OPENING: CIRCUS QUIXOTIC Via The Actors Gymnasium at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston February 18, 2023 – March 26, 2023

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List 

The Actors Gymnasium presents

CIRCUS QUIXOTIC

An original circus theatre production written and directed by David & Kerry Catlin With circus choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi

February 18, 2023 – March 26, 2023 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston

Recommended for ages 5+ to adult

The Actors Gymnasium has long been a favorite of ours and is a true Chicago treasure. My own son and daughter were cast in their spring and fall youth circus shows for years, and had a wonderful experience there. I'll be out to review on the 19th, with my son, Dugan, who is soon to graduate from Northwestern University with a Theatre Arts degree in performance.

The Actors Gymnasium is proud to announce CIRCUS QUIXOTIC, an original circus theatre production adapted and directed by David and Kerry Catlin, with circus choreography by Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi. The show features Michel Rodriguez Cintra, Amanda Raquel Martinez, Danielle Gennaoui, Ryan Huemmer, Julian Hester, as well as members of the Gym’s Teen Ensemble.

CIRCUS QUIXOTIC is part of Actors Gym's annual Winter Circus tradition, which is one of Chicago's most popular circus shows.

Adapted from Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote, CIRCUS QUIXOTIC is an idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical journey into the mad and noble imagination of an unlikely knight and his dim, yet steadfast squire. Dare to dream of defeating diresome dragons, overcoming evil enchanters, toppling giants disguised as windmills, and bashing the book burners on this hilarious attempt to bring chivalry back into the world!

Opening and press night: Saturday, February 18, 2023

Performances are Saturdays at 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM

Circus Quixotic will be participating in Chicago Theatre Week February 18 - 26th. Discounted tickets will be available with code CTW23 during checkout.

Adapter/Director: David and Kerry Catlin Assistant Director: Da Eun Yoon

Circus Choreographer: Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Production Associate: Griffin DiStasi

Stage Manager: Amalie Vega

Production Manager: Erin Gautille

Rigging Designer: Isaac Shoepp Costume Designer: Sully Radtke Lighting Designer: Daphne Agosin Sound Designer: Grover Hollway Composer: Kevin O’Donnell

Tickets start at $35 for adults and $20 for students and can be purchased online at www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows

Not recommended for children under 5.

All performances are at Noyes Cultural Arts Center at 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL.

About the Artists

Michel Rodriguez Cintra (Quixote): Michel Rodriguez Cintra is a Cuban born dancer, choreographer, acrobat, actor and teacher. He graduated from Escuela Nacional de Arte (National School of Arts) in Havana, Cuba. Upon graduation he was chosen to join Danza Contemporanea de Cuba where he became Principal Dancer and toured internationally. After moving to Chicago in 2008 Rodriguez danced with Hedwig Dances, where he performed in addition to choreographing his own works on the company. In 2013 Michel became an ensemble member with Lucky Plush productions, generating multiple roles in various works in their signature devised dance-theater style, and touring nationally and internationally. Michel was a founding member of The Cambrians where he performed and co-coreographed and toured nationally. He has been seen as a guest artist with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Concert Dance Inc, Khecari and Chicago Moving Company. Other choreographic credits include Solus for Visceral Dance Company, Dancing in the Parks, and Lit & Luz Festival Chicago- Mexico City, LatinX Chicago Arts Festival, The Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, and at the Latino Artist Festival at Northwestern University. Rodriguez performed in the physical play Atalanta for the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival in 2019. Most recently he was seen with Lookingglass Theater as the White Rabbit in Lookingglass Alice. At The Dance Center of Columbia College Rodriguez was an Adjunct Faculty member, and is currently part of the faculty at the School of Theater and Dance at Northern Illinois University. Other accolades include being a finalist of the A.W.A.R.D. Show Chicago, by the Joyce Foundation, and he was named one of The Men of 2010 in dance by Timeout Chicago. In October 2013, he was the recipient of the prestigious 3Arts Award and was featured in Dance Magazine’s 25 to watch 2014. Michel joined the Actors Gymnasium family in 2015 as an instructor and he’s very very excited to play Cervantes/Quijote in Circus Quixotic

