THE ACTORS GYMNASIUM PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF QUEST, AN ORIGINAL CIRCUS-THEATER PRODUCTION, FEBRUARY 11 – MARCH 19
Written and Directed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig, Quest is Loosely Based on Leo Tolstoy’s Parable “The Three Questions” and Takes the Audience on a Wild Ride to Answer Three Simple, but Very Important Questions
CHICAGO – The Actors Gymnasium is proud to announce the world premiere of Quest, an original circus-theater production adapted and directed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig, featuring original music by Kevin O’Donnell and loosely based on Leo Tolstoy’s short story “The Three Questions.” Quest, part of Actors Gymnasium’s Annual Winter Circus, runs Saturday, Feb. 11 – Sunday, March 19 at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. Press opening is Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. with an opening night party Saturday Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Performance times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Running time is approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids, students and seniors and are available online at
ActorsGymnasium.org or 847.328.2795. Once online sales are closed, 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to the show start time, the on-location box office will be open. For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795. If online sales are sold out, a limited number of tickets will be available at the door the night of the performance.
Quest, loosely based on the Leo Tolstoy story “The Three Questions,” has the protagonist ask three simple, but huge, questions, setting in motion a whirlwind journey to find the answers. The hero with her sidekicks venture through obstacles, misinformation, slapstick fun, unexpected detours, music and songs, near crises and amazing feats of partnership in seek of answers.
"One of my favorite books to read to my kids is “The Three Questions.” It's one of those children's books that gives as much, if not more, to me as to my kids,” said Buxbaum Danzig. “I always thought this would make a great theatrical experience. And, when, Sylvia [Hernandez-DiStasi, Actors Gymnasium artistic director] reached out, I jumped at the chance. I'm a regular winter circus-attendee and I always love the spirit of the show - its mix of professionals, teens, and kids, its generosity with audiences of all ages, its joy, its rigor and its ambition. Within seconds I thought aha, this might be the time and place for “The Three Questions.””
The cast of Quest includes Flora Bare, Kate Braland, David Corlew, Amanda Crockett, Edgar Ortiz and members of Actors Gymnasium’s Teen Ensemble and Young Artists.
The production team includes Kevin O’Donnell, original music; Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, circus choreographer; Tommy Tomlins, circus co choreographer and Erin Kilmurray, dance choreographer. Other team
members include Jerica Hucke, costume designer; Justine Brock, lighting designer; Isaac Schoepp, rigging designer and Grover Holloway, sound designer.
ABOUT LESLIE BUXBAUM DANZIG, adapter and director Leslie Buxbaum Danzig is a director primarily of devised theater productions, working with ensembles over the course of a year or more (or less) to create original performances. Her productions often bring together different performance languages (dance-theater, clown-theater, circus-theater). As both theater-maker and audience member she enjoys the unexpected ways in which narrative (of some kind) emerges from shifting performance forms and logics.
Buxbaum Danzig has worked extensively with Lucky Plush Productions and is currently co-creating/co-directing Roominghouse, slated to premiere in Fall 2017. She is also a co-founder of the Chicago-based physical theater company 500 Clown. Other directing credits include Damon Kiely's The Revel with the House Theatre of Chicago; Redmoon's The Elephant and the Whale, with Chicago Children's Theater (with Frank Maugeri); Redmoon's Hunchback at New Victory Theater (NYC) and Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago; and Float with About Face Theater. Prior to turning to directing, she toured nationally and internationally as an actor with NYC's Elevator Repair Service. Buxbaum Danzig is an assistant professor of Practice in the Arts, Theater and Performance Studies, University of Chicago. She received her BA from Brown University and PhD in Performance Studies at Northwestern University, and trained in physical theater at Écoles Jacques Lecoq and Philippe Gaulier.
ABOUT THE ACTORS GYMNASIUM
Since 1995, The Actors Gymnasium has been guided by the vision of a revitalized American theatre: one with performances as thrilling as a rock concert and as mesmerizing as the circus. To that end, they have dedicated themselves to the education and development of multi-skilled, physical theatre artists.
CLASSES AT THE ACTORS GYMNASIUM
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. Additional classes are 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.
The highly skilled instructors create a non-competitive imaginative environment where students can learn as much from each other as their teachers. Students explore their creativity, build courage, and develop community as they tackle circus and aerial arts, physical theatre and so much more.
