Join the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) for an evening of "world-class entertainment" for the entire family in Brattleboro on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 10 at 1 p.m.
The Circus Spectacular is NECCA's most important annual fundraiser - a unique opportunity to see high flying aerialists, acrobats, and jugglers.
In a news release, NECCA co-founder Serenity Smith Forchion marveled that "The Circus Spectacular started with one show in 2011 to help NECCA raise funds for outreach and programming. Thirteen years later, it's turned into our largest annual fundraiser!"
There are two ways to enjoy the show on Saturday: in person at the Latchis Theater or via livestream for NECCA fans who live far and wide or prefer to watch from the comfort of their home. Sunday's performance will be in person only.
The star-studded show will be led by world record holder John Higby, also known as Yo-Yo Guy. He has been (1)appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Discovery Channel's Time Warp, Comedy Central, and Fetch with Ruff Ruffman on PBS.
Higby will be joined by high-flying rope artist Nick Ng, on break between tours with Cirque du Soleil, and Stacey Strange performing her hoop juggling act. Strange most recently won a silver medal for her performance at the (2)Hubei Chutian Star Gushen Competition in China. Locals may be familiar with Ariele Ebacher, a wire dancer who made Brattleboro her home a few years ago and is among the faculty at NECCA.
These professional performers and others are sharing their talents to raise funds toward supporting student financial aid, outreach, and programming. "We are very fortunate to have these generous performers in our NECCA family," says Executive Director Jenna Struble. "They believe so much in what NECCA gives - empowerment, strength, joy, community - that they come to our small town and grace our stage and support this, our most important annual fundraiser."
Last year, NECCA served nearly 2,800 students of all ages, awarded $81,235 in financial aid across numerous programs, performed seven free community shows valued at $33,500, and gave hundreds of free tickets to groups in need.
Forchion touts other performers who may be familiar faces to NECCA fans.
"Troy Wunderle of Circus Smirkus and Wunderle's Big Top Adventures is always great for some levity," she says, "and he's doing a comedy magic act this year. Fans of youth classes at NECCA will enjoy the elevated talents of duo aerialists Katie Schmidt and Victoria Quine. They are both talented coaches at NECCA and will be performing a lighthearted and impressive duo lyra act."
Tickets for in-person and livestreamed shows are $20–$50 and are available at necenterforcircusarts.org. For more information, call 802-254-9780.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.