Amanda Raquel Martinez (Sancha): Amanda Raquel Martinez is thrilled to be back in her circus home for Winter Circus with this dream team! Chicago credits include: Somewhere Over the Border (Teatro Vista) American Mariachi (Goodman Theatre); American Bottom; 33 to Nothing (A Red Orchid Theatre); Ghost Quartet* (Black Button Eyes Productions); La Ruta (Steppenwolf); Big Lake, Big City (Lookingglass Theatre); Cinderella at the Theater of Potatoes (Hypocrites); As You Like It; Love, Loss and What I Wore (First Folio Theatre); For the Love Of (Pride Films and Plays); Even Longer and Farther Away (The New Colony); El Stories: The Holiday Train (Waltzing Mechanics.) Regional Credits include: Pirates of Penzance (Skirball Theatre Center); Resurrecting Wildflowers (HERE:Arts Center); Frankenstein (The McCarter Theatre in association with Lookingglass Theatre) Pirates of Penzance (Pasadena Playhouse; Skirball Center); Kitty Hawk (Adrienne Arsht Center); Pirates of Penzance; The Mikado (Olney Theatre Center.) *She is a recipient of a Joseph Jefferson Award for her role in this production.

Danielle Gennaoui (Dutchess): Since she was a little tater tot in St. Louis, MO, she loved to direct plays in her parents’ basement, climb every tree in sight, and spin around in circles until she fell over. Fortunately, not much has changed (though the falling over is fewer and further between).

Danielle began training at The Actors Gymnasium in 2008 and immediately fell in love with Circus. Danielle graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Theatre directing and performance from the Jordan College of Fine Arts at Butler University and is a graduate of Aloft Circus Arts Full-Time Training Program (Major: Lyra). In addition to working with Actors Gym, Danielle has been especially fortunate to perform, coach, and create with: Chicago Center for Dynamic Circus,Aloft Circus Arts, Circus Harmony, MSA & Circus Arts, Gravity Aerial Arts, Thodos Dance Chicago, Apple Tree Theatre, Sussurus Performance Group, and The Alexandrinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Danielle is incredibly grateful to be a part of Circus Quixotic and honored to collaborate with such an inspiring group of artists!

Ryan Huemmer (Duke): Ryan is an Actor-Acrobat who’s elated to be sharing the mystical journey of Circus Quixotic and performing in the space he has come to call his Chicago circus home! As a performer Ryan believes in utilizing extreme physicality not only to add a healthy dose of spectacle, but also to broaden the accessibility of his storytelling through the universal language of movement. Recent credits include, Lookingglass Alice (Lookingglass), Red Summer (MPAACT), Frankenstein (Oil Lamp Theater), and The Imagination Circus (The Galaxie). Ryan is a graduate of The Actor’s Gymnasium Pro-Training Program and Boston University’s School of Theatre. Huge thanks to David, Kerry, Sylvia, Griffin and the whole cast for fostering an incredibly playful, spontaneous and supportive environment to grow this story in! IG: @fly.guy.ry

Julian Hester (Barber): Julian is an Equity Jeff Nominated and SAG Award winning* actor based in Chicago. He’s a current Pro-Trainer Conservatory clown and Acro at Actors Gymnasium. Theater credits include productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Windy City Playhouse, Writers Theatre, Theatre Wit, and The Artistic Home Ensemble- company member there since 2015- where favorite credits include Jeff nominated work in The Late Henry Moss*, and Konstantin in The Seagull. Directing work includes The Pavilion and Malapert Love at the Den Theatre with Artistic Home. On TV he can currently be seen as Dr. Kendall Murray on Power- Book IV, and in reruns on Chicago Fire/Med/PD as Sorenstein. Film: Amazon’s King Rat, and Trial of the Chicago 7*. He is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.

About Actors Gym

The Actors Gymnasium is one of the nation’s premiere circus and performing arts training centers, led by master teacher and Circus Ring of Fame artist Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi. Founded in 1995, it provides educational programs for students of all ages and levels, and produces original and daring circus-theatre.The Actors Gym also offers award-winning entertainment for corporate and other special events.

Actors Gym is proud to partner with many performing arts organizations throughout Chicagoland and serves as the exclusive provider of circus performing arts training for Lookingglass Theatre.

The 80th Annual Dolphin Show Presents "Matilda: The Musical" at Northwestern University Cahn Auditorium

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

Roald Dahl's MATILDA the Musical!

