Guest User 12/10/14 Guest User 12/10/14

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

Guest User 10/20/14 Guest User 10/20/14

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

Guest User 10/18/14 Guest User 10/18/14

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.

Guest User 10/10/14 Guest User 10/10/14

"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.

Guest User 10/8/14 Guest User 10/8/14

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:

Guest User 9/23/14 Guest User 9/23/14

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

View the trailer here.

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

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.

Guest User 8/15/14 Guest User 8/15/14

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.

Guest User 8/5/14 Guest User 8/5/14

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:

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:

Guest User 6/18/14 Guest User 6/18/14

Summer Circus Intensive Showcase Performance Doubles its Shows at The Actors Gymnasium

EVANSTON, IL - On July 19 & 20 The Actors Gymnasium will debut its newly expanded Summer Circus Intensive Performance Showcase. The Intensive is an innovative workshop for adults dedicated to the development of high-level physical performance and circus skills.

The workshop participants have spent six weeks with master circus and performing art professionals Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, David Catlin, Dean Evans, Naomi Hummel, Melinda Myers, Oyunchimeg "Oyuna" Yadamjav, and Javen Ulambayar to develop professional acts. The performances on July 19 & 20 will be the first time the public can see these exciting, collaborative acts in their completion. The culminating Summer Circus Intensive Showcase Performance is open to all ages.

This year, the intensive expanded to meet the growing community of participants and the show schedule reflects this growth.

Tickets are available now for both days of performances. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here or at www.actorsgymnasium.org. For group reservations and general questions, call 847-328-2795. The on-location box office opens 1.5 hours prior to the start of each performance.

Intensive 1 Performances

July 19th

4:30 & 7:30 pm

Intensive 2 Performances

July 20th

1:00 & 4:00 pm

View the trailer here

About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming

Larry is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School as well as an ensemble member and founder of the Lookingglass Theatre Company. For Lookingglass, Larry has served as actor, director, administrator and designer over the past 25 years. He has performed in over 30 productions, among them the Tony Award winning production, Metamorphoses, and the Jeff Award winning productions Lookingglass Alice, The Arabian Nights and Hard Times. He directed and adapted The Baron in the Trees for which he received a Jeff Nomination in Adaptation. Larry directed The Actors Gymnasium circuses Dream, Science Fiction, Lost and Found, Skooled, and The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus. He has appeared on television and film and in a Philip Glass Opera called Galileo Galilei. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.

The Actors Gymnasium Theatre Information
The Actors Gymnasium venue is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, Illinois - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months. There is limited metered parking in the Noyes Cultural Center Parking lot and other events in the building can make parking more difficult. Parking in the lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays in the Noyes lot. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center and metered parking on Noyes Street.

About The Actors Gymnasium

Guest User 6/13/14 Guest User 6/13/14

CORRECTED: Local Brewery Opens Taps to Support Circus

EVANSTON, IL - Much of life is about who you know. But most social connections don't lead to such unique partnerships. Evanstonians Josh Gilbert and Jenny Breen recently reconnected years after their high school days at ETHS while their lives took them in directions neither expected. Gilbert recently transitioned from architect to the owner of Evanston's first craft brewery, named for the homegrown temperance movement that swept the US in the 1920's. Breen recently became a board member of Evanston's first and only circus school, after taking classes for several years.

Though the paths they took were unlikely, it seemed natural for Breen to ask Gilbert to sponsor the beer at a recent fundraiser at The Actors Gymnasium (AG). It seemed natural for Gilbert and Breen to team up for one of a kind entertainment for Temperance Beer Co.'s Tap Room. Out of that conversation came the idea of the Temperance Circus Night.

On June 20th, fans of local brewing and local circus will be able to enjoy both under the same roof. Attendees will be entertained by AG performers both on the ground and in the air, including stiltwalkers, acrobats, and aerialists while sipping brews with such names as Birdsong, Freedive, and Greenwood Beach Blonde.

There is no admission fee for the fundraiser. Instead Temperance Beer Co. will donate a percentage of that night's drink sales

to raise funds for the school which provides classes in circus and performing arts to students of all ages and financial backgrounds.

Additional funds will be raised through sales of a commemorative poster created by designer and illustrator Joe Taylor, with printing donated by Fisheye Graphics.The poster design can be seen below.

