News

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

The American Circus Alliance led an info session at the VivaFest in Las Vegas last week.  VivaFest attendees joined board members Chris Lashua (Cirque Mechanics), Aloysia Gavre (Troupe Vertigo), Serenity Smith Forchion (Nimble Arts), Abigail Munn (Circus Bella) and Shenea Stiletto to learn about the organization and the work it  has been doing.  Additionally a senior representative from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) attended to share resources that the ACA and EEOC have begun collaborating on to support circus workers rights.

CircusTalk and the American Circus Alliance are collaborating on a project that would make mentoring more accessible in our community, both to mentors and mentees. As we give shape to the program, we'd like to hear from you. Please share your thoughts on mentorship by filling out this preliminary survey.

Then join us for our monthly members meeting on Sept. 8 at 1pm Eastern (virtually).  We will be hosting this meeting along with Stacy Clark of CircusTalk, focused around a future collaborative mentorship project between the ACA and CircusTalk.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87267554838?pwd=cWhDZ0xrditKN0FXdmxiZmdHQWUxQT09

Meeting ID: 872 6755 4838

Passcode: With&ForIt

The ACA is so excited for this new chapter in our organization. Thanks to all of you who were part of our pilot year. 

Now, in 2022, we need you on board as a dues-paying member.  

Member Benefits:

• Attend our online monthly meeting
• Snag a subscription to our newsletter
• Gain access to our website's Member Zone
• Engage through free and discounted events and workshops
• Become eligible for Board and Committee positions

Membership Tiers:

Individual Member - $25.00 (USD)

Organizational Member (Large Org) - $200.00 (USD) (includes up to 2 members) Organization that has an annual budget of $500,000 or more

Organizational Member (Medium Org) - $150.00 (USD) (includes up to 2 members) Organization that has an annual budget of $100,000 --> $499,999

Organizational Member (Small Org) - $100.00 (USD) (includes up to 2 members) Organization that has an annual budget of $99,999 or less

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