Magic Show & Workshop at The Actors Gym
EVANSTON, IL - Back by popular demand, professional magician Sean Masterson will host his Magic Mastery Workshop and Vaudeville Magic Show. For young magicians who are looking to learn a few tricks, the Magic Mastery Workshop (December 1st, 3:30-5:30pm) will encourage them to use their imaginations to create their own presentational touches. Also, participants can purchase a ticket to the Vaudeville Magic Show taking place that night and the next afternoon at the reduced rate of $5.
For children of all ages, Masterson's Vaudeville Magic Show that weekend (December 1st at 7:30pm & December 2nd at 3:00pm) will include sleight-of-hand manipulation, audience participation and an amazing levitation.
The Chicago Tribune says:
"Prestidigitation for the Harry Potter generation, with a minimum of flash and a maximum of understated showmanship"
Tickets and registration are now available online at www.actorsgymnasium.com.
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, intellectually and creatively.
New Drama Class at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - A new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins November 12th at The Actors Gymnasium. Course offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Aerial Arts, Circus Arts, Contortion, Gymnastics, Stage Combat, Parkour/Free Running and much more.
In addition, The Actors Gymnasium will also offer a new class in Drama/Physical Theater that teaches young actors to create and embody character with all of their physicality. By the end of the class, students will have developed a monologue with instructor's guidance. Instructed by Cole Simon.
Registration is now open online at www.actorsgymnasium.com.
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.com 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, intellectually and creatively.
Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work
EVANSTON, IL - Get a sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art at The Actors Gymnasium's Circus in Progress! This exciting showcase features new acts by professionals from the Chicagoland circus community and advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's own programs.
Three performances only! Last year's Circus in Progress shows sold-out, so don't wait!
Saturday October 13, 4:30pm and 7:30pm Sunday October 14, 3pm
The Actors Gymnasium at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Center in Evanston
Tickets, trailer and more information available online:
http://actorsgymnasium.com/now-playing.htm
For additional information about this show, or other aspects of The Actors Gymnasium's innovative programming, visit www.actorsgymnasium.com 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, intellectually and creatively.
Fall Session at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - A new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins September 4th at The Actors Gymnasium. Course offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Aerial Arts, Circus Arts, Contortion, Gymnastics, Stage Combat and much more.
For the first time, The Actors Gymnasium will also offer a class in Parkour/Free Running in which adults learn the new acrobatic art form by working indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), interacting with obstacles and architecture, to gracefully flow, leap and fly through the urban landscape.
The annual offering of Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) Actor Combatant Workshop begins at The Actors Gymnasium on October 9. The workshop provides a rare opportunity to test for SAFD without incurring the expense and hassle of out-of town travel. In this intensive workshop, students get the hours of experience required for testing while learning safe and effective methods that emphasize acting the fight.
Registration is now open online at www.actorsgymnasium.com.
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, intellectually and creatively.
Summer Circus Intensive Performance
Two Shows Only
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium Summer Circus Intensive Performance showcases students from The Actors Gymnasium advanced intensive program. The program is a six-week workshop for adults, dedicated to the development of high-level physical performance and circus skills, with the goal of creating an exciting, collaborative, final performance. Two performances only on Saturday July 21, 2012 at 4:30pm & 7:30pm.
Tickets are available now at www.actorsgymnasium.com
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.com 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, intellectually and creatively.
Summer Session at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - A new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins June 11th at The Actors Gymnasium. Course offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Aerial Arts, Circus Arts, Contortion, Gymnastics, and much more.
Registration is now open online at www.actorsgymnasium.com. The extremely popular
Summer Camp and Summer Intensive programs have already filled past capacity.
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.com 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, intellectually and creatively.
CORRECTION: Actors Gym Founders Win Public Service Award
Larry DiStasi and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Honored
EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Chamber of Commerce has awarded The Actors Gymnasium co-founders, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and Larry DiStasi, the shared title of Public Service/Non-Profit Person of the Year.
They will be honored at the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 1 at the Hilton Orrington Hotel. A press conference will take place at 4:30pm followed by the event from 5:30-9pm.
The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School is best known as a place where young people 'learn to fly' - physically, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. Founded in 1995 by theatre writer Tony Adler, Chicago actor Carlyle Coash, circus performer Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and Lookingglass Theatre ensemble member Larry DiStasi, The Actors Gymnasium was established to bring a new physicality to the American Theatre. For the past 17 years, as Co-Artistic Directors, Sylvia and Larry have been leading the programs of the School - developing curriculum, training teachers, and personally instructing thousands of children and adults in Circus Arts and physical theatre. They sometimes refer to the organization as "a think-and-do-tank for the performing arts."
