Circus Festival Weekend Brings Artists, Performances, and Community Fun to Brattleboro Nov. 8-10

November 8-10, Brattleboro will be home to over a hundred circus artists, students, a traveling circus company, performing alumni, guest coaches, and circus enthusiasts. This is the 26th Circus Workshop Weekend (CWW) put on by the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), the premier circus training facility in the United States nestled in the small town of Brattleboro in rural Vermont. This festival of circus classes, performances, and community gatherings celebrates coming together around this non-competitive art form.

“Circus benefits all of us,” says Jenna Struble, Executive Director. “In a time of isolation and collective anxiety, we all need the play, inspiration and community circus has to offer. This festival is for those that want to have fun and be awestruck in the company of others.”  This growing festival has something for everyone, taking place from Friday, November 8 through Sunday, November 10. NECCA’s Trapezium will be full of people flipping, flexing, balancing and throwing juggling balls in the air, as well as sitting alongside others to laugh and gasp at the power and grace of the human body and what people can accomplish when they work together on stage.   NECCA’s co-Founder Serenity Smith Forchion explains, “While many people use ‘it was a circus’ as a derogatory phrase, real circus values community, trust and inclusion as the norm. You can’t do what we do without true supportive teamwork.”

NECCA’s other co-Founder and festival director, Elsie Smith, says she “knows that this year, the festival holds a stronger than usual purpose. These are uncertain times,” she says, “and people are on edge with the election coming up.  We provide a welcoming, safe and non-competitive place for people to come together around a shared interest.  No matter what your worldview, if you are ready to step in and support another person being daring, this is the place for you.”

NECCA is proud to partner with Retreat Farm to offer free to the public community circus activities at its newly renovated North Barn. The Under The Barn Roof (a SoVt rural version of Under the Big Top) event on Saturday, November 9 will “. . .give the local community the chance to see and do circus and explore their beautiful renovated event space,” says Smith.  Toddlers to Seniors can try balancing, juggling, going upside down and being up in the air with a mini aerial rig. The circus sampler event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 12:45 to 3:15 pm and includes activities, mini performances, and a visit from the directors of Circus Smirkus.

Photo credits: Sanderling Photography, Elsie Smith

Something for Everyone:

• Classes: Learn aerial arts, acrobatics, juggling, and more from experienced instructors.

• Performances: Witness stunning feats of skill and artistry by professional circus performers.

• Community Gathering circus sampler: Join a family-friendly event featuring activities, mini-performances, and a visit from the directors of Circus Smirkus.

Highlights:

• Guest Company: Acrobatic Conundrum from Seattle presents their new show “Circus of Second Chances” on Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 pm.

• Alumni Cabaret: NECCA graduates from Cirque du Soleil, 7 Fingers, and beyond return for a dazzling showcase on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 pm and 9 pm.

• BETA Night: An open mic event for experimental and creative acts on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7 pm.

Community Engagement:

• Free Activities: NECCA partners with Retreat Farm to offer free circus activities at its newly renovated North Barn on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 12:45 to 3:15 pm.

In between shows and workshops are several conversations with guest artists including the history of circus, collaboration and company building, and costume hacks in an opportunity for anyone to join in.

All information for show tickets, workshop registration, and event details are at www.circusschool.org or call (802) 254-9780.

Featured Image: Courtesy of Alexy Ishmaev

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