The 80th Annual Dolphin Show

Northwestern University 

Cahn Auditorium

ChiIL Mama's long been a fan of Northwestern University's excellent productions and this year we're very excited to see Matilda: The Musical. Their talent pool is deep, on stage and behind the scenes. The past two years my son, a senior at Northwestern studying Theatre Arts, has been props designer for The Dolphin Show, and this year Dugan is head of the props department. Come on out for this family friendly production. It's a short run, but sure to be fantastic. Don't miss this!

Based on Roald Dahl’s timeless novel, this story of an extraordinary girl who uses her brilliant mind and imagination to change her destiny comes to life on the stage. Catch this production on Northwestern’s campus January 20-28, 2023. Click Here For Tickets. 

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, MATILDA is a joyous celebration of youth on stage!

Purchase tickets online at www.nudolphinshow.org or in person at the Norris University Center Front Desk. 

Cahn Auditorium is the largest performance venue owned and operated by Northwestern University. Located on Northwestern's Evanston campus, Cahn hosts university productions, and is also available for rental

Northwestern's Imagine U forms theater partnership with Evanston/Skokie District 65

Fall's Gonna Be LITTT for 

Evanston and Skokie Elementary Schoolers 

All Photos of past Imagine U Productions Courtesy of Northwestern University

Northwestern University is launching a unique community-based theater arts partnership with Evanston/Skokie School District 65 and Imagine U, the nationally recognized producer of theater for young audiences at The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts. The partnership, Learn and Imagine Together Through Theater (LITTT), begins in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Community partnership can serve as a 'catalyst for advancing racial equity'

LITTT is a co-created community partnership developed by Northwestern and District 65, which is coordinated through the Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations. It is the University’s newest social impact partnership. Dave Davis, executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations, said the program is designed to make live theater more accessible to hundreds of young people. 

Effort designed to make theater more accessible to young people

“The creative power of the arts crosses all cultural barriers, reminding us of our shared human heritage,” Davis said. “Co-created community partnerships such as LITTT can serve as a catalyst for advancing racial equity by exposing young people to artists who look like them and providing them an opportunity to see themselves in a way they never imagined.”

Lynn Kelso, founder of Imagine U and assistant professor of instruction in Northwestern’s theatre department, agrees that theater can be a powerful experience for young audiences. Kelso said Northwestern students will also benefit from the LITTT partnership.

“The partnership provides our students with the opportunity to step into the role of teaching artists while being mentored by outstanding District 65 teachers,” said Kelso. As the partnership develops, “it also presents an incredible opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research on the impact of the arts.”

 Nearly 800 students will be impacted when program launches in the fall

How LITTT works

In the fall of 2022, The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts will create weekday matinee performances of an Imagine U production just for District 65 students. Third-grade students, approximately 800 students from across the district, will take a field trip to Northwestern’s Evanston campus to see the Imagine U performance. For many students, this will be their first time experiencing live theater—and possibly their first exposure to a college campus. While on campus, students will meet the cast and production team and have lunch.

The Wirtz Center is creating four Imagine U matinee performances that District 65 students will see over two Fridays. This would recur annually so all District 65 students would get to visit Northwestern and experience an Imagine U production once during their elementary school experience, creating enhanced learning opportunities and access to live theater.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to have a shared experience viewing an Imagine U show,” said Dr. Stacy Beardsley, executive director of curriculum and instruction with Evanston/Skokie School District 65. “The shared experience allows for students to not only experience powerful stories together, but it also allows our students to learn about the story and the work that goes into a theater performance at a deeper level.”

 Making theater more accessible, allows young people to 'walk in the shoes of others'

Connecting theater curriculums

Prior to coming to campus, District 65 students participate in a classroom activity that is designed to introduce the production and engage students with complex themes they’ll witness in the play. Students will also watch a virtual backstage tour of the Wirtz Center to see how elements of the production were created. 

The learning continues after the play when the students return to the District 65 drama classroom. District 65 drama educators will lead students in one or two lesson plans, which revolve around the production to deepen their experience of seeing live theater. These drama lessons will help immerse students in the world of the play through dramatic skills such as pantomime, story dramatization, in-role encounters, scene work, storytelling, guided imagery, and other embodied creative activities. 

Betsy Quinn, drama department chair for District 65, said the live theater experience allows students in the district to connect with diverse characters and settings.

“This unique partnership with Imagine U brings District 65 students and teachers together as a community to experience powerful storytelling and artistry live and up close,” said Quinn. “Attending theater productions and engaging in drama classes develops empathy in young children by allowing them to walk in the shoes of others and see the world through their eyes.”

