Free Events
With Vanessa Furlong
Friday, June 23, 2023 | 11:00 – 12:30 pm
Location: Firefly Theatre & Circus
*Registration Required
This workshop is an examination of how we, as movement-based practitioners, may encounter barriers for ourselves or our students when training and rehearsing. We will work collaboratively to build a more inclusive setting in our classes and rehearsal spaces by exploring new warmups, choreography exercises, and providing ourselves and our students the dignity of risk. All are welcome to attend. You do not need to have prior knowledge of circus, dance, or other movement-based practices to join. Please let us know if your specific access needs by reaching out to (sgruson@albertacircusarts.com) so we may prepare a better workshop experience for you.
5@Cirque (Circus Happy Hour)
Friday, June 23, 2023 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Café Bicyclette
*No Registration Required
5@Cirque, or Circus Happy Hour, began in Montreal in 2020 during the pandemic. It was a way to connect, relax and exchange with other circus artists. The tradition is being kept alive by the Alberta Circus Arts Festival, in partnership with EnPiste, the National Circus Arts Alliance.
Join us on Friday, June 23 rd , from 5:00-7:00pm on the patio at Café Bicyclette.
There will be spectacle. There will be performances. Your drink might even be poured with flair! For an extra special treat, the Flo Warrior will be presenting and sharing skills with all who would like to give prop manipulation a try. Soak it up with the circus!
After Hours Juggle Jam
With Francis Proteau
Friday, June 23, 2023 | 9:00 pm
Location: La Cite Francophone
*No Registration Required
Tired of juggling alone in your mom’s basement? Us, too!
So crawl out of your den, come down to the circus festival, and throw things into the air with like-minded individuals. Beginners are welcome and encouraged, professionals will be awed and admired, and everyone in between will be celebrated! We will be on the patio if it is nice, or in the rotunda if not.
Francis Proteau is an instructor of juggling and acrobatics at Ecole de Cirque de Quebec. He is passionate about juggling and will share his passion, skills and stories with YOU!
Drop-In Stilt Walking & Juggling Outdoor Workshop
with the National Stilt Walkers of Canada, Francis Proteau & Firefly Theatre & Circus
Saturday, June 24, 2023 | 11:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Campus Saint-Jean Lawn
*No Registration Required
Have you ever wanted to learn how to walk on stilts? Professional artists and instructors from the National Stilt Walkers of Canada will be on hand to show you how it is done! Fun Fact: One of the NSW team got her start at the ACAF in 2022! She volunteered with ACAF, learned to walk on stilts, and now works with the National Stilt Walkers. True Story!
Are you the more grounded type? Prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground and throw objects in the air instead? Well, we have you covered! Come down to the circus festival and we will show you how to juggle. Throw some scarves, throw some balls, who knows – maybe there will even be clubs! It could happen!
Cirque in the Park
Presented by Firefly Theatre & Circus
Sunday, June 25, 2023 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Mill Creek Ravine Park (see link for map)
*No Registration Required
Come one, come all! Cirque in the Park is a free family-friendly event, showcasing local and guest circus performers and schools. The event includes interactive circus activities for kids, and an exciting aerial and acrobatic show for all. Cirque in the Park is programmed by Firefly Theatre and Circus as part of the Alberta Circus Arts Festival. Walk from our festival headquarters at La Cité Francophone to the Mill Creek Ravine Park, for an exciting outdoor celebration of circus!