Program
ACT I
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Our students chose the theme of this act to show support of each other and their wider community.
Learn more about Novel Motion Circus at NovelMotionCircus.com
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A romp-com antidote for the current era. Queer joy is resistance!
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Sunflow Circus students take center stage in this colorful performance. Our silk fan dance focuses on queer joy and the feeling of falling in love for the first time.
Learn more about Sunflow Circus at SunflowCircus.com
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A celebration of gender-fluidity and experimentation using the metaphor of moon phases and the combination of sling & mini lyra rigged as a single apparatus. Set to an original poem by Percy:
If this
is a phase
then call it life
that echoes
when it ends
that never
lasts forever
and call this life-thing
moon
which passes by the earth
in stages
never still
as the sun
illuminates it
piece-by-piece
reflections showing
only parts
of the same whole.
If this
is a phase
then call my body
satellite
and mark with me
the passing of our days.
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The story of love that is unsafe in America.
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To anyone who has ever felt invisible, or was told they had to shrink to fit in: I want you to know that you matter. You deserve to be seen, you deserve to be accepted, and you deserve to exist exactly as you are.
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Being on the asexuality and/or aromantic spectrum doesn’t mean being lonely. Four a-spec* aerialists celebrate queer community and the joy of being understood. We may not be living the way society expects, but perhaps we are nevertheless living life just like we should.
*a-spec is shorthand for a broad umbrella of asexual and/or aromantic identities. Asexuality means experiencing little to no sexual attraction; aromanticism means experiencing little to no romantic attraction. The Asexuality Visibility and Education Network is a good resource to learn more, as are the books I Am Ace by Cody Daigle-Orians and Ace Voices by Eris Young.
ACT II
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When Leeah first pitched this act, she described it as "only queer in the technical sense, but otherwise intensely normal" — which is also how she feels about her own sexuality. It is a very standard romantic piece, except that it is between two people who happen to be of the same gender — and if people find that strange, that is, frankly, their problem.
Leeah would like to thank Lizzy for being an amazing co-creator and helping her realize the vision for this piece that was ten years in the making.
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The '80s are still where it's at, and we explore the duality of being secretive about queerness and being out and quite proud.
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This act is an exploration of what it means to be enough as a nonbinary identity in a binary-default world.
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This quirky duo trapeze act explores the tension between wanting someone to be safe and wanting someone to be happy.
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This group piece is a joyful, high-energy celebration of LGBTQ+ community, support, and unapologetic fun. Playful, bold, and full of connection, it highlights the power of showing up for one another and celebrating together. Colorful, campy, and uplifting, we’re proudly dancing with the queer community!
CREW
Thank you to the following volunteers who have made this show possible:
- Producers: Leeah Stickelmaier, Lizzy Kirkland
- Tech: Jim Vogel
- Rigging: Alex Starr, Luella Shapiro, Carly Schuna, Jess Clark
- Stage Crew: Nicole Lane Starr, Cory Melin, Erin Rhoads, Petra Hilgendorf
- Front of House: Ben Ziemann, Colleen Neary, Ian Limoli, Scott Martens, Simona Simkins, Juliet Landa, Nisa Karimi, Lauren Usher, Katrina Harms, Amy Washbush, Sarah-Louise Ralliard, Danielle Lee, Hildy Feen, Esteban Antuna, Ione Courtier-Hewson, Becki Arellano, Linda Franz, Shannon Anderson, Kelly Kramer Sabourin
- Lobby Decor:Madeline Motley, Tyler Kiehl, Erin Rhoads
- Photography: Joe Burkholder
- Videography: Dakota "Silver" Clark
- Graphics and Promotion: Lizzy Kirkland, Ariel Niforatos
- Program: Sara Woolery
Plus a big shoutout to the many volunteers of the set/strike crew!
Nonprofit Partners:
OutReach hosts a number of programs related to LGBTQ+ housing, elder and trans advocacy, harm reduction, social and support groups, and a community pantry.
OutReach also puts on the annual Magic Pride Festival, held this year on Sunday August 16th in Warner Park.
The Madison chapter of PFLAG offers support, education, and advocacy, in pursuit of a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
A registered nonprofit, Madison Circus Space exists to foster circus and movement arts in Madison, and hosts a variety of clubs, classes, workshops, and events open to the community.
Check out our current classes and clubs, and upcoming events!
Donate to support MCS' ongoing programming and building fund!