In this 60-minute immersive conversation, we will explore the alchemy of bringing music directly into the ring, where the artist merges singing and/or playing and their discipline.
Join aerialist and classical pianist Autumn Melody Thomas as she shares the unique craft of weaving musicianship into circus disciplines. Composer and author Peter Bufano will pull back the curtain, providing the historical and contemporary context of this practice, from the early days of the circus to the modern stage.
Are you an artist who can sing or play an instrument and want to bring this practice into your act? This workshop is for you! Are you a director/creator/producer looking for novel and impactful ways to put live music front and center in your productions. This workshop is for you too! Bring your questions, share your experiences, and join the conversation in this free, interactive, virtual event (which will include closed captions) on August 4th, 2026, 11am PST/2PM EST.
Peter Bufano is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and author who scores films and circuses. His introduction to circus arts came when he joined Ringling as a clown in the late 80s. His research and writing on the subject of circus music has been supported by two major fellowships at Berklee College of Music. www.peterbufano.com
Autumn Melody Thomas: Currently featured in Bellagio’s new hit show at the Mayfair Supper Club on the Las Vegas strip; Autumn is a powerhouse vocalist who has recorded session vocals for Grammy Nominated Producers and network television shows; a classically trained pianist who’s held residencies on London’s West End and LA’s most iconic piano bars; and a versatile aerial acrobat who has toured the European Cabaret / Circus Circuit with her unique and alluring aerial acts. https://www.autumnmelodythomas.com/aerialmusician
