http://www.fernstreetcircus.org
Community Circus Project incorp. all art forms
The Organization
Founded in 1990, FERN STREET CIRCUS is a theatrical and educational circus ensemble which exists to:
Explore circus arts as a narrative form
Utilize circus arts performance and instruction as means of community-making in our own central San Diego neighborhood of Golden Hill and beyond
Create a humane workplace and collaborative atmosphere for artists of the many disciplines which comprise the circus arts: circus, theater, dance, music and the visual arts. We are committed to creating the finest original circus performance possible, providing quality entertainment at affordable rates to under-served neighborhoods, and teaching children motor skills, discipline, self-worth and the joy of learning.
Incorporated in December 1993 as a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public benefit corporation, Fern Street Circus, Inc. became Fern Street Community Arts, Inc. in March 1996 to better articulate the breadth of its vision and practice.
The Vision
Children need visible community, where they and their families interact with each other and other families in a context of public, civic life, where boundaries of language and economic power are erased, where witness is borne to our sameness and respect is held for our differences. Children need memorable occasions, on which passage of time and seasonal change are marked with celebration, and on which traditional forms of cultural expression are remounted, reinvented and transmitted. Children need uplifting of the human spirit, communicating verbally and nonverbally, honoring the human body and its extraordinary capabilities, discovering their own capabilities through emulation and participation.
The Programs
Performance
Each year FERN STREET CIRCUS creates a new and spectacular circus show featuring San Diego's best professional circus and variety artists in a simple and whimsical setting. The show has plenty of acrobatics, dance and spectacle driven by original music performed by a live band. In keeping with a longtime circus tradition, San Diego performances mix adult artists with teens and children taught in an after-school program.
Our year 2000 show, The Fool's Parade celebrates FERN STREET CIRCUS's 10th annual season and features an expanded band and musical presence with dynamic new choreography and a new colorful set.. The Circus also has evening performances using theatrical lighting for a second year.
FERN STREET CIRCUS provides entertainment throughout the year for a variety of community programs and corporate events tailored to the visitor industry; often performance takes the form of a mini-show or sampler of what is offered in the larger show.
Education & Outreach
Since 1993, FERN STREET CIRCUS has taught circus skills at the Golden Hill Recreation Center. Considered a model program by the California Arts Council, the After-School Circus Skills Program teaches trapeze, acrobatics, juggling, clowning, stilt-walking and wire-walking free-of-charge. In Spring 2000, an eccentric marching band program will be added at Golden Hill Recreation Center.
The Circus does extended in-school residencies, teaching circus skills and providing consultation in parade-making as part of a culminating celebration of circus performance and doo-dah parade.
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