actors Gym's creative development expertise, the symbiosis has successfully produced many outstanding shows over the years, most notably the award-winning Lookingglass Alice. In the Fall, Lookingglass Alice will return to the Water Tower "produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium". The pathway from concept to full production through development at The Actors Gymnasium has successfully developed a number of extraordinary shows, and, in the Spring, Moby Dick will be in workshop and rehearsal for a summer opening downtown. Adapted and directed by acclaimed Lookingglass ensemble member David Catlin, Herman Melville's classic novel of adventure, obsession and fate questions what it is that drives us to pursue the impossible and how that ambition ultimately consumes us. For both shows Actors Gym will be providing creative consultation, performer training, safety design, workshop and rehearsal space, specialized equipment and circus arts choreography.
About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming
Larry DiStasi is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium as well as a co-founder and ensemble member of 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 received a Jeff Nomination for his direction and adaptation of The Baron in the Trees. Larry directed and co-created 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.
About Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Artistic Director of Circus Arts/Circus Choreographer
Sylvia is a second generation circus performer, a Master Teacher, and an award-winning choreographer. She grew up touring with various circuses, including the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and also performed at The Circus World Championships in London, England. Sylvia is a co-founder of The Actors Gymnasium and an Artistic Associate of The Lookingglass Theatre Company. Sylvia has won four Joseph Jefferson Awards, including a Special Achievement Award for her circus choreography of Lookingglass Alice which has toured nationally and been seen by over 100,000 people. Other theater credits include The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theater, Marriott Theater, and Steppenwolf.
About Chris Matthews, Youth Circus Director
Chris Mathews is a company member with The House Theatre of Chicago where he performs, writes, and does any little thing in between. With Jake Minton and Nathan Allen, he has written Dave DaVinci Saves the Universe (Jeff Nomination, New Play), The Sparrow (Jeff Award, New Play), and Rose and the Rime. Chris is also an ensemble member with Barrel of Monkeys, an outreach program that teaches creative writing to students in Chicago Public Schools, then performs the stories the kids write as short plays. He has also performed with The Actors Gymnasium and Lookingglass. Chris also does motion capture work for WB Games within the Mortal Kombat franchise (Johnny Cage, Reptile), and others (Batman). Chris graduated from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.
About Vanessa Stalling, Winter Circus Director
Vanessa Stalling is a director, performer and instructor located in Chicago, IL. In the spring, she'll be directing The America Play at Oracle Theatre. Prior to that, her most recent work as a director includes The Normal Heart, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Maids, Mud, and Pullman W.A. Vanessa served as Associate Artistic Director at Redmoon, where she worked for a decade directing and devising several productions including a remount of The Cabinet, Last of My Species, Winter Pageant 08' & 09', Princess Club, and Twilight Orchard.
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.
Performance Information
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.
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.
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. Parking in the Noyes Cultural Center lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center around the corner, as well as metered parking on Noyes Street.
Olympic Athlete and PIPPIN Broadway Actress to Teach Evanston a Little Flexibility
EVANSTON, IL - Athletes and acrobats in the Evanston area are in for a real treat. Olga Karmansky, who performs in the hit Broadway revival PIPPIN, will be teaching a workshop in flexibility at The Actors Gymnasium. The workshop is open to the public.
Karmansky is a former US Champion and two-time Pan American Champion in Rhythmic Gymnastics. She was named the Official Alternate for the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Her training background extends from contortion and aerial arts to theater and dance.
She currently works to improve the flexibility of professional ballet dancers, acrobats, competitive athletes, and pole dancers; and also enjoys teaching privately to beginners of all levels. Olga formed her advanced but egalitarian training philosophy while living and training with the Russian Olympic team, and believes her students will achieve extreme results regardless of age, previous injury or level of experience.
Performance highlights include the Panic at the Disco Tour (MTV Music Video of The Year), Gymnastics Superstars Tour (USA Post-Olympic Gymnastics Tour) and the Venice Biennale International Art Festival (Venice, Italy). Currently, she performs nightly in the Broadway revival of PIPPIN (dir. Diane Paulus of Hair, Porgy & Bess & chor. Gypsy Snider of 7 doigts, Traces). She is currently working towards a B.S. at New York University.
Using rhythmic gymnastics training methods, this challenging workshop will increase range of motion and strengthen the framework that will provide control and stability in maximum ranges. Emphasis will be on injury free stretching that delivers the most effective results. Pre-requisites include splits on the floor or very close. Some experience with backbends.
The two hour workshop will take place on August 30 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 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
Popular Circus Classes return to Evanston this Fall
EVANSTON, IL - After finishing one of its most successful summer sessions yet, The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts School resumes its full selection of classes for Fall session on September 2.
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to teaching circus, aerials arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance. The highly-skilled faculty teach classes for all ages, as well as extremely popular and innovative skill building camps and workshops throughout the year.
Classes begin September 2 and run through November 9.
Classes for adults include Aerial Arts, Circus Fitness, Contortion, and Parkour. Classes for kids start at age 2 and include Circus Arts, Imaginastics, Tumbling, and Parkour.
Fall also offers a return of the Single Weapon Certification classes. This season's class will focus on Broadsword, a weapon often seen in popular tv shows such as Game of Thrones and Highlander. Taught by the Vice President of the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), Chuck Coyl, the class will provide the opportunity for students to take the SAFD proficiency test at the end of the session and acquire their certification.
To view the full schedule of classes, read class descriptions and biographies of the award winning staff, go to www.actorsgymnasium.org
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