The Temperance Circus Night takes place June 20 from 8-11 pm at the Tap Room, located at 2000 Dempster Street in Evanston. More information about the fundraiser can be found on the event's facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1388709868085050/

About The Actors Gymnasium:

The Actors Gymnasium is a professional Circus & Performing Arts Organization with over 19 years of experience providing premiere instruction and entertainment to the Chicagoland area. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative classes, class descriptions, and performances, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795

About Temperance Beer Co.

It's taken almost one hundred years, but Evanston can once again call itself home to a Temperance movement. But this time there's beer. In fact, this one is all about the beer. Aside from that tiny detail, Temperance has always been about making life better in ways big and small. We think that's a worthy goal, and one that only comes about by being open to the possibilities. It's something we think about with the beers we brew and the things we do. (And when you join us, you will too.)Welcome to a new Temperance movement. More information about Temperance Beer Co. can be found here.

Guest User 6/11/14 Guest User 6/11/14

Local Brewery Opens Taps to Support Circus

EVANSTON, IL - Much of life is about who you know. But most social connections don't lead to such unique partnerships. Evanstonians Josh Gilbert and Jenny Breen stayed in contact ever since their high school days at ETHS while their lives took them in directions neither expected. Gilbert recently transitioned from architect to the owner of Evanston's first craft brewery, named for the homegrown temperance movement that swept the US in the 1920's. Breen recently became a board member of Evanston's first and only circus school, after taking classes for several years.

Though the paths they took were unlikely, it seemed natural for Breen to ask Gilbert to sponsor the beer at a recent fundraiser at The Actors Gymnasium (AG). It seemed natural for Gilbert to ask Breen for one of a kind entertainment for Temperance Beer Co.'s Tap Room. Out of that conversation came the idea of the Temperance Circus Night.

There is no admission fee for the fundraiser. Instead Temperance Beer Co. will donate a percentage of that night's drink sales to raise funds for the school which provides classes in circus and performing arts to students of all ages and financial backgrounds.

Additional funds will be raised through sales of a commemorative poster created by designer and illustrator Joe Taylor, with printing donated by Fisheye Graphics.The poster design can be seen below.

About The Actors Gymnasium:

About Temperance Beer Co.

Guest User 5/27/14 Guest User 5/27/14

Master Workshop on Aerial Straps Offered

EVANSTON, IL - Due to a notable level of interest, The Actors Gymnasium (AG) will offer a master workshop on aerial straps taught by Javen Ulambayar in June.

Ulambayar graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2012 with a Kinesiology degree and an emphasis on clinical movement and science. During his high school and college years, he attended the circus school Circus Juventas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he attained his skills in a variety of performing acts. His performances while in circus school included tumbling, teeterboard, jump rope, Chinese Pole, acro and Russian Bar. He specializes in aerial straps.

The straps workshop will focus on incorporating movements and techniques that develop strength, flexibility and endurance. Many moves are similar in nature to those seen on Men's gymnastic rings, though the pliable nature of straps allow for more moves than the rigid rings. Due to the advanced nature of the apparatus, previous aerial experience is required to take part.

The two hour workshop will take place on June 29 for students ages 16 and older. For more information and to enroll in the workshop, click here.

The Actors Gymnasium [an Illinois Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) corporation] is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults;produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities for our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For more information, visit www.actorsgymnasium.org

Guest User 5/14/14 Guest User 5/14/14

The Actors Gymnasium Wins Best Interactive Event Entertainment Award

2014 NICE AWARDS

This April, the Actors Gymnasium won the NICE Award for "Best Interactive Entertainment" accepted by Director of Event Entertainment Kiana Harris Simon.

The N.I.C.E. Awards were established to recognize Chicago area members of NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) and ISES (International Special Events Society) for their accomplishments within the special events industry. The joint awards ceremony celebrates achievements in the areas of event planning, catering, entertainment, creative and support services.

View more of The Actors Gymnasium's innovative Event Entertainers here. You'll also find more information regarding our event entertainment here.

To book performers from The Actors Gymnasium, contact Kiana at events@actorsgymnasium.org or by phone at 847.328.2795.

Recent Testimonials Include:

"...the entertainers were FANTASTIC. Thank you so much for all of your help."

"The Grand Opening of Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram was the 3rd time I've hired The Actors Gymnasium to perform at one of my events. The reason I keep on bringing them back is because they have a very large selection of diverse performers, their prices are fair and they are very helpful to help me find the right performers to fit each event."

