News

written by Ariele Ebacher based on an interview with Clayton Cox

In this day and age, it's a rare treat to find entertainment that truly caters to small-town life and local communities. Much of our culture is designed for mass appeal, but in small towns across Kentucky and Indiana, Circus Grimaldi brings the magic of "circus day" directly to the people.

Now in its third year, Circus Grimaldi began as a four-person fundraising show for a local organization. When that first run sold out, they decided to take it on the road with a 250-seat tent. Because the show remains relatively small, they can bring it to smaller communities, typically those with populations around 2,000.

By partnering with local nonprofits, Grimaldi directly taps into the communities it visits. Each year, those relationships deepen as the show is invited back. This year's show features a cast of eight artists who also set up the tent, run the tech, and handle ticket and concession sales. With a trained rat act, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns, the show adheres to a traditional circus model. Co-owner Clayton Cox says, "We made the show to serve the audiences in small towns that other bigger shows have abandoned. The people are so surprised that something is coming to them, and they bring that appreciation and wonderment into the tent with them." For Clayton, the intimate experience of a small show and the quality of interaction between audience and performer are the true measures of its success.

This summer, Circus Grimaldi will be touring Kentucky and Indiana from July 25 to September 1. More info can be found on their website:https://circusgrimaldi.com/.

Your ACA Board of Directors is sending out a survey as part of our summer reflection. We'd like to know what is valuable for our members and our community so we can make informed decisions about what to do more of and what to do less of. As we look ahead, we value your input - and please share this survey with anyone you think would be interested in adding their voice to the work that the American Circus Alliance is doing.  

SURVEY LINK: (should take about 5 minutes)

Circus isn’t just an art—it’s a community, a career, and a movement. The ACA connects producers, directors, schools, and artists of all levels and we fight for recognition, funding, and fair treatment for artists and industry professionals nationwide. Your support furthers this work!

What ACA Offers You:

Mentorship & Creative Development – Gain access to our Mentorship, Act Pitch, and Circus Creation LAB programs.

Networking & Community – Join our First Friday Zoom calls for open conversation, collaboration, and new connections.

Visibility & Promotion – List your upcoming events in our monthly newsletter and see what fellow members are up to.

Free Industry Development Workshops – Learn from top professionals and grow your career.

Make an Impact – Join one of our many committees and help shape the future of American circus.

Are you With it and For It? Join today!

https://americancircusalliance.wildapricot.org/join-us

The American Circus Alliance and VIVA Fest are excited to propose the launch of Circus Creation LAB, a 2-day event designed to bring together top U.S. circus directors and emerging artists. This unique event will provide a collaborative environment where young artists can work closely with circus directors creators from around the country.  These creative labs are designed to foster personal and artistic growth, as well as make connections with peers and leaders in the professional world.  

The event will take place In Las Vegas, NV directly following VIVA Fest on March 23rd - 24th. 

Applicants must be either a registered VIVA Fest participant and/or a member of the American Circus Alliance.  Ages 16+

Once accepted, applicants will register for the LAB and pay the $250 program fee.  Limited scholarships are being made possible by VIVA Fest, the American Circus Alliance, and CSAW.  For more information on scholarships  email: info@americancircusalliance.org  

Apply today! 

Dec 15th- Application deadline

Join us on October 2nd for the virtual launch of this collaboration with other international arts organizations to expand opportunities for the circus arts!  

While all ACA members are invited to attend, this project is best suited for those with circus shows that seek touring opportunities or those who seek existing shows to produce/present.  

Register here: project launch registration link

The ACA hosted a Step Right Up! gathering in Las Vegas under the Cirque Mechanics tent at the Viva Fest! Over 100 people attended!

Welcome one and all to a circus gathering you won't want to miss! Engage with and learn from some of the leaders, makers and dreamers in the ever-evolving world of circus. 

Hosted by the American Circus Alliance board 

On January 13, the ACA  attended the APAP conference and was invited to host a conversation for the presenters / producers / theaters in attendance. Over 75 people joined the conversation.

Demystifying Circus: A Panel Open to APAP conference attendees hosted by:

•  Margaret Lawrence, Moss Arts Center, Virginia Tech 

• Mary Rose Lloyd – New Victory Theater

• Amy Vashaw, Center for Performing Arts at Penn State

• Ruth Juliet Wikler (Wikler Arts)

Hosted by: Mark Lonergan (Parallel Exit)

Demystifying Circus: Presenters and Artists share knowledge, risk, challenges and rewards of presenting circus in a "post covid" world. Who is attending? What are the basic technical requirements? Is it for children only? Where are the US based companies located? Hosted by the American Circus Alliance.

The ACA hosted the first ever Step Right Up! gathering in NYC at the APAP pre-conference.  Over 100+ people attended.

Welcome one and all to a circus gathering you won't want to miss! Engage with and learn from some of the leaders, makers and dreamers who are creating new and exciting shows in the ever-evolving world of circus. This gathering is for the curious, the initiated and the "on the fence" folks who want to explore new pathways to reach a broad and eclectic audience. Hosted by the American Circus Alliance.

The American Circus Alliance will be hosting at the annual APAP booking conference,. The ACA is offering a pre-conference gathering open to all, as well as an in conference opportunity for theaters and booking agents to get to know circus.

Additionally: If ACA members want to register for the APAP conference at a discount under the ACA umbrella, fill out this intake form.

Where: New York Hilton Midtown, Beekman Space, 1335 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

When: Pre-conference, Friday January 12, 9:00am - 10:30am

Step Right Up Circus Forum

Description: Welcome one and all to a circus gathering you won't want to miss! Engage with and learn from some of the leaders, makers and dreamers who are creating new and exciting shows in the ever-evolving world of contemporary circus. This gathering is for the curious, the initiated and the "on the fence" folks who want to explore new pathways to reach a broad and eclectic audience. Hosted by the American Circus Alliance.

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In Conference, Saturday Jan 13th, 2 - 3 pm

Demystifying Circus

Where: New York Hilton Midtown, Expo Commons, 1335 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Description: Presenters and Artists share knowledge, risk, challenges and rewards of presenting contemporary circus in a "post covid" world. Who is attending? What are the basic technical requirements? Is it for children only? Where are the US based companies located? Hosted by the American Circus Alliance.

photo credit Maike Schulz

Are you an early career professional who wants to connect with other circus industry professionals to expand your knowledge and develop a framework for career advancement? 

Are you a recent graduate of or hoping to attend a professional circus school and looking for support as you take your next steps? 

Are you looking to pivot fields within the industry but don’t know where to begin? 

Are you a seasoned circus professional who wants to give back by sharing your experience in support of the development of future circus pros? 

Then the ACA’s Mentorship Program is for you!  

For more information visit: Mentorship Info Packet

To apply: ACA Mentorship Application