The Actors Gymnasium Newsletter, 2010-2011
Fifteenth Anniversary Year
It may be hard to imagine, but there was once a time The Actors Gymnasium did not exist. Back in 1992, in a conversation with journalist Tony Adler, Larry DiStasi and fellow Lookingglass ensemble members expressed their desire for a space dedicated exclusively to providing actors with advanced physical training. When the Noyes Cultural Arts Center space became available, Tony Adler, Larry DiStasi, fellow NU grad Carlyle Coash, and circus professional Sylvia Hernandez, went to work creating The Actors Gymnasium. Here’s to fifteen more years of creating exciting theatre and developing amazing physical artists!
Fourth founder, Carlyle Coash (not pictured) is a Buddhist Chaplain active in the national
palliative care and hospice movement.
Educational Partners 2010 – 2011
Baker Demonstration
Beth Emet
Dawes Elementary
DePaul University
Lincolnwood.Elementary
Northwestern University
North Shore Academy
Oakton Elementary
School for Little Children
Waldorf School
Washington Elementary
Unique Workshops
On Nov. 13 – 14, Sean Masterson’s popular Magic Matinee and Workshop returned to The Actors Gym. And for the first time, The Gym offered an Aerial Straps Workshop lead by veteran circus performer Andrew Adams. Later in the season, Andrew’s strap routine was highlighted in an ESPN video filmed at The Gym; the video compared his strength and artistry with that of Chicago Bull superstar Derrick Rose.
Arts Work Board Development Projects
With the generous support of the Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development, The Actors Gymnasium’s Board of Directors, under the leadership of President Peggy Nelson, has undertaken Board Development and Leadership projects; consultants are Alison Zehr and Arthur Pearson of BOTA: The Business of the Arts.
Winter Break Offerings
For the second year, Actors Gym students were able to work on improving their circus skills during winter break. Two evenings of Gymnastics Workshop were offered to advanced students and Teen Ensemble Alumnae. Day camp for younger students, aged 9 – 14, was available certain weekdays between December 20 – 30.
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Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus
More than 1500 adults and children were charmed by this year’s Lost and Found with its original music, incredible circus talent, wry humor and family-friendly fun. Reviewer Paige Listerud wrote: “On these final chilly and rainy days of winter, this production will charm, warm and wow you.”
Short Run Shows
o Something Wicked This Way Comes – Over the October 23 – 24 weekend, twenty members of The Actors Gymnasium’s Youth Circus were featured in Josh Lesser’s adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s spooky classic.
o Circus in Progress shows – The Actors Gymnasium presented two evenings of daring new work during 2010 – 2011; the autumn showcase was on Saturday, November 6th. The Spring show, on Saturday, May 28, included the Evanston Children’s Choir, CircEsteem jugglers Maria Clement and Will McGowan, found object percussionists Jarrett Dapier and Dan Tafelski, and an amazing duo strap act by Andrew Adams and Erika Gilfether.
o Sold-out summer shows culminate the four-day-a-week Summer Intensive (July 30) and two sessions of the Circus and Performing Arts Camp (July 7 – 8, and August 4 – 5.)
Generous Scholarship Program
The Actors Gymnasium awarded more than $16,000 in scholarships to thirty-seven students ranging in age from two to forty in 2010 – 2011. The Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of Actors Gym supporters. On behalf of those students and their grateful families, Thank You!
Recent photographs by Sam Fishkin and Kate Tabor
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