FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Actors Gymnasium
For more information, photos, or video, contact:
Michelle Higgins
Marketing Manager
michelle@actorsgymnasium.org
847-328-2795
Brand New Physical Show Brings Spectacle to
Holiday Weekend
EVANSTON, IL - As the landscape of Chicago physical theatre changes with the departure of several large institutions, The Actors Gymnasium has doubled down on its commitment to physicality. This Memorial Day weekend, audiences can see the inaugural graduating class of the Professional Circus Training Program in Ascend

The performances showcase the acts created by the students in their 9 months of study. The Actors Gymnasium always grows a unique pool of talent, and the 2015/16 Pro-Training Students are up and coming stars. Come see how a year of dedication, creativity and teamwork can change the world of physical theatre, circus, dance, and beyond.  From trapeze to partner acrobatics, lyra to Chinese pole, hand balancing to cloud swing, these brand new acts delight and amaze. 
 
Ascend: the 2015/16 Professional Circus Training Showcase Trailer
Ascend: the 2015/16 Professional Circus Training Showcase Trailer

"The students we accept are of diverse physical backgrounds, so their goals are often just as diverse as they are. The program's overarching goal is to create physical performers that can do anything that is asked of them. When they graduate, students are prepared for their next step as a performer, whether in the professional circus or theatre world, or in furthering their training and pursuits as a physical creator," says Program Manager Nathan Drackett.

"After graduating, I plan on exploring the intersection between independent theatre and circus to further physical story-telling within the contemporary American Theatre scene. Nothing examines the human condition better," says graduating student Joey C Heyworth.

"I am continuously inspired by the perfect marriage of artistry, athleticism, and adventure that circus offers," says fellow graduate Zoe Boyer, who started training at The Actors Gymnasium as a teen. 

Ascend provides Pro Training students with the opportunity to perform in front of our audience as well as agents, casting directors and other established working professionals in theater and circus.

Tickets are available now for the one day only performances on May 28 at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm. A wine and cheese reception to follow Sunday's performance Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here or at www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows. For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795.

Featuring graduates: Zoe Boyer (Single-Point Trapeze & Hand Balancing), Joey C Heyworth (Hand Balancing & Chinese Pole), Liz Loar (Lyra & Partner Acro), Arik Mendelevitz (Juggling & Tumbling), Symphony Sanders (Lyra & Partner Acro), Cassandra Schiano (Cloud Swing & Unicycle), Ashley Marie Sylvester (Aerial Sling & Hoop), Andrew Tardif (Tumbling & Partner Acro).
 
About The Actors Gymnasium:
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For more information, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org

Please note: There is no apostrophe in the company name, The Actors Gymnasium.

Location:
The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.