The faculty includes Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, a second generation circus performer, a Master teacher and an award-winning choreographer. American Theatre Magazine has called Physical Theatre Director Molly Brennan “Chicago’s Queen of Mischief and Make-Believe.” The Actors Gymnasium has faculty with circus credentials that stem from training at The Actors Gymnasium, New England Center for Circus Arts, Circus Juventas and National École de Cirque. Instructors have performed with esteemed circus and theatre companies worldwide. For complete bios, visit: www.actorsgymnasium.org/about-us/faculty/.
The Actors Gymnasium is proud to announce the world premiere of Quest, an original circus-theater production adapted and directed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig, featuring original music by Kevin O’Donnell and loosely based on Leo Tolstoy’s short story “The Three Questions.” Quest, part of Actors Gymnasium’s Annual Winter Circus, runs Saturday, Feb. 11 – Sunday, March 19 at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. Press opening is Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. with an opening night party Saturday Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Performance times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Running time is approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids, students and seniors and are available online at ActorsGymnasium.org or 847.328.2795. Once online sales are closed, 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to the show start time, the on-location box office will be open. For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795. If online sales are sold out, a limited number of tickets will be available at the door the night of the performance.
Please note: There is no apostrophe in the company name, The Actors Gymnasium.
Piven and AG Partner to Provide a New Workshop for Home Schoolers
Evanston, IL - The Actors Gymnasium and Piven Theatre Workshop have teamed up to create a workshop crafted especially for the social needs and education requirements of students who study outside the traditional education setting. The $50 workshop takes place September 7 from 12-3 pm, for students 4th through 8th grade. For more information and to enroll in the workshop, click here.
In an action-packed Piven workshop, students learn core improv exercises and theatre games designed to encourage creativity, self-expression, and truthfulness in the moment.
With The Actors Gymnasium students learn basic circus skills in silk knot, partner acrobatics, rolling globe, and more, exploring their creative movement, building courage, and developing community.
The three hour workshop uses the unique strengths of both organizations (and our convenient location together in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center) to make this a not-to-be-missed opportunity for homeschoolers to learn, explore the arts, and just plain have fun!
Piven Theatre Workshop is a nationally acclaimed training center and professional theatre. For over forty years, the Workshop has helped thousands of students celebrate play while finding their unique creative voice through the study of improvisation, theatre games, scene study, and story theatre.
The highly skilled instructors at The Actors Gymnasium create a non-competitive imaginative environment where kids can learn as much from each other as their teachers as they tackle circus and aerials arts, physical theatre and so much more.
Location:
The Actors Gymnasium and Piven Theatre Workshop are 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.
Piven Theatre Workshop's 70-seat black box theatre is the hub of the Workshop's training center, professional Equity theatre, and the new work development program the Lab@Piven. Over the 45 years of Piven's history, Piven's stage has seen the mentorship of thousands of artists, including celebrity alumni Jeremy Piven, Shira Piven, Aidan Quinn, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Lili Taylor, Sarah Ruhl, and many more. Piven's space also includes two additional rehearsal spaces and classrooms (Rooms 103 and 105) and their main office in Room 110.
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
About Piven Theatre Workshop:
Piven Theatre Workshop is a nationally acclaimed training center and professional theatre. For over forty years, the Workshop has helped thousands of students celebrate play while finding their unique creative voice through the study of improvisation, theatre games, scene study, and story theatre. Piven classes focus first and foremost on our process-oriented training technique, which values personal and artistic growth over a cookie-cutter final product. Our students learn the value of create and improvisational thinking, the empowerment achieved through emotional expression, and the power of truth and honesty in performance.
Please note: There is no apostrophe in the company name, The Actors Gymnasium.
Start Your Saturday with an Aerial Adventure
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium is opening its doors to anyone who has ever wanted to try aerial circus. The two hour open house gives locals the chance to pop in, get into the air, meet the teachers, and check out the space without needing to join a class.
The event is open to all ages and free to the public. No RSVP necessary. Takes place from 9-11 am on Saturday August 27 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 100 ft from the Noyes Purple Line stop.
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.
Please note: There is no apostrophe in the company name, The Actors Gymnasium.
Circus Returns to Third Annual Canal Shores Campout
EVANSTON, IL - With activities that include swinging on a silk knot, climbing the Spanish web,spinning on the Lyra (aerial hoop), laser tag, rollerskating, a "midnight" movie, games, and an inflatable obstacle courses, the third annual Canal Shores Campout promises to have something for everyone. Add in grilling and meals from Ten Mile House and you have a formula for an overnight of fun for everyone, with a focus on family, friendship, and sports.