The curriculum at The Actors Gymnasium fosters development - emotional, social, physical, and artistic - in kids and young adults through instruction in physical theatre, movement and circus arts. Over 1200 adults and kids from all over the Chicago region go through the programs each year. So much more than juggling, tumbling, aerial dance, trapeze, and unicycling - the personal rewards and interpersonal skills participants take with them after their time at The Actors Gymnasium are profound.
The Actors Gymnasium also produces high-quality, professional mainstage productions - new works created by Larry DiStasi - which feature some of the most talented and well-respected actors and circus performers from the Chicago area. These critically acclaimed productions continue to grow in popularity each season, bringing thousands of patrons to The Gym every year.
The 92nd Annual Meeting of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce will be held from 5:30 to 9 pm. Attendees can register on-line at the Chamber website, www.evchamber.com or by calling the Chamber at 847-328-1500.
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, intellectually and creatively.
Actors Gym Founders Win Public Service Award
Larry DiStasi and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Honored
EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Chamber of Commerce has named The Actors Gymnasium co-founders, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and Larry DiStasi, as Public Service/Non-Profit Person of the Year.
They will be honored at the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 1 at the Hilton Orrington Hotel. A press conference will take place at 4:30pm followed by the event from 5:30-9pm.
The School of Circus & Performing Arts at The Actors Gymnasium is a place where young people 'learn to fly' - physically, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. Since 1996, co-artistic directors Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, a renowned choreographer and circus performer, and Larry DiStasi, a founding member of Lookingglass Theatre Company, have been leading the programs of the School - developing curriculum, training teachers, and personally instructing thousands of children and adults in the Circus Arts and physical theatre. They often refer to the organization as "a think-and-do-tank for the performing arts."
The curriculum at The Actors Gymnasium fosters development - emotional, social, physical, and artistic - in kids and young adults through instruction in physical theatre, movement and circus arts. Over 1200 adults and kids from all over the Chicago region go through the programs each year. So much more than juggling, tumbling, aerial dance, trapeze, and unicycling - the personal rewards and interpersonal skills participants take with them after their time at The Actors Gymnasium are profound.
The Actors Gymnasium also produces high-quality, professional mainstage productions - new works created by Larry DiStasi - which feature some of the most talented and well-respected actors and circus performers from Chicago and beyond. These productions are consistently lauded by theatre critics as top-notch; and their popularity continues to grow each season, bringing thousands of patrons to The Gym each year.
The 92nd Annual Meeting of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce will be held from 5:30 to 9 pm. Attendees can register on-line at the Chamber website, www.evchamber.com or by calling the Chamber at 847-328-1500.
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, intellectually and creatively.
Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work
EVANSTON, IL - Following sold-out performances of Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus, the next production at The Actors Gymnasium focuses on the development of new acts. Circus in Progress - An Evening of Daring New Work features professionals from the Chicagoland circus community as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's own classes. Get a sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art.
Performers include Evanston Children's Choir, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Jill Heyser, Lauren Hirte, Will McGowan, Shaw Nigro, Matt Roben, and Meredith 'Tommy' Tomlins.
Two Shows Only - Saturday May 19, 2012 - 4:30 and 7:30pm
Tickets available online at www.actorsgymnasium.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006.
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, intellectually and creatively.
Spring Session at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - A new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins April 9th at The Actors Gymnasium. Course offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Aerial Arts, Circus Arts, Contortion, Acro Dance, Gymnastics, and much more.
This session, a brand new course titled Single Weapon Class in Rapier Dagger will be available for the first time to adults of all ages and skill levels. Students will learn the basics of this theatrical style of double fence and have the opportunity to take the skills proficiency test for the Society of American Fight Directors.
Pre-registration for currently enrolled students begins March 12
Open Registration begins March 26
Classes begin April 9
For the first time, registration will be available online at www.actorsgymnasium.com.
The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL - just off of the Noyes purple line el stop. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative programming, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.com 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 entertainment for a wider audience, including corporate parties, nightclubs, and special events. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, intellectually and creatively.
Lost & Found Show and Opening Night Gala! (Copy)
Back by Popular Demand...
Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus
February 11 - March 11, 2012
"This production will charm, warm and wow you...sly and nuanced clowning...wordless, impressive poetry" - Chicago Theatre Blog
"Director Lawrence DiStasi showcases a wry sense of humor and some superb acrobatics in this quirky Actors Gymnasium show...RECOMMENDED" - Chicago Reader
99% Recycled! - Costumes, props and set pieces used in this show are re-purposed, recycled, found-object art.
Last year's runaway hit, Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus, returns to The Actors Gymnasium. A collaborative original work by Co-Artistic Directors Larry DiStasi and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi together with an amazing team of designers and performers, this circus production explores the world of second-hand treasure. Cast-off junk and cast-off characters are saved in this show and given thrilling, new life. Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus features aerial acrobatics, live music, and magical, found-object invention. This year the cast features Zoe Boyer, David Catlin, Will Howard, Chris Mathews, Will McGowan, "Tommy" Tomlins, Lindsey Noel Whiting, The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble and some amazing young performers.
View the video trailer for Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus, here.
Tickets available online through
Brown Paper Tickets or by calling 1-800-838-3006
Opening Night Gala
February 11, 2012
The Opening Night Gala is our annual celebration of community and a way to support the need-based financial aid programs of The Gym.
Fabulous food! Cool raffle items!
Specialty cocktails! Amazing performances!
Tickets On-Sale Now - With 2 Options This Year:
1) Opening Night Show Ticket & Gala Admission
OR
2) Gala-Only Option
(for those party-goers who want to see the show another time)
Seating and capacity are limited and tickets are going fast! Get yours today.
For more information, click here, 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 event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, intellectually and creatively.
CORRECTION & UPDATE: The Actors Gymnasium Recycles Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus
Hello ,
I hope you had a chance to took a look at The Actors Gymnasium's press release for Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus! There have been some corrections made to the dates listed previously*.
We are also thrilled to announce the addition of David Catlin of Lookingglass Theatre and Chris Mathews of House Theatre to the cast! We are truly looking forward to this remount of Lost & Found, and we hope that you can share our excitement with us here at The Actors Gymnasium.
*The following corrections should be noted in regards to the Lost & Found press release sent out 12/21/2011. Show dates should read as follows:
Gala Opening: February 11, 2012
Regular Performances: February 12- March 11, 2012
All the best,
Kiana Harris Simon
Director of Marketing & Event Entertainment
The Actors Gymnasium
The Actors Gymnasium Recycles
Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus
EVANSTON, IL - Back by popular demand, The Actors Gymnasium presents Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus opening February 11th. A truly "green" endeavor, this circus production explores the world of second-hand treasure. Cast-aside junk and cast-off characters are saved in this show and given thrilling, new life.
100% Recycled! - All costumes, props and set pieces used in this show are re-purposed, recycled, found-object art.
The critics joined audiences in praise of the Lost and Found last winter. "This production will charm, warm and wow you...sly and nuanced clowning...wordless, impressive poetry" - Chicago Theatre Blog. "Director Lawrence DiStasi showcases a wry sense of humor and some superb acrobatics in this quirky Actors Gymnasium show" "Recommended" - Chicago Reader.
Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus features aerial acrobatics, live music, and magical, found-object invention. Co-Artistic Directors Larry DiStasi and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi created this work collaboratively with a team of designers and performers. Original music composed by Greg Hirte, ensemble percussion by Jarrett Dapier, lighting design by Charles Jolls, found-object design by Joe Taylor, Mike Sullivan and Bruce Rogers, costume design by Elizabeth Wislar, and choreography by Nicole Pellegrino, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and the cast. Featuring: Will Howard, Chris Mathews, Lindsey Noel Whiting, David Catlin, Griffin DiStasi, Asher White, Julia White, Jude Sims, Sadie Sims, and The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble.
Larry DiStasi and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, are active creators, performers and teachers of physical theater. Their critically acclaimed collaborations with Lookingglass Theatre (La Luna Muda, The Baron in the Trees, Hard Times, Lookingglass Alice and Icarus) have been recognized with Joseph Jefferson recommendations, nominations and awards. They have created and produced over a dozen shows, including the highly inventive Flying Griffin Circus, described as "down-home magic" in the Chicago Reader.
A gala opening of Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2012. Opening night tickets are $100 each, which includes a post-show reception. Gala tickets are available at 847-328-2795 or www.actorsgymnasium.com by February 10th, 2012.
Regular Performances February 12 - March 11, 2012
Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 4:30 & 7:30, and Sundays at 3:00pm
Tickets: $15.00 adults / $10 kids, 12 and under / $10 students with ID.
Tickets available from Brown Paper Tickets - www.brownpapertickets.com or 800-838-3006