“Young performers need to perform. Not just in their
home space, but also in a bigger theatre or under a big
top to get the feeling of what circus really is.” Towards this
goal, in the summer of 2019 we will be renting a big top for
four weeks to debut the first San Diego Circus Festival as
well as hosting the 2019 Biennial National AYCO Festival
in August. While this feat will have its challenges, not
least of which are the cost and sponsors, there are many
elements of this festival we are excited to prepare for.
We’re planning intensives and performance opportunities
and are even creating a residency program starting in
January consisting of 8 performers who will train with us
leading up to the festival. We also plan to host students
and professionals from other schools to perform and hold
workshops throughout the festival in order to strengthen
ties between schools and improve our national circus
culture as a whole.
PHOTO CREDIT: LILSHOOTS
“I feel empowered to be where I am right now,” says
Jean-Luc. “It’s only been six years, but we’ve definitely
made a mark by what we’ve already produced. So much is
changing in the world of circus not only thanks to all the
large companies like Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize, and
Les 7 Doigts, but also the small companies and schools
popping up all over the place. The American imagination
of what circus means is actively changing and is being
shaped by all of us together. As we work at all levels of
circus (education, performers, schools, employer-
companies), we can change the landscape of American
circus.”
PHOTO CREDIT: ROB RIINGEN PHOTOGR APHY
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SDCC
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