"The Campout has become one of our most anticipated events of the year. It's great to see families circle-up their tents by school or block. Last year more than 200 people had fun while supporting great causes that are based in their backyards," said Dan Bulf, Canal Shores' Business Manager.
Bulf is planning to reach 200 campers again this year, and the program has expanded to provide additional experiences for all attendees.
"The Board of the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association is thrilled to have the Actors Gymnasium providing their aerial rig so our attendees can Learn to Fly. We hope that all attendees will go home with fond memories of a great experience. We appreciate the contributions that the Chandler-Newberger Community Center has made in promoting the event, providing assistance with planning, and hosting indoor activities."
What: Third Annual Canal Shores Campout
When: Saturday, August 27, 3 pm through Sunday, August 28, 10 am
Where: The First Fairway at Canal Shores Golf Course 1030 Central Street, Evanston, IL
Sponsors:
Evanston-Wilmette Golf Course Association
The American Legion Post 42
Ten Mile House
The Actors Gymnasium
Chandler-Newberger Community Center
Details: Passes and tickets for events can now be purchased online, visit www.canalshores.org. Passes for a family of four are now on sale through Aug. 20 at $199 with meals, $99 without; $249/$199 thereafter. Additional campers are $50/$62.50, respectively."
Note: there will be a charge for some food items and that attendees may bring their own items for grilling
Net proceeds from the campout will support Canal Shores 2017 youth golf program and The Actors Gymnasium.
To register for the Campout and for more information, visit www.canalshorescampout.org, call 847-475-9173 or email info@canalshores.org.
About Canal Shores Golf Course (The Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association)
The all-volunteer Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association operates Canal Shores, an 18 hole, par 60 golf course on the banks of the North Shore Channel of the Chicago River. It is established as a charitable organization and qualifies as an exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It offers programs that celebrate the game of golf, with special programs designed for families, youth and the community. More information can be found at www.canalshores.org. No public funds or taxpayer monies support the operations. The Course hosts corporate and charitable golf outings, tent parties and banquets; year-round recreation is also offered, including walking, cross country running and skiing, family campouts, and support for the Northwestern Wildcats football team.
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
About the Chandler-Newberger Community Center
Chandler-Newberger Community Center is part of the City of Evanston's Parks & Recreation Division which is committed to enhancing the quality of life of all citizens by providing collaborative opportunities for our community to grow, learn, create and play. Chandler-Newberger Community Center offers comprehensive programs for infants through adults and manages a variety of citywide programs conducted at 20 sites throughout Evanston. Contact information: 847.448.8252, recreation@cityofevanston.org. www.cityofevanston.org/parks-recreation/chandler-newberger-center
Please note: There is no apostrophe in the company name, The Actors Gymnasium.
Brand New Circus Acts - This Weekend Only
EVANSTON, IL - During the past six weeks, 31 students conditioned their bodies to their highest physical levels while working with a cross section of Chicago's leading circus, dance, and physical theatre instructors. Collaborating with their fellow students, they choreographing brand new circus movement pieces.
Two casts created two completely different showcases. This weekend will be the first and only time the public can see these exciting, collaborative acts in their completion. The culminating Summer Circus Intensive Showcase is open to all ages.
New acts include: Stacked Lyra, Chinese Pole, Double Trapeze, Sling, Poi, Unicycle, Straps, Lyra, Silk Knot, Juggling, Pendulum, Silks, Single Point Trapeze, Aerial Rope, Acrobatic Pole, Spanish Web, Cloudswing, Contortion, Aerial Net, Dance
Directed by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and guest taught by Dean Evans, Tommy Rapley, Flora Bare, Amanda Crockett, Patrick Tobin, and Javen Ulambayar.
Tickets are available now for both days of performances for $15. They 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.
View the trailer:
Summer Circus Intensive Showcase trailer
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
Please note: There is no apostrophe in the company name, The Actors Gymnasium.
Brand New Physical Show Brings Spectacle to Holiday Weekend
EVANSTON, IL - As the landscape of Chicago physical theatre changes with the departure of several large institutions, The Actors Gymnasium has doubled down on its commitment to physicality. This Memorial Day weekend, audiences can see the inaugural graduating class of the Professional Circus Training Program in Ascend.
