I had the opportunity to attend the opening of a two day show at Broad Stage. Circa was a great option for adults who enjoy the acrobatic part of a “circus” and a LOT less expensive than most. Fresh from a world tour, the ensemble was like a well oiled machine….beautiful acobatics with dance incorporated which helped create a mesmerizing show. I especially enjoyed the adult humor.

Circa’s troupe is from Brisbane, Australia, and consists of of seven members trained in circus arts.  Circa runs a training center and workshop program at its professional studio in Brisbane.

Artistic director and CEO of Circa, Yaron Lifschitz took over in 2004 and has helped redefine the troupe.  While paying homage to the classic circus, he presents a new take on the art form and pushes the boundaries between circus theatrics and dance

Broad Stage’s director, Dale Franzen wasn’t kidding when she said….”Hundreds of cities around the world have risen to their feet in celebration of Circa and we are delighted to welcome them to Santa Monica. The blending of bodies, light, sound, and skills meld into a seamless whole that redefines the nature of circus.”

Though young, most of the members have been performing for years, with resumes boasting stints at the National Institute of Circus Arts, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, and other companies around the world. Circa runs a training center with an impressive workshop program at its professional studio in Brisbane and partners with schools and affiliates throughout Australia. 

So keep your eye out for Circa…and be sure to catch them when they are back in LA. http://circa.org.au/

About The Broad Stage
Under the leadership of Director Dale Franzen and Artistic Chair Dustin Hoffman, The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center opened its doors in October 2008. Inspired by Italian “horseshoe” theaters, yet conceived in an absolutely contemporary vernacular, The Broad Stage is an artist’s dream and an audience’s delight. Unlike any performance space in the country, it is sublimely intimate with 499-seats and strikingly grand at the same time–allowing eye contact with artists from the boxes to the back row–forging a new kind of artist and audience experience in Los Angeles. Theater shows, dance, film, operas, musicals, symphony and chamber orchestras are presented on one of the city’s largest proscenium stages. In addition to The Broad Stage, The Edye Second Space, a smaller black box theater, presents new, developing and innovative work in theater, music and dance as part of the Under the Radar Series. Featuring younger, innovative artists and chamber pieces and plays, programming at The Edye is intentionally spontaneous, reflecting the dynamic nature of the space and allowing the latest, most exciting artists to be booked on short notice. The Broad Stage Arts Insights education and outreach program offers opportunities for cultural exposure through various student events, currently reaching 12,000 students and diverse community members annually through over 30 free and low-cost events. www.thebroadstage.com