For Immediate Release

Contact: Leighann Kowalsky, (845) 705-4345

lkowalsky@cciac.us

Spring Circus Events & Kids Camp, March – April

State Funds Help Region’s Contemporary Circus Expand Programming

TROY, NY (03/01/23) — The Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center (CCIAC) will present three unique circus programs this Spring inside a former masonic lodge in downtown Troy. 

Tickets and registration are available for the mini-season, which includes: a solo contortion/physical theatre performance; a week-long camp giving kids an opportunity to “join the circus” during their school break; and a talk on circus in art history by a founder of the famous New York City-based Big Apple Circus. 

Performance: “Only Bones V.1.6” 

Ages 10+, March 11 at 7:30 pm*

On Saturday March 11, CCIAC will present “Only Bones V. 1.6,” a solo contortion performance that combines dance, physical theater and circus. 

In “Bones,” Marina Cherry squeaks, zooms and tiptoes through a micro-space in a balance between theatrical and physical. The European-based U.S.-born artist nudges the limits of extreme constraints, maximizing the minimal with only one light, no narrative, no set, no props and no text. 

“Marina’s unique skillset of contortion gives us an opportunity to stretch beyond our typical style of family friendly programming to new areas that challenge our audience's understanding of circus,” said Aaron Marquise, CCIAC executive director. 

While there is no inappropriate material in the performance, Marquise notes that the show is best suited for ages 10 and up. 

“Bones” is performed for one night only on March 11 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission or $50 for priority seating in the front row.

To Watch & Download a video of Marina Cherry perform "Only Bones V. 1.6," click here.

A Brush with History: Art in Circus & Circus in Art

All ages, April 15 at 7:30 pm*

On Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., CCIAC will present “A Brush With History: Art in Circus and Circus in Art,” a lecture and discussion with Karen E. Gersch, one of the founding members of New York City’s famous Big Apple Circus. 

The dynamic slideshow and lecture highlights how and why circus has influenced and inspired visual arts through the ages. 

Marquise saw Gersch present her lecture last year at a circus festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland and “knew we had to have it in Troy.”  Later, when he learned she lives in the Hudson Valley, “It was kismet,” he said.  

Tickets to “A Brush with History” are $25 for general admission or $50 for priority seating in the front row. 

*Aftershows: “Behind the Curtain”

Following the performances of “Only Bones v.1.6” and “A Brush With History,” CCIAC will offer a unique behind-the-scenes live interview in their “Behind The Curtain” aftershow series.

“Behind The Curtain” is a late-night talk show-style interview program with CCIAC’s performing artists and guests. The series gives a chance for the audience to hear stories and career experiences of those who have just performed in front of their very eyes. 

“One of the mysteries of the circus is often how one became a part of it,” Marquise said. “Our aftershow gives the audience a chance to hear the artist's stories in a relaxed atmosphere.” 

“Behind the Curtain” will take place immediately following the live performances and does not require a separate ticket for those already in attendance. The interviews will be recorded and posted online for home audiences with a viewing link to watch at their convenience. Digital viewing is made free thanks to the generous support of the New York State Council on the Arts.

Circus Week For Kids

Ages 7 to 17, April 10 - 14

During spring break, CCIAC will present a Kids Circus Program featuring aerial and ground-based circus skills suited for first-time circus students or returning students eager to deepen their existing abilities. At the end of the camp week, there will be a showcase for family and friends. 

The program is appropriate for ages 7 through 17 and will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. General Registration is $250 and $200 for multiple kids from the same family. Before Care, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., costs $25. After Care, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., costs $25. This program has limited availability. 

“There’s something really special about working with kids and circus skills. It’s a great way to keep the busy kid moving, the thoughtful kid curious—everyone fits in, here,” said CCIAC Director of Operations Leighann Kowalsky, who has been crafting kid-based programming. “Circus provides a beautiful opportunity to teach more than juggling, acrobatics or aerial—kids simultaneously learn life-applicable safety, community, and how to communicate.”  

LOCATION

All spring events will take place at 19 3rd St. (above the FOCUS lab, across from the Troy Atrium) in downtown Troy.

TICKETS & RESERVATIONS

Tickets and reservations to the show, lecture and camp can be purchased at https://www.cciac.us

Circus in the Park Returns This Summer 

CCIAC will once again return to Prospect Park in this summer, in collaboration with the Friends of Prospect Park, for the annual Circus in the Park Festival.

Circus in the Park is a two-week long festival under a “big top” circus tent, featuring a professional touring company, a showcase by the Artist First Residents, a kids’ summer camp, workshops for adults and children, and multiple popup events including cabarets and opportunities for the community to gather. A complete schedule of performances will be announced this spring.

Registration for summer camp is now open and spots are filling up. To register, visit: https://www.cciac.us

$50,000 in State Funding for the Arts 

The New York State Council on the Arts has awarded a total of $50,000 in grants to CCIAC, making it one of the highest state-funded circus arts organizations for 2023. The grants were awarded from the “Regrowth and Capacity” and “Support for Organizations” programs. 

“Thanks to funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, we are able to plan and execute a Spring Break season for the first time. We are thrilled to be able to provide more opportunities for our community to experience circus arts. There will be something for everyone,” Marquise said. “We are incredibly grateful to NYSCA and the Governor for their support of the circus arts.”

Governor Kathy Hochul

“This unprecedented funding continues our investment into the vital role that the arts contribute to the health of our economy, our communities and our citizens,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As we continue our comeback, we applaud the strength and innovation of arts organizations across the state and are all the better for their hard work and dedication.”

Mara Manus, NYSCA executive director

“NYSCA applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their historic investment of $240 million for the nonprofit arts and culture sector,” said Mara Manus, executive director of NYSCA. “As we continue rebuilding the arts across our New York, the Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center will play a vital role in the renewal of our state’s economy and creative ecosystem. Congratulations on your award from the entire NYSCA team.”

Katherine Nicholls, NYSCA chair

“Council congratulates the Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center on their grant award! These grants are from the people of New York State, for the future of New York State,” said Katherine Nicholls, chair, NYSCA. “Arts and culture are crucial to the health of our citizens and the economic vitality of our communities, and we recognize the contributions of NYSCA grantees to the lives of all New Yorkers.”

Publicity Photos + Video

For high resolution circus photos and videos, visit the following Dropbox link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/a8mcrsfogilwp54/AAB9WWuGwUxhFWpOAbgoRyxia?dl=0

About The CCIAC

The mission of the Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center (CCIAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is to promote, produce and present contemporary circus; embracing the unique challenge of bridging the divide between this awe-inspiring art form and American audiences with generally less exposure to this world.

Founded in 2019 by Aaron Marquise, a graduate of Montréal's École Nationale de Cirque, the vision of the CCIAC is to transform Troy, New York into a US hub for contemporary circus by producing and presenting quality performances locally, nationally, and internationally. Through indoor and outdoor programming, the CCIAC strives to educate the community on the impact that circus can have as an art form.

For information about the CCIAC visit:  https://www.cciac.us

For media inquiries, contact: Leighann Kowalsky, Director of Operations, CCIAC at (845) 705-4345 or lkowalsky@cciac.us

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