The performances showcase the acts created by the students in their 9 months of study. The Actors Gymnasium always grows a unique pool of talent, and the 2015/16 Pro-Training Students are up and coming stars. Come see how a year of dedication, creativity and teamwork can change the world of physical theatre, circus, dance, and beyond. From trapeze to partner acrobatics, lyra to Chinese pole, hand balancing to cloud swing, these brand new acts delight and amaze.
Ascend: the 2015/16 Professional Circus Training Showcase Trailer
"The students we accept are of diverse physical backgrounds, so their goals are often just as diverse as they are. The program's overarching goal is to create physical performers that can do anything that is asked of them. When they graduate, students are prepared for their next step as a performer, whether in the professional circus or theatre world, or in furthering their training and pursuits as a physical creator," says Program Manager Nathan Drackett.
"After graduating, I plan on exploring the intersection between independent theatre and circus to further physical story-telling within the contemporary American Theatre scene. Nothing examines the human condition better," says graduating student Joey C Heyworth.
"I am continuously inspired by the perfect marriage of artistry, athleticism, and adventure that circus offers," says fellow graduate Zoe Boyer, who started training at The Actors Gymnasium as a teen.
Ascend provides Pro Training students with the opportunity to perform in front of our audience as well as agents, casting directors and other established working professionals in theater and circus.
Tickets are available now for the one day only performances on May 28 at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm. A wine and cheese reception to follow Sunday's performance Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here or at www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows. For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795.
Featuring graduates: Zoe Boyer (Single-Point Trapeze & Hand Balancing), Joey C Heyworth (Hand Balancing & Chinese Pole), Liz Loar (Lyra & Partner Acro), Arik Mendelevitz (Juggling & Tumbling), Symphony Sanders (Lyra & Partner Acro), Cassandra Schiano (Cloud Swing & Unicycle), Ashley Marie Sylvester (Aerial Sling & Hoop), Andrew Tardif (Tumbling & Partner Acro).
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
Please note: There is no apostrophe in the company name, The Actors Gymnasium.
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.
Molly Brennan to Join AG Staff as Physical Theatre Director
The Actors Gymnasium is pleased to announce the addition of Molly Brennan to its faculty. Molly is the new Physical Theatre Director for the Professional Circus Training Program 2016-17 year. Molly is a well respected performer within the theatrical community, named "Chicago's Queen of Mischief and Mayhem" by American Theatre Magazine.
"I'm excited to bring on board a co-director that is as dedicated as I am to developing well rounded performers. By the end of the program, students will be the type of performer the circus/physical theatre world needs today." says Program & Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.
Its difficult to find a highly regarded artist community that Molly hasn't been involved with her appearances with Salonathon, the Paper Machete, the Moth, You're Being Ridiculous, the Fly Honey Show, Steppenwolf, the Goodman, Lookingglass, Second City, Lyric Opera, Neo-Futurists, About Face, Red Tape, the Factory Theatre, Lifeline, Barrel of Monkeys, the Kennedy Center, and more. She has taught Clown, Devising and Physical Theatre at DePaul, UIC, Northwestern, Columbia, Opera-Matic, Steppenwolf, University of Chicago, the Neo-Futurists, and various institutions nationwide.
Her talent as a physical performer including actor, singer and clown, knowns no bounds. Much has been made of her taking on typically male roles including the Red Queen (originated by Tony Hernandez), Harpo in Goodman's Theatre's "Animal Crackers," Smee in Lookingglass' "Peter Pan." Co-founder of CLQWN MUTINY, Company Member of 500 Clown, and co-creator of the Madam Barker Show, Molly is a strong advocate for building one's own work in addition to working with established venues.
In addition to her work with the 9 month intensive Pro Training program, she will be offering physical theatre classes to the general population at The Actors Gymnasium starting in August.
In light of this announcement, the deadline for application to the Professional Circus Training Program has been extended.
Meet the Teachers: Molly Brennan
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
Moby Dick to Go on Tour
NATIONWIDE - The Jeff Award winning Moby Dick is going on a journey of its own. The show is going on tour with port stops at DC's Arena Stage, Atlanta's Alliance Theatre and Costa Mesa's South Coast Repertory before landing back at home.
A physically challenging production, Actors Gymnasium Artistic Director and Moby Dick choreographer Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi used physicality to convey emotional scenes in the original adaptation including drowning, attack by cannibals, and the death of a young whale. "The storms, the whale, the ship being tossed around - there's a lot of opportunities for storytelling through movement. The key is to make sure the movement enhances the storytelling and deepens the dialogue, that it doesn't become just a series of tricks."