Lesson plans are collaboratively developed by District 65 drama educators, Northwestern faculty, and Northwestern undergraduate students. Northwestern students who are studying theater for young audiences will create a draft lesson plan focused on the Imagine U production. Draft lesson plans are workshopped by a Northwestern faculty advisor and a small group of District 65 drama educators. Lesson plans occur during District 65 students’ regularly scheduled drama class, roughly one to two weeks after students see the LITTT show.

“I’ve long been interested in narrowing the distance between ivory tower and front porch, and engaging Evanston’s children in our theatre for young audiences programming is a critical part of this effort,” said E. Patrick Johnson, dean of the School of Communication. “Not only will LITTT help us better connect with and relate to our neighbors, we’re helping to build a more compassionate, joyful and curious generation through exposure to the arts.”

The curriculum collaboration component of LITTT was piloted in Fall 2021 with the Imagine U production “Last Stop on Market Street.” Forty-five fourth-grade classrooms in District 65 viewed a recording of the production, which was streamed to their classrooms. D65 drama educators then led a 40-minute drama lesson which was collaboratively developed by Northwestern faculty and students.

About Imagine U

For more than a decade, The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts  at Northwestern has presented Imagine U’s popular performance series. Created especially for families with young children, the productions are often adapted from or inspired by children’s literature and include sensory-friendly performances, post-show workshops with teaching artists and the cast, and a program with themed activities to take home. In 2021, the National Theatre of Washington D.C. commissioned Imagine U to create another season of their “Life Now” series for its "Saturday Morning Live" programming.  

About the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts annually mounts more than 40 productions in theater, music theatre, and dance. Undergraduate actors, managers and playwrights, alongside graduate actors, designers, directors and dramaturgs, collaborate on works both classic and contemporary for audiences of all ages. The Center adheres to and reflects the academic mission of the University, the curricular needs of the theatre and performance studies departments and the educational priorities of communication students. It exists in service to the campus and the greater community of the Metropolitan Chicago area.

Northwestern University Presents Something Rotten February 3-13, 2022 at Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Something Rotten

February 3-13, 2022

Book by John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick

Music and Lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick

Directed by Rory Pelsue 

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar known as "The Bard."When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting simultaneously, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of the opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self...and all that jazz.

GET TICKETS: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1079224

Thurs., 2/3 @ 7:30 p.m.

Fri., 2/4 @ 7:30 p.m.

Sat., 2/5 @ 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sun., 2/6 @ 2 p.m.

Thurs., 2/10 @ 7:30 p.m.

Fri., 2/11 @ 7:30 p.m.

Sat., 2/12 @ 2 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Sun., 2/13 @ 2 p.m.

Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

Ethel M. Barber Theater

30 Arts Circle Drive



Proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID test required.

https://wirtz.northwestern.edu

REVIEW: Promenade Style Alice Leads to Exciting Evanston Explorations Through October 21st

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Alice by Upended Productions

**Recommended for ages six and up**

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Review:
A drag queen Red Queen in a flower shop, a disaster drill in a stairwell beneath a hidden mural, school angst tweedle dee and tweedle dum style, a torch-song midlife crisis, a poetic brewery basement adventure, ballet in a convenience store and more, await patron on this utterly unique journey. 

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

For Chapter 8, Quinn of SADHAUS is The Queen in a red wrap at Cultivate: An Urban Rainforest.
Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

My 17 year old son and I caught opening weekend, September 23rd, and the show made such a big impression it spawned a college app short answer question where my son declared the character he'd most like to meet is The Cheshire Cat, because of his convoluted logic. We thoroughly enjoyed becoming Alice and following the white rabbit into a theatre filled, alternate Evanston. 

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

ShowParty’s Beth Richards (glasses and tulle under the table) tackles Chapter 7 at the train station tea party. Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

We were particularly enamored with the surreal hatchback car film and the train platform tea party with real tea. This playful, participatory production manages to be at once vibrantly original and true to the spirit of the original books, full of deep wisdom couched in delicious absurdity and child's play. The collaborative  nature of this show, involving so many different theatre companies and Evanston businesses, is amazing.

 

Photos by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Though officially listed for ages 6 and up, there were few elementary age children in our group, though the kids seemed to be enjoying themselves. Overall, I'd say it's geared for teens and up. Most of the costumes are minimal and monologues deep, so younger children might be confused and frustrated, but it's a delight for adults. 