"Kudos to Actors Gymnasium and the over the top customer service and response time. Great organization with which to do business!"

"We received many compliments that it was [a] unique touch and a beautiful accompaniment to the event. We appreciate all the effort you put in and we will be sure to use [The] Actors Gymnasium or recommend them to others in the future should the need arise."

"We loved our [performers]! Both actors were great and very personable. They got a lot of great photos with our guests, and interacted with the crowd in exactly the way we were hoping. I would definitely call upon The Actors Gymnasium again!"

"Thanks for a great event. Kudos. The professionalism, friendliness, and skill set of the performers were absolutely excellent. The energy fed back into the crowd. Your event night coordination with this group was great, and [we] enjoyed working with you that evening."

"I so appreciate all of your work and efforts to make [the] party a huge success. So many people asked for their information, and inquired as to how I found them. That's just how awesome it was! I will definitely use your services again for any future events I plan. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

About The Actors Gymnasium

Guest User 5/14/14 Guest User 5/14/14

Evanston's Only Circus School Teaches Students to Fly

EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts School starts registration today for their Summer session beginning on June 9. Classes include unique offerings in subjects such as Circus & Aerial Arts, Parkour & Art du Deplacement, and more for both youth and adults.

The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to teaching circus and aerials arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance. Their highly-skilled faculty teach classes for all ages, as well as extremely popular and innovative skill building camps and workshops throughout the year.

To take advantage of the warm weather, Parkour & Art du Deplacement classes for adults and youth ages 11 to 15 will be offered on Saturdays. Students learn the disciplines in which practitioners use their bodies to interact with and traverse all type of environments while simultaneously focusing on mental and spiritual development. Further class offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Circus Arts, Contortion, Gymnastics, and Imaginastics. The new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins June 9 and runs through August 3, 2014. There are no classes July 4.

Due to popular demand, The Actors Gymnasium has also expanded its Summer Circus Intensive Workshop to provide options for both afternoon and evening classes. More information on this high level performance ready workshop can be found here. Additional evening and weekend classes are available for adult students here.

Registration for all Summer classes are now open at www.actorsgymnasium.org. Classes fill quickly and limited space is available. Financial aid and payment plans available. For more information, contact our office by email or by phone (847)328-2795. The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.

About The Actors Gymnasium:

The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative classes, class descriptions, and performances, and more, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795.

Guest User 5/5/14 Guest User 5/5/14

The Actors Gymnasium's Popular Circus in Progress Series Returns

EVANSTON, IL - On May 31, Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work returns to The Actors Gymnasium after over two years of sold out performances. Chicago theatre and circus lovers of all ages delight in this popular sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art. This cabaret style performance series focuses on the development of new acts, showcasing many Chicagoland area circus and variety arts professionals as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's classes.

Tickets are available now for the one day only performances on May 31 at 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here or at www.actorsgymnasium.org. For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795. The on-location box office opens 1.5 hours prior to the start of each performance.

Further performer announcements will continue throughout the month through The Actors Gymnasium's social media and on the production page, but the following acts are confirmed: Spring & Tulga, ETC Music School Ensemble, Aerial Dance Chicago, and advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's own classes.

To view the trailer, click here

About Larry DiStasi, Artistic Director of Programming
Larry is Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School as well as an ensemble member and founder of the Lookingglass Theatre Company. For Lookingglass, Larry has served as actor, director, administrator and designer over the past 25 years. He has performed in over 30 productions, among them the Tony Award winning production, Metamorphoses, and the Jeff Award winning productions Lookingglass Alice, The Arabian Nights and Hard Times. He directed and adapted The Baron in the Trees for which he received a Jeff Nomination in Adaptation. Larry directed The Actors Gymnasium circuses Dream, Science Fiction, Lost and Found, Skooled, and The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus. He has appeared on television and film and in a Philip Glass Opera called Galileo Galilei. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.

The Actors Gymnasium Theatre Information
The Actors Gymnasium venue is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, Illinois - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months. There is limited metered parking in the Noyes Cultural Center Parking lot and other events in the building can make parking more difficult. Parking in the lot (permit & metered spots) is free after 6 pm Monday-Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays in the Noyes lot. There is additional free parking on Ridge Street and at the Civic Center and metered parking on Noyes Street.