Hernandez-DiStasi was brought onto the project in 2013 when director David Catlin workshopped his adaptation at University of Chicago, then again at Northwestern University. After intensive training with the cast at The Actors Gymnasium, it then moved to Water Tower Water Works where it was produced by Lookingglass Theatre in association with The Actors Gymnasium in June of 2015.
The cast and crew will be returning to The Actors Gymnasium's training space for three weeks under Hernandez-DiStasi's guidance to prep for the collaborations with Arena, Alliance and South Coast and during the show's hiatus before returning to Chicago.
The original production swept the 2015 Jeff Awards, with nominations for Director- Play and New Adaptation, going on to win Production - Play - Large, Actor in a Supporting Role - Play, Sound Design - Large, and Artistic Specialization for the show's rigging.
The production has won praise from critics as well, called "exceptionally enjoyable" by Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune who gave the show four stars.
Moby Dick and The Actors Gymnasium
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
Photo by Liz Lauren
Video Gamers will Delight in New Youth Show
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium presents the fourth annual Spring Youth Circus, Another Castle opening May 14.
Can our hero make it to the last level with one life and no powerups? After an escape from her mother's restrictive courtly rules, Princess Deidre runs to the woods and befriends young Irving- a half human/half fairy boy. Big Mistake. Little did Deidre know, Irving's mom is the wicked Morrigan, and she hates humans. Now it's up to Deidre to save her friend from his castle prison while navigating the chaotic Land of Bit.
The Actors Gym Youth Circus Ensemble is at it again- this time with an original fantasy/video game mashup! Goblins and Powerups, Witches and Warp tubes- whether you're a next-gen console kid or came up in the 8-bit days, you'll be amazed by the awesome physical feats of these young performers as they weave a tale of friendship strong enough to conquer the wickedest wild magic.
The Actors Gymnasium Youth Circus is a performance-based training program that culminates in a fully-produced, original show. This intensive experience pairs professional artists and youth performers to collaboratively create an original new show and includes high-quality training in drama, dance, aerial and circus arts. In the process, students develop skills in collaboration, problem solving, and social interaction with their peers. The Youth Circus is one of our most popular ticketed events each year.
"Whether I'm teaching or directing, I make sure to hand over control on certain aspects of the class or creative process so that the students or cast and I are truly collaborating together," says co-director Alex Tey.
The MORRIGAN, wicked magical force of the forest, split in five as interpreted by castmate Annabelle
Tey continues, "In rehearsal for the Youth Circuses, what this means is that Sara (my co-director) and I come in with a basic sketch of what the story might look like, and then we lead creative improv exercises with the cast. Through these early workshops, we get input on characters, situations, even specific lines of dialogue that may end up in the show. Any artist is going to be doing their best work when they are deeply invested in the project at hand, and this is our way of respecting and celebrating our cast, building investment, and coming up with great ideas that Sara and I never would have found on our own!"
To ensure a broad education in circus and performing arts, The Actors Gymnasium brings in instructors who specialize in dance and drama, while 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 14, 15, 21 & 22, 2016 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 Another Castle: Spring Youth Circus:
Written & Directed by Alex Tey and Sara Sawicki
Circus Choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi
Dance Choreography by Kat Scott
Assistant Circus Choreography by Tommy Tomlins
Sound Design by Sammy Zeisel
Lighting Design by Justine Brock
Costume Design by Serena Sandoval
Props Design by Clara Wendland
Stage Managed by Gianna Petrosino
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. Additional classes are 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
Circus Community Successful Celebrates 20th Anniversary
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium held it's Soaring 20's Anniversary Gala on April 16 at 27 Live. Students, staff and alumni from the past 20 years came out to enjoy circus aerial acts, contortionists, and acrobats, raising over $10,000 in outreach, programming, and scholarships. The event was emceed by House Theatre's Chris Mathews and featured a surprise video from Teen Ensemble alumni who couldn't attend thanking Artist Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.
"It was lovely to see so many people who have been supporting us for so long celebrating along side some new friends. It's our community that makes everything we do possible. We are so incredibly lucky and grateful." says Hernandez-DiStasi.
Actors Gymnasium is the recipient of, among others, the 2009 Evanston Mayor's Award for the Arts, the 2012 Evanston Chamber of Commerce Public Service/Non-Profit Award and two time winners of the NACE ISES Chicago Excellence (NICE) Award for Best Interactive Entertainment. It serves over 3,000 students per year, puts on six productions annually and provides award winning event entertainment talent all over the Chicagoland area.
