Germantown: Philadelphia Circus School of Arts Partners with Ritz Theatre Company for ‘Barnum’

October 27, 2011 Arts and Entertainment, Germantown, Northwest Philadelphia 0
P.T. Barnum sang with some of his circus crew surrounded him.
P.T. Barnum sang with some of his circus crew surrounded him.

Come one! Come all! And witness The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts partner with Ritz Theatre Company to present “Barnum,” the greatest show on earth, a circus extravaganza about master showman, P.T. Barnum.

P.T. Barnum, played by Michael Doheny tried to persuade his wife, Charity, played by Megan Pisors, to go along with his museum purchase
P.T. Barnum, played by Michael Doheny tried to persuade his wife, Charity, played by Megan Pisors, to go along with his museum purchase.

The musical, which will run from Oct. 20 through Nov. 19 marks the first time The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) has partnered with Ritz Theatre Company, but isn’t the first partnership for the school.

PSCA Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator, Kory M. Aversa said, “The participation in ‘Barnum’ comes hot on the heels of other high-profile PSCA collaborations in 2011, including the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival/Philly Fringe.”

Through partnership, the school “continues to increase regional interest in circus arts, while also heightening awareness about circus arts classes and programs,” Aversa said.

Joice Heath, played by Danielle Harley, sang about being the oldest woman alive, and George Washingtons nurse. She was P.T. Barnums first purchase for his circus.
Joice Heath, played by Danielle Harley, sang about being the oldest woman alive.

The school has seen growth with on-going partnerships, since opening their doors in 2008.  The school has added 35 additional classes, and according to Aversa, has attracted 500 percent more eight-week session students.  However, in 2010, PSCA welcomed 1,500 eager students for a one-time “Into to Circus Arts” or “Intro to Aerial” class.

Session student, Katie O’Malley says she learned much more than circus skills. “It allows me to do something I never thought I could do. I learned more than circus skills there, I also learned that if I just trust myself a lot of things are possible.”

P.T. Barnum sang with some of his circus crew surrounded him.
P.T. Barnum sang with some of his circus crew surrounding him.

O’Malley’s experience is spot-on with the PSCA mission for students to “provide unique, challenging and fun ways to explore and build the physical and mental capabilities of each individual and participant. Educational activities take students out of their everyday lives and immerse them in a new activity that includes elements of play, physical fitness, mental concentration, trust and literally turning yourself upside down.”

Interested patrons can expect to pay anywhere between $103 and $249 for eight-week sessions or $25 for a one-time introduction workshop.

 

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