Upcoming events
One Man's Trash by Cirque Us
Grab your garbage bags, pick up the recycling, and get ready to laugh and cheer as this repurposed circus turns trash into treasure! Originally produced in 2016 and following the overwhelming success of its 2022 & 2023 revivals, “One Man’s Trash” is back again in 2025 for its 5th national tour. With the limitless spirit and can-do attitude of the circus, this cast reclaims and reanimates all that’s left in trash cans and littered in the garage to create a junkyard adventure like none other. Featuring a variety of unique and daring circus acts, the show is a testament to the power of community and teamwork. Be it the pass of a juggling club or the leap of an acrobat, “One Man’s Trash” is ready to prove what we’re capable of--what we’re all capable of--together. Truly, our band of inventive acrobats, high-flying aerialists, and quirky clowns are just bursting to welcome you into their world! The dumpster doors are wide open-- we can’t wait for you to jump in.
German Wheel Workshop
Participants new to German Wheel will work on the basics of rocking techniques, practice half turns, learn how use foot belts, and explore partner work. Newcomers may have the opportunity to take full rotations and go upside down depending on their progress. Participants with prior wheel experience will have the opportunity to work more dynamic skills including bar-board transfers, hip circles, high rolls, etc.
Prerequisites: Recommended minimum height 5’6” based on wheel size, but open to all, recommend thin/flexible Acro shoes
Taught by Jeremy Cifonie. Jeremy Cifonie is a Chicago-based circus artist specializing in aerial rope, German wheel, and clown. His circus career began with the Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University, where he trained until graduating until 2020. Following graduation, he began performing and coaching full-time in Chicago before leaving to tour the United States year-round with companies such as Cirque Us, Cirque Dreams, All Wheel Sports, Cirque Mechanics, Flynn Creek Circus and Westchester Circus Arts, among others. His coaching practice emphasizes student-led inquiry, individualized and sustainable technique, and a follow-the-fun mindset.
Intro to Dynamic Rope Workshop
This workshop will explore the foundations of dynamic rope skills. Students will learn basic release moves and well as progressions to work towards bigger tricks. The workshop will also cover C-Shaping, beats and dynamic sequences.
Prerequisites: We recommend previous aerial experience
Taught by Doug Stewart. Doug Stewart graduated from the New England Center for Circus Arts in 2015, and has worked for Cirque Us, Chicago’s Midnight Circus, AIDA Cruises, Live305Entertainment, Westchester Circus Arts, Cirque Dreams, Urania Variete, Flynn Creek Circus and the Kyrstallpalast Variete. In 2023, Doug received 2nd place in Aerial Rope at the Viva Festival and received a speciality prize at the Newcomer Show in Germany for Duo Straps. Doug has been a guest instructor for the professional programs the New England Center for Circus Arts, the Actors Gymnasium and Circadium. Doug served as the Head Coach of Circus Smirkus Camp for 4 years and still directs and consults circus camps with a variety of companies around the United States.
Contortion, But Not Scary Workshop
In this open-level workshop, participants will learn how to approach several of the fundamental skills of contortion, including leg scales, bridge dropbacks, and handstands. This workshop will also go over the basics of responsible flexibility development for adult bodies. This workshop emphasizes alignment and the development of bodily awareness.
Prerequisites: None
Taught by Tyler Jacobson. Tyler Jacobson is a multidisciplinary circus artist based in southern California specializing in contortion and handbalancing as well as aerial and hula hoop. As a performing artist, he can often be seen touring with Cirque Us, Cirque Dreams, and many other companies. His passion for performance is matched equally by a commitment to teaching, fostering bodily awareness and nuanced artistry in students around the country. Tyler is committed to helping students understand how proper technique should be adapted to each body's unique needs.
Intro to Aerial Straps Workshop
In this workshop we will cover the foundations of various straps skills. Starting with an aerial warm up, students will learn conditioning routines that will transform into a straps practice. The workshop will cover the foundation body positions of straps including meathooks and back flags, as well as an introduction to spinning technique, roll ups, flare and front supports.
Prerequisites: We recommend previous aerial experience.