Factory Theater ensemble member Corrbette Pasko as the Rabbit is disturbed by reading material at the Chicago-Main Newsstand. Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

Also note, this production does require quite a bit of quick walking, lots of standing, and several sets of stairs, if you have ambulatory issues. 

Neo-Futurist alumna Dina Marie Walters (green dress and white apron) as the Rabbit keeps her audience hopping under the CTA tracks. Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

Also, if you're coming up from Chicago, leave more than plenty of extra time, beyond what your maps app says, or you'll be running in as frazzled as the chronically late rabbit, and may miss your group's departure time! If it's sold out and you've been unable to get tickets, show up and you may get lucky and be able to join in on the spot if there are no-shows.

The goody bags at the close, with local coupons, were a nice surprise as well. I went back and enjoyed a tasty local microbrew with my "wooden nickle" dollar off coin while I contemplated the show. Upended Productions' Alice is a fabulously fun community collaboration. Highly recommended.

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

The Factory Theater’s Risha Hill covers Chapters 2 and 3 of the adventure 

in the canning/barrel room at Sketchbook Brewing Co.

Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill

Neo-Futurist alumni David Kodeski reads from his Dream Diary for Chapter 4 in the Sketchbook Brewing basement.

Alice by Upended Productions

Featuring Factory, Mudlark, Fleetwood-Jourdain, ShowParty 

& Others

This unique, promenade style show shares book chapters among diverse Chicagoland theater companies, visual and film artists and musicians. This 90-minute event requires walking and standing. Rain or shine.

“ALICE displays impeccable logistical skill and a striking sense of space; in the best environmental theater tradition, it renews the audience's sense of wonder at their surroundings” – Newcity Stage (2014)

“ALICE is that rare environmental experience that takes its subject seriously yet embraces a self-deprecating sense of humor” – Chicago Reader (2004)

Upended Productions remounts ALICE, the ambulatory, multi-disciplinary theatrical experience, curated by Neo-Futurist alumna Noelle Krimm. The audience, traveling in groups of 15, follows a white rabbit to various locations throughout Evanston’s Main-Dempster Mile neighborhood.

Ducking into storerooms and back patios, through bookstores and breweries, the audience IS Alice and southeast Evanston becomes a wonderland. 



WHEN:
Runs Saturdays and Sundays through October 21
Tours begin at 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., & 2 p.m. 

WHERE:
Meet at LaCapra State Farm office, 829 Chicago, Evanston, IL
Subsequent locations include Sketchbook Brewing Co, Booked, La Principal, Cultivate, Reprise Coffee Roasters, 10,000 Villages, and Squeezebox Books & Music.

CTA: Main Street Purple EL
Street and metered public parking lots around Main & Chicago Aves.
                        
TICKETS:      
$25 for single tickets; $17 for students and seniors with ID
Space is limited so advance purchase is highly recommended: www.UpEndedProductions.com  

ARTISTS:      
This promenade production features original work by The Factory, Mudlark Theater, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater, ShowParty, singer/ songwriter Naomi Ashley, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Logan Kibens, and current and former ensemble members of The Neo-Futurists, Theatre Oobleck, Barrel of Monkeys, and Wildclaw Theater, including David Kodeski, Corrbette Pasko, Laura McKenzie, Josh Zagoren, and Dina Walters. 

FUNDER:      

This project is partially supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, an agency supported by the City of Evanston.

HISTORY:     
Neo-Futurist alumna Noelle Krimm founded Upended Productions in 2014. Productions are not confined to conventional theater spaces to provide performance frameworks for artists of all disciplines to come together and create unexpected, innovative, multi-disciplinary work. Shows are performed in and around local neighborhoods, surprising and delighting audiences, bringing visibility and vitality to community businesses.

OPENING: World Premiere of The Magnificent Wonder at Actors Gymnasium for 6 Shows Only

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

The Magnificent Wonder at Actors Gymnasium

Don't let the word "youth" fool you. This show is packed with major talent. The cast auditioned for their roles and they've been prepping for 70+ hours to build this show, choreograph, learn lines, and master mind blowing circus arts under the training of some of Chicago's top professional choreographers and performers. Of course we're extra jazzed here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, since both of my teens are returning to perform in their 3rd AG Youth Circus show. The Fall Youth Circus is fabulous family friendly fun. The intimate venue has limited seating so book tickets ahead if you can. Shows do sell out. Highly recommended. Don't miss this! 