About The Actors Gymnasium

The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative classes, class descriptions, and performances, and more, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call 847-328-2795.

Guest User 4/24/14 Guest User 4/24/14

Early Bird Discount Ends Wednesday for New Summer Circus Intensive Programs at The Actors Gymnasium

EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium has announced the addition of an Adult Summer Circus Intensive (SCI) to their summer scheduling. SCI is an innovative six-week intensive workshop dedicated to physical performance and act creation. The program offers performers the chance to choreograph their own work. In this way, the Summer Circus Intensive fosters the creative and artistic development of the performers in addition to the development of technical skills. Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Dean Evans and area master teachers provide instruction in a variety of circus and performing art disciplines. More information can be found below and at our website here.

Early Bird Registration:

The Early Bird Discount of $750 is for Adult Intensive only and valid through Wednesday, April 30th only.

Enrollment process:

Enroll for either intensive here. It is required that students have taken at least one class prior at The Actors Gymnasium or have teacher permission.

If you have never taken a class at The Actors Gymnasium please add yourself to the wait list and submit the following information below to sylvia@actorsgymnasium.org.

Brief background
Training (if any)
Goals
Pictures or video link (not required)

Class Times & Dates:

Students will have classes 4 days a week, Monday - Thursday. Classes begin June 9th and run through July 18. No class July 4.

Teen Intensive: 4:15-6:15pm

Adult Intensive: 6:15-8:15pm

Daily Classes:

Students work with master circus professionals each day on individual circus skills. Students also receive an Open Gym card which provides students with the opportunity to practice their act outside of class without additional cost.

Performances:

A high point of the SCI experience is the performance. Technical rehearsal takes place Friday, July 18th at 4:15pm. Performances take place July 19th at 4:30 and 7:30 pm and July 20th at 1:00 and 4:00 pm. For tickets to the performance, please visit our Shows page.

Faculty:

Full time faculty includes: Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Oyunchimeg "Oyuna" Yadamjav, and Javen Ulambayar, with guest artists such as Dean Evans (Chicago Physical Theater), and Naomi Hummel. Additional teachers to be announced.

Age Qualifications:

Teen Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 16 and over.

Adult Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 18 and over.

Fees:

Tuition: $825

**$100 non-refundable deposit for intensive

Location:

About The Actors Gymnasium:

Guest User 4/16/14 Guest User 4/16/14

New Summer Circus Intensive Programs at The Actors Gymnasium

Class Times & Dates:

Students will have classes 4 days a week, Monday - Thursday. Classes begin June 9th and run through July 18. No class July 4.

Teen Intensive: 4:15-6:15pm

Adult Intensive: 6:15-8:15pm

Daily Classes:

Performances:

Faculty:

Full time faculty includes: Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and Javen Ulambayar, with guest artists such as Dean Evans (Chicago Physical Theater). Additional teachers to be announced.

Enrollment process:

It is required that students have taken at least one class prior at The Actors Gymnasium or have teacher permission.

If you have never taken a class at The Actors Gymnasium please add yourself to the wait list and submit the following information below to sylvia@actorsgymnasium.org.

Brief background
Training (if any)
Goals
Pictures or video link (not required)

Age Qualifications:

Teen Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 16 and over.

Adult Summer Circus Intensive is for students ages 18 and over.

Fees:

Tuition: $825

**$100 non-refundable deposit for intensive

Early Bird Registration:

Early Bird registration is encouraged to save money and secure a spot in this intensive. The Early Bird Discount of $750 is for Adult Intensive only and valid through April 30th.

Location:

About The Actors Gymnasium:

Guest User 4/10/14 Guest User 4/10/14

Master Workshop in Chinese Pole Offered

EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium (AG) recently featured a circus apparatus known as Chinese pole in their highly acclaimed show, The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus. The Chinese Pole was a major crowd pleaser in the shows finale and piqued interest among students and staff. Due to this notable level of interest, AG will offer a master workshop on the apparatus, taught by Javen Ulambayar.

Ulambayar graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2012 with a Kinesiology degree and an emphasis on clinical movement and science. During his high school and college years, he attended the circus school "Juventas" in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Here he attained his skills in a variety of performing acts. His performances while in circus school included tumbling, teeterboard, jump rope, Chinese Pole, acro and Russian Bar. He also specializes in aerial straps.

