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Client News: Fly School Circus Arts Presents Grand Finale Trapeze Show During PIFA

Fly School Circus Arts presents a high-flying grand finale to their participation in the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). Tonight and tomorrow night, Fly School presents two first ever flying trapeze shows within the boundaries of Center City. "Daringly High" performances will take place on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, 2013 at 8:00 PM in the University of the Arts Parking Lot on Broad Street (between Spruce and Pine streets, across from the Kimmel Center). Professional faculty and advanced students will present works that celebrate a moment in time dating back to 1965 when model Jean Shrimpton helped change the face of women’s fashion and challenged female roles in society. Announced performers include Fly School Director Mary Kelly Rayel, Caitlyn Larsson, Donovan Chandler and Christine Landon. All professional performers will do tricks and exhibit skills without a safety harness as they fly 25 feet in the air. Admission is $10.00 at the gate for a spot inside the parking lot. Best viewing spots are expected to go early, and tickets are first come, first served until they sell out. Trapeze shows come hot on the heels of dozens of sold-out classes during the 2013 PIFA. As of today, all trapeze classes are sold out through closing day. Over 750 adults and children have come to enjoy trapeze lessons that celebrate empowerment, confidence and freedom found in doing the unexpected. 

Fly School celebrates the “If You Had a Time Machine…” theme by jetting back to October 30th, 1965, when model Jean Shrimpton shocked the Australian  establishment by attending Derby Day, a significant horse racing event in Melbourne, wearing a mini dress with a considerably higher hemline than was acceptable in Australian society. In doing so, she brought global attention to the fashion revolution already underway in Europe, one that was changing the landscape of women's fashion from one of maternal imitation to one of individuality, empowerment, and youthful domination.

Each performance will showcase both the incredible talent and skills of the Fly School staff and the hard earned accomplishments of their students. The student performance will present a variety of skill levels and achievements, demonstrating how Flying Trapeze can enrich and empower the lives of all people. Fly School staff will take it to the next level with a traditional flying trapeze performance where they will astound audiences with professional skill, style, grace, and beauty!

For more information on Fly School, visit www.flyschoolcircusarts.com and follow @flyschoolcircus.

Big congratulations go out to Fly School -  All classes are now sold out! Join the trapeze fun during tonight's first ever show. 

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Client News: Flying Trapeze Lessons Soar Daringly High During PIFA 2013

Fly School Circus Arts returns to the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) with “Daringly High” outdoor flying trapeze lessons and performances. Adults and children (ages 6 and up) are invited to celebrate the empowerment, confidence and freedom found in doing the unexpected.  Flying trapeze lessons run daily from Thursday, March 28 through Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 9:00am, 11:30am, 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Outdoor rigging, reaching 25 feet in the air, will be set up in the University of the Arts empty parking lot between Spruce and Pine streets. Each two hour class is geared to the individual, the first time student or the seasoned returning flyer. Fly School will end the festival on a high note with performances on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, 2013, at 8:00pm. For “Daringly High” inspiration, Fly School time travelled to 1965 when model Jean Shrimpton helped change the face of women’s fashion and challenged female roles in society.  Class reservations are on sale now for $55 each at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org.  Performance tickets and pricing will be announced in April at www.flyschoolcircusarts.com and on Twitter at @flyschoolcircus.

Fly School celebrates the “If You Had a Time Machine…” theme by jetting back to October 30th, 1965, when model Jean Shrimpton shocked the Australian establishment by attending Derby Day, a significant horse racing event in Melbourne, wearing a mini dress with a considerably higher hemline than was acceptable in Australian society. In doing so, she brought global attention to the fashion revolution already underway in Europe, one that was changing the landscape of women's fashion from one of maternal imitation to one of individuality, empowerment, and youthful domination.

“Daringly High encourages you to overcome challenges, fly in the face of limitations and try something you never thought possible,” said Fly School Circus Arts Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel. “In our classes we constantly strive to give our students the feeling that they are rising above their own perceived limitations and others expectations. Our trained instructors provide a motivating and inspirational atmosphere where you can tap into your inner courage, sense of trust and attention to detail.”

