Tue, 08/11/2011

Recently Mary attended the opening performance of the Warehouse Circus, major production for 2011, a tasteful tribute to the traditional travelling circuses of yester-year, aptly named, “The Warehouse Family Circus”.

The youth circus is a not-for-profit organisation, with classes from a beginner to advanced level for ages eight and up, and is dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of young people in the ACT and region, through the medium of social circus.

Not only does the circus run a very popular core after school program, it also works within schools and with community groups in the ACT to build confidence and encourage participation in physical activity and the arts.

In October, seventeen of its dedicated performers, as well as four staff and numerous volunteers, headed off for a week of adventure around regional NSW. The tour included training with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, performing its major production in two regional centres and providing workshops and short performances to school students and community groups in Junee, Cootamundra, Quandialla, Young and Yass.

Here in Canberra, the production was showcased at the Belconnen Community Theatre over three days, all very well attended and well received by audiences. Aleshia Flanagan, General Manager, says the troupe has had an amazing experience, both on tour teaching and demonstrating their skills, and throughout the performances here in Canberra. The Warehouse Family Circus, and the Regional Tour have been a huge success for all involved and the circus is very keen to tour more regularly in future.

Ms Flanagan told me “What started out as a tribute to travelling circuses has taken on a greater significance for participants who have come to feel much like one big family.”

“Its 2011 production, conceived and devised by the talented participants of the Circus Core Program, is proof positive of the way this circus works together to achieve great outcomes.” For more information ring (02) 6260 3626 or email admin@warehousecircus.org.au.