Chicago performer Adeoye Mabior Mabogunje (Thornton,CO) with The House Theatre of Chicago Company member and Gala emcee Chris Mathews (Chicago). Photo by Bordeaux Studios.
Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter cast member Sadie Sims and mother Heidi Stillman (Evanston), Artistic Director of Lookingglass Theatre. Photo by Bordeaux Studios.
Original Teen Ensemble members Tommy Tomlins (Evanston), Emily Fishkin (Evanston), and Rose Falvey (Mokena) embrace Artistic Director Sylvia (Evanston) during her surprise video tribute from Teen Ensemble members past and present. Photo by Diante Thomas
Additional photos by Diante Thomas
Additional photos by Bordeaux 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.
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
Meet the Faculty of our Professional Circus Training Program
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium 9-month intensive Professional Circus Training Program can boast about many things: the fully rigged gym, 27 hours a week of premier circus training, and special topics classes like rigging and career management. But one of their biggest assets is their award winning faculty, which is why they've created their latest video series featuring their Pro-Training Instructors.
Now prospective students can check out teachers video bios to find out teaching philosophies, expertise, backgrounds and more. Students can also check out the "A Day in the Circus Life" Pro Training blog to get a sense of the program and who the students are. Applications for next year opened on the 9th of December and the regular application deadline is May 2nd. Any questions should be directed to protraining@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. Additional classes are 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 Video Contest Giving Away One Year of Circus Classes
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium has launched a video contest campaign with the prize of a full year of circus classes. To participate, present and former summer campers,camp mentors and teachers must submit a 30-60 second video answering the question "What does summer camp at The Actors Gymnasium mean to you?" and include a sign with #WhyILoveCPAC such as t his one.
Videos must be posted on facebook and linked to the Actors Gymnasium page. Each day's submissions will be shared on the Actors Gymnasium facebook page at 5:30 pm. The video with the most votes as of 5:30 pm on April 15th wins.
More details in the video below.
"What does summer camp at The Actors Gymnasium mean to me?" Video Contest
2016 marks the 17th year The Actors Gymnasium will run its Circus and Performing Arts Camp. Young performers learn circus skills such as juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, and stilts. They take field trips to local beaches and water parks. Each session ends with an original show created and performed by the campers. Together they build a community, inspire each others creativity and develop confidence.
To ensure that everyone has the chance to experience camp, The Actors Gymnasium offers financial aid and payment plans.
"Kids who started the summer with no confidence or experience [were] transformed into beaming performers." says former board member and camp parent Peggy Nelson.
Camp director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi , recently returned from a successful tour of Lookingglass Alice, is a second generation circus performer who grew up touring with various circuses, including Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. She recently won the Illinois Theatre Association's Award of Honor. Frequent Youth Circus and Summer Camp performance director Alex Tey will be returning this year, along with long time faculty members Nathan Drackett and Tommy Tomlins.
Registration for the youth summer camp is open to boys and girls ages 9 to 15. The first session of camp will begin June 13, the second session on July 11. For more information, visit www.actorsgymnasium.org or call (847)328-2795
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
Celebrate World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
EVANSTON, IL - Parents searching for a way to expose their kids to theatre have a special opportunity this "World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People". The Actors Gymnasium is offering a workshop and show on March 20, 2016 to take part.
Families can get quality time in a circus class designed for moms, dads, sons, daughters, grandparents to work together to learn basic skills in silk knot, partner acrobatics and rolling globe. This Family Circus Workshop is for participants ages 8 and up. The workshop takes place from 12 to 1 pm, allowing time to grab lunch an get changed before the final 3 pm performance of Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter.
The workshop costs $25 per pair and show tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and children under 12.
About the Instructor:
The workshop is taught by Tommy Tomlins who has been performing circus arts for over half her life. From taking part in circus summer camp shows at age 10 to performing in repeat productions of Lookingglass Theatre's Hephaestus: A Greek Mythology Circus Tale, (2008, 2010), and The Actors Gymnasium's Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus (2011, 2012) and Circuscope (2015), she always knew that circus arts held a special place in her heart.
At age 14, Tommy was one of the original members of The Actors Gymnasium's Teen Ensemble and performed with that group in and around the Chicago area in both industrial gigs and full-length shows. After leaving the Ensemble, Tommy spent the majority of her time teaching circus and performing arts to children, teens, and adults, and continued to perform throughout the Midwest.
