PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia School of Circus Arts will host a 10-day World Circus Week festival from Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 19, at Circus Campus in West Mount Airy, combining performances, workshops, classes and historical programming tied to Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of American circus.
The festival is part of the city’s America 250 and Philly 250 observances and its yearlong 52 Weeks of Firsts initiative, which highlights historic firsts associated with Philadelphia. Organizers said the event is intended to mark the first modern circus performance in the United States, which took place in Philadelphia on April 3, 1793.
Events will be held at Circus Campus, 6452 Greene St., and will include free programs, low-cost introductory classes, youth activities and two pay-what-you-can finale performances benefiting The Attic Youth Center, a Philadelphia nonprofit that supports LGBTQ youth.
The festival opens April 10 at 7:30 p.m. with “Test Flights,” a free evening of contemporary circus works in progress by professional and student artists. Organizers said the show will offer audiences a look at the creative process behind new circus acts blending theater, dance, music and performance art.
A free “52 Firstivals Celebration” is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in partnership with the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee. That event will feature aerial performances, family activities, storytelling about Philadelphia’s circus history and free introductory workshops with advance registration.
Throughout the festival, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts will also offer community programming including a weekly free Juggling Club on Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., along with after-school drop-in programs, half-day youth circus sessions and adult introductory circus classes priced at $5.20 in honor of Philly 250.
A special half-day youth circus program is planned for Friday, April 17, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program will run from noon to 3 p.m., with an extended option until 6 p.m., and will include aerial arts, juggling, acrobatics, balance work, creative movement and games.
The festival finale is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, with two pay-what-you-can performances. “From History to Gritty,” a family-friendly show, will begin at 5 p.m. “Nitty Gritty,” an adult-oriented cabaret-style performance, will begin at 8:30 p.m.
Organizers said both finale shows will feature faculty artists performing aerial acts, acrobatics and theatrical pieces inspired by Philadelphia’s history, identity and contemporary circus culture. Proceeds from those performances will benefit The Attic Youth Center.
Executive Director Kitsie O’Neill said the event is designed to offer something for both first-time visitors and regular circus audiences while drawing attention to Philadelphia’s contemporary circus scene.
The school said all events are either free or low-cost and are intended to make circus arts accessible to families, students and adult participants.
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, based at Circus Campus in West Mount Airy, offers year-round instruction in aerial arts, juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling and acrobatics, along with camps, workshops and performances. More information is available at phillycircus.com.
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