Circus Creation Lab

Photo credit: Jennifer Scheib  - Greensboro Downtown Parks

In this workshop, you will work with other participants to create a short circus performance centered around an intended message for the audience to take away. You will not only gain experience creating a  short circus piece with a group, but you will also learn about the methods and processes we use to create circus art along the way.

We will begin with a period of guided exploration, to discover more about the topic we choose to discuss and dive deeper into how we might go about portraying our idea, with a focus on active participation and generative exercises.

Then, we will outline a structure with the ideas generated from our exploration. We will link our ideas together and incorporate additional circus elements. Lastly, we will simplify all of our work, refining the pace, rhythm, and musicality into a cohesive draft that can be performed in the future! We will talk about other additions to the piece that can help convey our message, such as costumes, lighting, music, and more! 

Our hope is that this workshop will become the basis for an ensemble piece for our Spring Showcases (although this is not a requirement to take this workshop). We can discuss the details of how that might work and if you'd like to be involved at the end of the workshop.

Prerequisites

All skills levels in any apparatus are welcome. Participants should come with an open mind and be ready to play, create, and be in close physical contact with other participants. Age 13+

About the Workshop Instructor

Houston Odum is a Circus Director from Jamestown, NC. Houston began his circus journey as a juggler. He's competed in various competitions and won the Bronze Medal in the Juniors World Championships of Juggling in 2017 and First Place in the Atlanta Juggling Festival in 2018. While studying at UNC School of the Arts, Houston founded the Activate Entertainment Project which has created 9 original performances with over 35 performing Artists. Houston works with a variety of performing artists locally, nationally, and internationally. Most recently, his show "Passages" combined a mixture of 5 local and 4 guest artists to create a 45-minute show about Childhood, Change, and Connection. His upcoming circus show 'Solstice' is a combination of the visual element of snow, and the idea of self-discovery and nostalgia. Houston's Artistic Process relies on openness and observation as the main tools for constructing work. His goal is to bring out the best of each artist, finding what is special to each and every individual. He has a passion for discovering new ways to explore and work with circus artists to constantly try new ideas and explore new methods of Creation.