During lessons, students of various ages and abilities will soar through the air on a full-scale flying rig.  Students will learn all the techniques of this art form – including take-off from the platform, the swing, the transfer to the catcher, and the drop to the net.  Classes are open to students six years old and up. The weight limit is 250 lbs. All participants will be fully harnessed in the air. Some weather conditions may be a cause for rescheduling by the instructors. Cancellation is at the discretion of the instructors.  Rescheduling, ticket exchanges and refunds will be handled by the Kimmel Center box office.

Flying trapeze lessons are $55 for a two-hour lesson.  Reservations are available at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org. 

Pricing and details for flying trapeze performances will be announced in early April at www.flyschoolcircusarts.com and on Twitter by following @flyschoolcircus.

About Fly School Circus Arts

Fly School Circus Arts provides outdoor flying trapeze lessons in beautiful Northern Bucks County, May through June and August through October of each year.  Since its founding in 2008, Fly School Circus Arts has trained more than 500 students from Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New Jersey. In 2008, Fly School worked with Cirque Du Jour to bring flying trapeze lessons to Camp Quality, a nationally recognized Oncology camp in Arkansas.  Since 2009, Fly School has participated in intensive aerial week at Circus Arts Camp in Westchester, NY.  In 2011, Fly School partnered with the Kimmel Center to bring flying trapeze lessons to Center City Philadelphia during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). Fly School Circus Arts will return to the 2013 PIFA with flying trapeze lessons and first-ever flying trapeze performances.

 

Fly School Circus Arts was founded by Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel, who graduated from Ithaca College with a B.A. in Theater. Rayel is also an alumna of the former Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College.  In her 20+ years of experience, she has taught and performed for Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, Club Med and Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, among others. Performing opportunities have taken her to Puerto Rico, Mexico and all over the southern United States.  In 1998, Rayel moved back to her native Bucks County, where she began teaching gymnastics, from pre-school to coaching competitive teams. In addition to her work with Fly School Circus Arts, Rayel performs through several professional entertainment companies.

 

About PIFA

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) is a month-long, city-wide arts festival that is presented by the Kimmel Center between Thursday, March 28 and April 27, 2013.  Fifty arts and cultural organizations will present multi-disciplinary artistic interpretations of new works, classical performances and exhibits.  Each project is designed to showcase innovation, collaboration and creativity. The 2013 thematic focus, “If You Had a Time Machine…” takes audiences on a journey through time to experience the convergence of art, culture and history in artistic interpretations of great, defining moments that continue to influence society today.  The inaugural 2011 PIFA, which paid homage to the artistic energy of Paris 1910-1920, attracted over 404,600 visitors to the festival’s core 135 events and 196,000 visitors to the closing Street Fair. For information, please visit www.pifa.org.

It’s Time to Fly! Flying Trapeze Spring Season Opens in Bucks County

Fly through the air with the greatest of ease... Get your feet off the ground on the flying trapeze...With the spring comes a chance to soar 25 feet above the ground on the flying trapeze.   Northern Bucks County provides a beautiful backdrop for learning to swing in the open air as Fly School Circus Arts opens their 4th Spring season on Saturday, May 5, 2012.   Opening day lessons are a special price of only $45 (down from $55 per person). What a great deal!

“Flying trapeze lessons are a great activity that develops inner courage, trust, attention to detail and a sense of accomplishment,” said Fly School Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel. “Trained instructors provide a motivating and inspirational atmosphere where students can open their mind and challenge their body.”

Last year, I did just that -- I challenged my body, mind and expectations not once, but twice!

 The first time I flew in Center City, soaring through the buildings on Broad Street as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.  I always enjoy challenging myself with new and different activities -- and the trapeze seemed like the ultimate adventure.  During the lessons, I went up four times and learned everything from the take-off, to the swing, to basic positions, to the drop.  My start was a little shaky, just watch the funny video!  However, by my fourth and final time  I improved my technique enough to get caught by the catcher. What a thrill!  As soon as my feet touched the ground, I thought, "I want to do it again!"  