The Chinese pole is a vertical pole on which performers display strength and skill by climbing, sliding down, and holding poses. The two hour Chinese pole workshop will focus on incorporating movements and techniques that develop strength, flexibility and endurance. This class is suitable for all levels and abilities and is open to complete beginners.

The workshop will take place on May 3rd for students ages 16 and older. For more information and to enroll in the workshop, click here.

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.

Guest User 3/11/14 Guest User 3/11/14

Exclusive Insights into Creative Innovation

EVANSTON, IL - March 22 - One Night Only

The Invisible Circus Revealed is a unique opportunity to get on the stage, behind the scenes and into the minds of local creative innovators. Following a champagne reception and seeing The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus, audience members will tour the stage, meet the cast, and get exclusive insights from the creative team.

The Actors Gymnasium is a performance laboratory where some of the most innovative and ground-breaking physical theatre in Illinois is developed. Recognized for its longstanding collaboration with the Lookingglass Theatre, The Actors Gymnasium trains multidisciplinary performing artists who have performed on stages from coast to coast.

The Creative Innovators:

Larry DiStasi (Director/Co-writer/Co-artistic director) - is a co-Founder of both the Tony Award winning Lookingglass Theatre and The Actors Gymnasium.

Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (Circus choreographer/Co-artistic director) - is a co-Founder of The Actors Gymnasium whose choreography has received 4 Jeff Awards. Recent credits include Lookingglass Theatre's The Little Prince and Northwestern's upcoming Moby Dick.

Dean Evans (Clown/Mime/Co-writer) is as an actor, teacher, solo-performing artist and a major force in the physical theatre community of Chicago. His work recently earned him recognition as A Player in Newcity Stage's "The Players 2014: The Fifty People Who Really Perform in Chicago."

Lindsey Noel Whiting (Actress/Co-writer) is recognized for her musical and acrobatic work at Lookingglass Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Redmoon, Victory Gardens, and the circus-punk-marching band, Mucca Pazza.

Tickets are $50 each (incl $30 tax-deduction) and can be purchased here.

Sponsors for this special benefit performance include The Wine Goddess, Temperance Beer Co., Whole Foods-South Evanston, and Fannie May Chocolates. All proceeds will support creative innovation at The Actors Gymnasium, which reaches over 17,000 people a year.

Program:

7:00 pm - Libations and chocolates

7:30 pm - Performance of The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus

9:00 - 10:30pm - Explore the stage, take photos with the cast, enjoy the reception, and hear from the creative team.

Photo by Kate Tabor

About The Actors Gymnasium:

The Actors Gymnasium is a professional Circus & Performing Arts Organization with over 18 years of experience providing premiere instruction and entertainment to the Chicagoland area. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.

Guest User 3/5/14 Guest User 3/5/14

Actors Gymnasium's Circus School Welcomes Spring with New Session of Classes

EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts School starts registration today for their Spring session beginning on March 31. Classes include unique offerings in subjects such as Aerial Arts, Circus Fitness, Stage Combat, Imaginastics, Parent-Tot Circus, and Parkour.

The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to teaching circus and aerials arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance. Their highly-skilled faculty teach classes for both adults and kids, as well as extremely popular and innovative skill building camps and workshops throughout the year.

Due to popular demand, The Actors Gymnasium has expanded its Parkour and Art du Deplacement classes to provide options for both adults and children. Students learn the disciplines in which practitioners use their bodies to interact with and traverse all type of environments while simultaneously focusing on mental and spiritual development.

Society of American Fight Directors President Chuck Coyl returns to The Actors Gymnasium this Spring to teach a new Single Weapon Certification Sword and Shield workshop. This class will cover the basics of staged sword and shield combat including sword attacks, shield attacks, slashing attacks, binds, moulinets, parries and defense work. Participants will have the opportunity to take the SAFD skills proficiency test at the conclusion of the session.

The new session of classes in Circus and Performing Arts begins March 31 - June 8, 2014. There are no classes April 7 - 13 and May 26 for Memorial Day.

Further class offerings for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels include Act Up & Dance, Aerial Arts, Circus Arts, Contortion, Gymnastics, Parent - Tot Circus and Tumbling.

Registration for all Spring classes are now open at www.actorsgymnasium.org. Classes fill quickly and limited space is available.

About The Actors Gymnasium

The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.

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