In 2013, Tommy Tomlins graduated from the New England Center for Circus Arts' Pro-Track program, and in 2015 she excitedly returned to her circus roots at The Actors Gym. She currently teachers students as young as 5 all the way up to the Professional Circus Training Program. In addition to her classes, she is Assistant Director of the Teen Ensemble and the Assistant Circus Choreographer for Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Story.
Additional choreography credits include Northwestern Theatre's The Little Prince (2012), The Actors Gymnasium's Secrets, Lies, & Super Spies (2015), and the upcoming Northwestern Theatre production of The Tempest (2016).
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
Le Reve Seeking Extraordinary Strength & Agility in Chicagoans
EVANSTON, IL - General auditions for the Vegas aquatic theatrical Le Reve are taking place in the Chicago area on March 9th.
Interested gymnasts, martial arts experts, cheerleaders, divers, acrobats, dancers, circus artists, synchronized swimmers and comedic physical theatre actors known as Generalists are expected to have an extraordinary ability and demonstrate superior strength and agility in one or more areas.
Auditions will be held at:
The Actors Gymnasium
927 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL 60201
11 am
The audition process for the Generalist begins with a strength test. The strength test is demonstrated in this video:
Le Reve- The Dream Generalist Strength Test
The dance choreography will be taught after the strength test, and some candidates will be asked to demonstrate a standing back tuck in the choreography.
Le Rêve- The Dream Generalist Choreography
All candidates of Le Rêve are required to pass a swim test.
Le Rêve- The Dream Generalist Swim Test
Full audition details can be found here.
Those who make the cast will receive a generous benefits package including:
Full medical insurance including health, dental and vision from first day of employment
Life insurance
Short and long-term disability
401(k) plans
Educational reimbursement
Workers compensation
Paid vacation and sick days
Free parking
One free meal per day
Relocation package
Individualized strength and conditioning programs
Onsite athletic training facility
Free master classes (dance, acting, ballroom, etc.)
Exercise therapies (pilates, yoga, conditioning, etc.)
Scuba certification
Company events for employees and families
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
The Actors Gymnasium Prepares Prospective Pro-Training Students!
EVANSTON, IL - With applications to The Actors Gymnasium Professional Training Program applications now live, The Actors Gymnasium looks to help prospective students prepare for their auditions. To that end, current Pro-Training students have created Let's Stretch, weekly videos with stretches and exercises they recommend to get prospective students ready. These videos showcase a variety of ways to push student's bodies as they prep for the video audition component and any other circus and physical theatre work they plan to do.
Students may be interested in the A Day in the Circus Life blog, also created by the current Pro-Training students . Here is one of the videos created by these talented students.
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. Additional classes are 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
Celebrate the Special Love of Friendship this Valentine's Day Weekend
EVANSTON, IL - This Valentine's weekend, theatre goers are invited to a special party celebrating love. Unlike most events honoring couples, this party is all about friendship and the power it has to change our lives.
Together an award winning cast and crew, including David Catlin, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Jeremy Sonkin, Samuel Taylor, Javen Ulambayar, and Lindsey Noel Whiting, has assembled to create Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter. They are sharing this love letter with the public Saturday night in the special benefit performance The Long-Awaited Debut of Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter.
"With 18 Jeff awards and scores of nominations between them, this is the creative dream team. Extraordinary artists from Lookingglass, House Theatre and Actors Gymnasium are combining their talents to create an exciting and charming show that is family friendly and features a multi-generational cast. This show really embodies our motto of building creativity, confidence and community." says Actors Gymnasium Executive Director, Virginia Nugent.
For $50 each, attendees will be the first to see this exciting new show, dine on food provided by Union Pizzeria and 27 Live, imbibe on local brews from Temperance Beer Co. and have their "debut" photos taken against a Marnie & Phil themed backdrop with cast and crew. The event, which will take place at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center after the 7:30 show, supports the community, creativity and confidence integral to The Actors Gymnasium.
