A Bold Debut for Circus Arts in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival prepares to make its grand debut from May 23 to June 1, 2025, transforming Old City and the Delaware Waterfront—spanning Pennsylvania and New Jersey—into a playground of circus artistry. Spearheaded by the Circadium School of Contemporary Circus and FringeArts, this inaugural event is a major step forward for contemporary circus in Philadelphia, a city with deep roots in American circus history. For ten days, the festival offers up a lineup of over 24 shows, captivating audiences with world-class performances by dozens of artists from the United States, Canada, France, and beyond.
An Unmatched Lineup of International and Local Talent
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival showcases a broad spectrum of circus talent, blending international flair with local expertise. Among the most anticipated performances is N.Ormes by Agathe & Adrien, a captivating display of movement and storytelling. The French radical circus company Cahin-Caha, directed by the visionary Daniel Gulko, will also bring its signature production “Life, Circus, and Everything Else”, to the Philadelphia stage. For the students of Circadium, Gulko will lead them through a professional performance of “The Garden of Earthly Delights”, marking a profound milestone for the school’s emerging talent.
Notable local acts include “The Rebellion Circus” with their evocative performance of “Finding Joy”, as well as The Circus Opera Company presenting “The Tire Swing / I Paint Dreams”, both set to perform at Christ Church Neighborhood House. For those seeking a glimpse of the avant-garde, the festival also features “Glimpses: A Mixed Bill Variety Show” at Cherry Street Pier, promising a blend of traditional circus acts with experimental new forms.
A Festival Built on Community and Collaboration
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival is a celebration of community and collaboration. Backed by an array of local partners, including Almanac Dance Circus Theatre, Airplay Entertainment, Trenton Circus Squad, and Circus Forge, the festival aims to unite circus enthusiasts and performers in a collective celebration of creativity and daring physical expression.
Shana Kennedy, the Executive Director of Circadium School of Contemporary Circus, emphasizes the importance of building a festival that not only spotlights international acts but also nurtures local talent. “Festivals like this are few and far between—there are only a couple of others like it in the United States,” she noted, highlighting the opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their craft alongside global talents.
FringeArts Programming Director, Mikaela Boone also shared her excitement, stating, “PCCF brings national, international, and local talent in conversation with one another under one big tent, so to speak. This festival is really of and for the circus community, and we’re proud to be nurturing that community here in Philadelphia.”
Workshops, Free Performances, and Family-Friendly Events
One of the most inclusive aspects of the Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival is its dedication to accessibility and education. Over the festival’s ten days, attendees can participate in a range of workshops aimed at circus artists of all skill levels, as well as family-friendly sessions designed to inspire the next generation of performers. For those simply looking to be mesmerized, the festival will host no-charge public performances at iconic locations such as Cherry Street Pier and Camden Circus Tent, offering spectators a taste of contemporary circus without the barrier of ticket costs.
Building a Legacy for Philadelphia’s Circus Arts
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival hopes to position the city as a cultural hub for contemporary circus, solidifying its role in the global circus arts community. With a commitment to both innovation and tradition, the festival promises to redefine what circus means to the people of Philadelphia. “People are discovering the amazing possibilities of circus as an expressive art form,” Shana Kennedy said, underscoring the transformative power of contemporary circus.
As the Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival sets the stage for its first year, it does so with an eye toward the future, hoping to become an annual celebration that draws circus artists and enthusiasts from across the world to Philly. Tickets are available now at FringeArts.com.
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