Taught by Doug Stewart. Doug Stewart graduated from the New England Center for Circus Arts in 2015, and has worked for Cirque Us, Chicago’s Midnight Circus, AIDA Cruises, Live305Entertainment, Westchester Circus Arts, Cirque Dreams, Urania Variete, Flynn Creek Circus and the Kyrstallpalast Variete. In 2023, Doug received 2nd place in Aerial Rope at the Viva Festival and received a speciality prize at the Newcomer Show in Germany for Duo Straps. Doug has been a guest instructor for the professional programs the New England Center for Circus Arts, the Actors Gymnasium and Circadium. Doug served as the Head Coach of Circus Smirkus Camp for 4 years and still directs and consults circus camps with a variety of companies around the United States.
German Wheel Workshop
Participants new to German Wheel will work on the basics of rocking techniques, practice half turns, learn how use foot belts, and explore partner work. Newcomers may have the opportunity to take full rotations and go upside down depending on their progress. Participants with prior wheel experience will have the opportunity to work more dynamic skills including bar-board transfers, hip circles, high rolls, etc.
Prerequisites: Recommended minimum height 5’6” based on wheel size, but open to all, recommend thin/flexible Acro shoes
Taught by Jeremy Cifonie. Jeremy Cifonie is a Chicago-based circus artist specializing in aerial rope, German wheel, and clown. His circus career began with the Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University, where he trained until graduating until 2020. Following graduation, he began performing and coaching full-time in Chicago before leaving to tour the United States year-round with companies such as Cirque Us, Cirque Dreams, All Wheel Sports, Cirque Mechanics, Flynn Creek Circus and Westchester Circus Arts, among others. His coaching practice emphasizes student-led inquiry, individualized and sustainable technique, and a follow-the-fun mindset
One Man's Trash by Cirque Us
Grab your garbage bags, pick up the recycling, and get ready to laugh and cheer as this repurposed circus turns trash into treasure! Originally produced in 2016 and following the overwhelming success of its 2022 & 2023 revivals, “One Man’s Trash” is back again in 2025 for its 5th national tour. With the limitless spirit and can-do attitude of the circus, this cast reclaims and reanimates all that’s left in trash cans and littered in the garage to create a junkyard adventure like none other. Featuring a variety of unique and daring circus acts, the show is a testament to the power of community and teamwork. Be it the pass of a juggling club or the leap of an acrobat, “One Man’s Trash” is ready to prove what we’re capable of--what we’re all capable of--together. Truly, our band of inventive acrobats, high-flying aerialists, and quirky clowns are just bursting to welcome you into their world! The dumpster doors are wide open-- we can’t wait for you to jump in.
German Wheel Workshop
Participants new to German Wheel will work on the basics of rocking techniques, practice half turns, learn how use foot belts, and explore partner work. Newcomers may have the opportunity to take full rotations and go upside down depending on their progress. Participants with prior wheel experience will have the opportunity to work more dynamic skills including bar-board transfers, hip circles, high rolls, etc.
Prerequisites: Recommended minimum height 5’6” based on wheel size, but open to all, recommend thin/flexible Acro shoes
Taught by Jeremy Cifonie. Jeremy Cifonie is a Chicago-based circus artist specializing in aerial rope, German wheel, and clown. His circus career began with the Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University, where he trained until graduating until 2020. Following graduation, he began performing and coaching full-time in Chicago before leaving to tour the United States year-round with companies such as Cirque Us, Cirque Dreams, All Wheel Sports, Cirque Mechanics, Flynn Creek Circus and Westchester Circus Arts, among others. His coaching practice emphasizes student-led inquiry, individualized and sustainable technique, and a follow-the-fun mindset.
Chains Workshop (with Eddie Danger)
Students will learn to flow with chains in a variety of ways, including a drop or two (depending on their skill level), by way of gradual conditioning, as they familiarize themselves with the movement of the apparatus. Students may bring what they found online if they have a particular goal in mind.
This workshop is intended for students at any level of aerial skill, scalable based on the range of skill, but preferably those who have some measure of experience on aerial sling or loops.
Students must be able to invert on an aerial apparatus. Students who can do the splits and backbends will likely get the most out of this workshop.
No refunds.