For tickets to this event, interested patrons should follow this link. http://www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows/past-productions/marnie-phil-a-circus-love-letter/
About Marnie and Phil: A Circus Love Letter
A new, original work of circus theatre, Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter is written and directed by Chris Mathews (ensemble member of The House Theatre of Chicago), and features a cast of Actors Gymnasium and Lookingglass favorites including David Catlin (founding ensemble member of Lookingglass), Jeremy Sonkin ( Rose and The Rime, Side Show, Princess Mary Demands Your Attention, Some Men), Samuel Taylor ( Lookingglass Alice, Back Room Shakespeare Project), Lindsey Noel Whiting ( Lookingglass Alice, Lost & Found, The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus), Javen Ulambayar ( The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus, Moby Dick) and AG Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, as well as the premier students of the Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble.
The show features original songs by Lindsey Noel Whiting and music by award-winning Chicago composer Kevin O'Donnell (The House Theatre of Chicago, Andrew Bird), as well as lighting design from Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (The Hypocrites, The Ruffians). Jaw-dropping circus choreography is led by Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.
Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter trailer - Actors Gym 2016 Winter 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
New Show Created by Award Winning Artists & Friends
EVANSTON, IL - For years, David Catlin and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi have created award winning theatre as director and choreographer - Lookingglass Alice, Moby Dick, and The Little Prince - that have delighted audiences near and far.
For months they have also been working on a brand new show that sees them performing together on stage as lifelong friends, Marnie & Phil.
Through the spectacular circus wizardry of The Actors Gymnasium, Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter tells a time-spanning, multi-generational story that explores how our friendships stay with us over time, recede, and can come back to save us just when we need them to.
Marnie and Phil met when they were just young circus students, and became instant friends. But when the inevitable twists and turns of fate take them separate ways, they make a promise to always write to each other no matter where they are. As they each somersault through adventures of fame and heartache, and age begins to take its toll on their once nimble physiques, they seek each other out to perform one last show-their long-awaited debut!
A new, original work of circus theatre, Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter is written and directed by Chris Mathews (ensemble member of The House Theatre of Chicago), and features a cast of Actors Gymnasium and Lookingglass favorites including David Catlin (founding ensemble member of Lookingglass), Jeremy Sonkin (Rose and The Rime, Side Show, Princess Mary Demands Your Attention, Some Men), Samuel Taylor (Lookingglass Alice, Back Room Shakespeare Project), Lindsey Noel Whiting (Lookingglass Alice, Lost & Found, The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus), Javen Ulambayar (The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus, Moby Dick) and AG Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, as well as the premier students of the Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble.
Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter trailer - Actors Gym 2016 Winter Circus
The show features original songs by Lindsey Noel Whiting and music by award-winning Chicago composer Kevin O'Donnell (The House Theatre of Chicago, Andrew Bird), as well as lighting design from Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (The Hypocrites, The Ruffians). Jaw-dropping circus choreography is led by Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.
The show runs February 13-March 20th with four performances a weekend. Interested patrons can buy tickets here.
This show is recommended for kids ages five and above.
Chris Mathews, Writer and Director
Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Circus Choreographer Tommy Rapley, Dance Choreographer Jerica Hucke, Costume Designer
Maggie Fullilove-Nugent, Lighting Designer
Kevin O'Donnell, Composer, Sound Designer
Grace Needlman, Props/Object Designer
Isaac Schoepp, Rigging
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. Additionally classes are 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
Actors Gymnasium joins the 100s of theatres participating in Chicago Theatre Week
CHICAGO, IL and EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium (AG) joins the annual Chicago Theatre Week which celebrates the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago. Returning for the fourth year, Chicago Theatre Week 2016 will be held February 11-21 and will include specially-priced tickets to more than 100 shows. Visitors and residents will again have the opportunity to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout Chicagoland. The CTW ticket offers are listed on a centralized website - www.ChicagoTheatreWeek.com - starting January 5, 2016. Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres with support from Choose Chicago.
As part of the celebration of Chicago's theatre scene, The Actors Gymnasium will offer discounted tickets to the first two weekends of Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter, the latest production in its winter circus series.
Through the spectacular circus wizardry of The Actors Gymnasium, Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter tells a time-spanning, multi-generational story that explores how our friendships stay with us over time, recede, and can come back to save us just when we need them to. Marnie and Phil met when they were just young circus students, and became instant friends. But when the inevitable twists and turns of fate take them separate ways, they make a promise to always write to each other no matter where they are. As they each somersault through adventures of fame and heartache, and age begins to take its toll on their once nimble physiques, they seek each other out to perform one last show-their long-awaited debut!
Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter performances run February 13 - March 20, with shows at 7:30 pm on Fridays, 4:30 pm 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.
Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter trailer - Actors Gym 2016 Winter Circus
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