Just because Reading Week is over, doesn’t mean the fun and entertainment has to stop! Take a break from studying and writing essays to watch a spectacular show put on by the members of Peterborough’s very own circus group.
On November 5 at 7:30pm, and on November 6 at 1pm and 7:30pm, the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts (PACA) is showcasing their talent in the show Circus Stellar at Market Hall.
Circus Stellar is going to have an out-of-this-world, outer space theme to it.
It will display the talent of performers that range in skill from beginner to seasoned circus artists. There will also be a performance by someone from The National Circus School of Montreal, and many other award-winning displays. PACA is a non-profit organization founded by Thomas Vaccaro after he moved to Peterborough from the United States in 2008. They receive funding from fundraisers, foundations such as Participaction, and local organizations such as Theatre Trent.
Vaccaro places a lot of importance on PACA having a collective and community-driven feel to it. This is why he decided to go in the non-profit direction for the organization. Also, circus arts in Peterborough seem to have always been rooted in community activities.
“Wandering around the city, I came across some friends, or people I came to know very well, and they were part of the Peterborough Circus Arts Jam […] a Trent University Club where they would hoop or use poi or juggle or just do very interesting things,” Vaccaro shared.
He trained at the National Circus School of Montreal and is now passing on his knowledge in aerial arts to kids that are interested. “We do have weekly aerial lessons that are taught by Opal on Wednesdays right here in Market Hall. She has two classes that are open to adults. I teach aerial lessons to kids every Friday at the Peterborough PAC,” he shared.
Along with lessons, Circus Jams are held weekly at PACE. They run from 8pm to 9:30pm. “[A]nybody in the community can show up, pick up a circus toy, just listen to music, and play around. We socialize for the first 45 minutes while playing, and the last 45 minutes are silent so that people can really either find different ways to communicate or really get in their own kind of flow-zone, or both,” explained Vaccaro.
Along with classes and Circus Jams, Vaccaro said he was looking into creating a program for senior residents of Peterborough, since there is a large retired population in town.
Whether you have always been fascinated by circus performances, such as Cirque Du Soleil, or if it is somewhat of a new interest, Circus Stellar is going to be a great show to watch, have some fun, and support local talent.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $17 for the matinee show on November 6 and $8 for children under 12 years old. They can be bought at the Market Hall box office or online at tickets.markethall.org.
For more information about PACA, go to: www.academyofcircus.org.
