courtesy photo
The NECCA trapezium prepares circus artists for their performance at Highland Center for the Arts on May 5.
GREENSBORO – The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) will present “Intertwine,” in which nine stories of growth and discovery are told through acrobatics and circus magic in new work. Performing will be America’s next generation of circus artists before they embark on international careers. They may be seen on May 5 at Highland Center for the Arts.
NECCA, based in Brattleboro, is the only full-time educational circus program in the United States dedicated to launching emerging professionals with an eye to invigorating the future of circus in America. For this production, NECCA has teamed with Mark Lonergan, long time director of Greensboro’s Circus Smirkus, to direct the show that will embark on a tour through New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.
Mark Lonergan was chosen after interviewing several international applicants and his extensive resume includes productions for The Big Apple Circus, Opera North, Disney Cruise Lines, and Theatreworks/USA. He was also the Creative Director for the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour for five seasons, so adds a strong awareness of the intersection of educating emerging artists while holding them to professional standards to create a show that is entertaining, high flying, safe and a learning experience.
“For most of our students, this is their first creation process with a director who guides their acts and creativity to create an original work that embodies them, their talents and a theme. It’s a true collaboration.” says Executive Director, Jenna Struble. “This experience prepares them for their futures as performing circus artists and NECCA is the only school in the United States preparing students in this way.” Students learn tour specific skills including how to rig in a theater, coordinate travel logistics, manage props and costumes, communicate with producers, and cohabitate with each other during the three weeks of productions.
The performance, for all ages, begins at 7 p.m. See highlandartsvt.org/ for more information.