Last Call November 11th & 12th:

ABOUT

AT THE ACTORS GYMNASIUM, PEOPLE LEARN TO FLY – PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND CREATIVELY. 

The Actors Gymnasium was founded in 1995 and has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere circus and performing arts training centers.

We are dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre, through developing physical performers and encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration.

We promote our core values of creativity, community, and courage across three program areas:

1. TEACHING CIRCUS ARTS AND PERFORMANCE SKILLS BOTH ONSITE AT THE NOYES CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, AND OFFSITE AT A DOZEN OR MORE COMMUNITY LOCATIONS.

Our Professional Training Program and Summer Circus Intensive and serve artists from across the United States and beyond.

Weekly classes for students of all ages and experience levels reach over 1,000 students per year, while our summer and winter camps engage over 200 youth aged 9–14.

2. PRODUCING ORIGINAL AND DARING CIRCUS-THEATRE PRODUCTIONS, INCLUDING NINE PRODUCTIONS A YEAR AT NOYES.

Our shows provide students with invaluable performance opportunities, and the annual premiere of our Winter Circus features professional circus artists alongside our up-and-coming young performers.

We also collaborate with theaters ranging from local Chicago storefronts to major regional companies. This past season, Lookingglass’s Moby Dick toured to three Tony-Award-winning theatres: The Alliance (Atlanta), Arena Stage (DC) and South Coast Repertory (CA). The rolling world premiere of The Magic Play started at The Goodman before opening at Olney Theater (VA). We also collaborated with Chicago Children’s Theatre on The Year I Didn’t Go to School.

3. SHOWCASING PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS BY PROVIDING AWARD-WINNING AND AWE-INSPIRING ENTERTAINMENT FOR CORPORATE AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS.

We provide entertainment at events ranging from private weddings to major public parades, and everything in between. These events help support our mission by raising the profile of Chicago’s circus community and introducing people to this vital and exciting art form.

“Even as an audience member, the work you do inspires me into metaphorical flight. Every performance or class I’ve witnessed lights me up and jump starts my imagination and drive. Thank you for flying lessons.”

Top Weekend Picks: OPENING: The Silver Whistle at Actors Gymnasium

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar

THE ACTORS GYMNASIUM PRESENTS ITS 5TH ANNUAL 

SPRING YOUTH CIRCUS THEATRE PRODUCTION

The Silver Whistle

at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, May 13 - 21, 2017

TICKETS are available NOW!

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!

We'll be out for the opening weekend with at least 11 people including 5 grandparents, friends and neighbors, and my immediate family. Don't miss this six show run, this weekend and next only! The Silver Whistle is family friendly for all ages, and Actors Gymnasium is one of the best circus arts training facilities in the region, with stellar original shows. 

Come catch a host of crazy amazing Chicago kids and teens (including my own 16 year old son) doing mind bending circus arts and compelling story telling. For a 10% ticket discount, input CASTMEMBER and hit apply code. On the final page input Dugan Kenaz-Mara under cast member name. We highly recommend booking tickets in advance as the auditorium is small and shows do sell out. 

Performance dates are Saturday(s) May 13 and 20 at 4:30PM and 7:30PM - and Sunday(s) May 14 and 21 at 3:00PM. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under, students with i.d. and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at 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. 

"Prudence the Plain" has never left the small village where she grew up, sheltered by her mother, the Wise Woman of the West. But now her mother has fallen ill and leaves Prudence with a magical silver whistle and a word of advice: go out into the world and live. Despite grief and uncertainty, Prudence sets out on a journey to make her own way. She encounters creatures of all kinds, a clever witch seeking the throne, and a one-of-a-kind Wazar. The Silver Whistle explores what happens when an unlikely hero chooses to embrace her ever-changing world and the people inhabiting it. 

The production is an empowering and highflying adaptation of the original children's book written by Jay Williams. Anna Basile and Abby Pajakowski direct this circus theatre production at the Actors Gymnasium. While reading the story, they were struck by its illustrations - an entire world is brought to life with its beautiful, whimsical and often very funny images. These images inspired the choreography and circus routines, honoring the highly physical style of performance for which Actors Gymnasium is known. 

The adaptation is directed by Anna Basile and Abby Pajakowski. Circus Choreography is by Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and Tommy Tomlins. Dance choreography is Rosey Jo Neddy. 

About Youth Circus:
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. 

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