Starfish Circus and What it’s All About!
Tami L. Johnson
My younger kids and I went to Weber High School on Saturday night to watch the Starfish Circus. We were amazed by all the talented performers we saw! All ages and abilities. Children as young as 3 years old on up to high school and beyond. There were acrobatic movements on the trapeze, aerial silks, hula hoops, rolla bolla, poi, and some of the cutest little lions we’ve ever seen. What exactly is the Starfish Circus, you might ask?
According to their website, www.STARFISHCIRCUS.com , “Starfish Circus offers students a life-changing experience through active participation in a theatrical event that fits into their available time and your school’s space and arts budget. In just two weeks, our highly trained coaches cast and rehearse 50-100+ students, training them in aerial silks, partner acrobatics, comedy, juggling and showmanship as well as proper stretching and conditioning.”
Through these circus acts, children are able to develop skills not only physically but mentally as well. For example, while working in small groups, the Starfish Circus participants explore skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Over the course of the two weeks, the children prepare and present an original production of art for the community to see.
The Starfish Circus includes anyone who wants to join. All ages and abilities are cast together. Focus is emphasized toward inclusion. Each of the students learns to set achievable goals, become performers, and be part of something that is unifying.
“We’ve seen so many students gain a sense of accomplishment lasting far beyond the final curtain call.”-Starfish Circus
Drawing on their professional circus training, along with expert performing and teaching experience, Starfish Circus created a program any child can participate in and every school can afford.
Starfish Circus also says, “We’re about facing fears and new experiences in a safe environment, creating meaningfully together, supporting teammates, exploring new elements of the arts and encouraging every kid to appreciate their bodies, abilities and achievements.”
My own kids were pretty wowed at the sight of the poi balls, the aerial silks, and the trapeze participants. They couldn’t believe most of these kids learned how to perform these stunts in only a matter of two weeks.
Head coaches Allison Williams and Marina Petrano, along with Coaches Shani Blueford and Richard Oaxana, helped the children shine and learn new skills. Alumni coach Victoria Wood, as well as, stage manager Matthew Child and assistant stage managers Cameron Linford, Regen Spendlove, and Alaina Nelson were key components of the behind-the-scenes-crew.
Mark Daniels served as Production Coordinator. The script was written by the Weber High School Actors Repertory Company.
The tech crew was as follows: Technical Crew-Weber High School Crew Class
Lights—Ashton Smith and Tichelle Blaylock
Sound—Braxton Eames and Drake Turner
Props---Alaina Nelson
Starfish Circus gave a special thanks to Weber High School and its administration for hosting and supporting this theatrical and fun event.
171 children were involved in this particular Starfish Circus performance at Weber High School. There were 15 acts and it ran about 2 hours.
I think my favorite scene, as well as my kids’s, was when the lights went completely out and the poi ball performers came out. Their poi balls lit up in the dark and it was a dazzling performance! Such entertainment for the eyes! Also, my kids and I were very intrigued by the talented Megan Taylor on the trapeze and Megan Allen on the Aerial Net. Truly a great show!
We’re so glad we saw the Starfish Circus! See you again next year!