My second chance came when I took a group of friends for a fall day in Bucks County.  Before the pumpkin picking and cider sampling, we went to Fly School for a group lesson.  I started mentally practicing the entire week leading up to the lessons.  I also started stretching my legs, as I wanted the perfect Facebook profile picture (LOL).  When I set foot on the board, I was psyched and ready.  This time when they said "Hop" I hopped right into the air and flew like a bird.   The only thing that could have made it better was a fun pair of colorful, quirky circus socks!  (I had to leave something fun for 2012 didn't I?!)

This year, I plan on getting in on the high-flying action once more.   The Spring season runs May 5 to the end of June, although Mary Kelly hopes they might unofficially open earlier.  Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Fly School Circus Arts runs lessons out of Lions Camp Kirby, 1735 Narrows Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972. Information, schedules, and booking are available by visiting www.flyschoolcircusarts.com or calling (215) 262-7353.  

Tip: On your way to Lions Camp Kirby, check out the great shopping, food and other tourism attractions that beautiful Bucks County has to offer.  

PR Campaign Wins Award from Public Relations Society of America, Philly Chapter

The campaign I developed for Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) was honored with a first place "Pepperpot" award from the Public Relations Society of America, Philly Chapter.  The event-led public relations campaign was developed for PSCA to promote circus arts activities during the Philadelphia area during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.  The award was presented during a ceremony at the Franklin Institute in front of more than 100 public relations and business professionals.   

Acceptance Video: 

Acknowledgements: 

Thank you to the PSCA staff, contractors,  performers, volunteers and all partnering groups and consultants that helped execute the campaign.  A special thanks goes out to Fly School Circus Arts and Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel, Nina Zucker Public Relations, The Kimmel Center, Ticket Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation,  PIFA staff, Ed Salvato, and Sarah Fergus.

Situation Analysis/Intro Summary from Award Application:

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts transformed itself into the Philadelphia region’s center of circus arts through an event-led campaign during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). PSCA grew from being a one-year old,Germantown-based school to become the high-flying star of a month-long international festival celebrating Paris 1911-1920.PSCA brought the circus from Germantown to the region – and the world – through two high-profile events. “The GreenFairy Cabaret” and “Fly City” were created to develop new audiences, increase interest and awareness in circus arts, buildname recognition and generate revenue. PSCA also achieved these goals by providing performers and resources for othercircus-inspired festival events. PSCA utilized primary and secondary research to develop the events and the campaign topromote them, which included partnerships, media relations and social media. As a result, PSCA achieved all objectives,including selling 1,043 tickets for “Green Fairy” and 641 tickets for “Fly City” lessons, exposing 11,634 people first-handto circus arts, generating millions of media impressions as a result of 10 newspaper articles and image features, 4 televisionstories, 2 radio stories, 48 blog posts and 53 online calendar listings. PSCA increased mailing lists by 546 individuals,attracted 612 new Facebook followers and increased website visitors by 42%. PSCA’s campaign generated at least 120stories and listings for PIFA itself.

Evaluation Summary from Award Application: 

PSCA successfully launched and met all objectives of the event-led public relations campaign. PSCA sponsored two mainevents and participated in four additional events. “Green Fairy” sold out all six performances to 1,043 people, includingextra seating added by the venue. The show generated XX over goal. Despite a rainy month producing cancelledclasses, “Fly City” attracted 641 students and generated XX net profit. In total, PSCA exposed 11,634 people to circusarts, including more than 2,700 traditional arts patrons. Additionally, PSCA developed first-time relations with at least threearts organizations, and received mentions in 16 stories with prominent arts organizations. PSCA increased brand awarenessand positioned itself as the region’s center for circus arts through event coverage in 15 major media outlets (10 newspaper,5 television and 1 radio). Additionally, PSCA secured coverage in 48 blog posts and 53 online calendars. PSCA createdfestival buzz by securing 120 media mentions. PSCA’s social media growth included a 612 person increase on Facebook.PSCA increased website traffic by 42%. PSCA, and partner FSCA, received many benefits from an increased interest incircus arts. PSCA attracted 55 new students, up from 11 in 2010. Demand for classes grew, as 35 new classes were added.PSCA generated 427 ticket sales from post-PIFA performances (Fringe and Circus Soiree), with three shows in the future.FSCA attracted 20 new students that took their first lesson at PIFA. Additionally, 39 fall sessions have been sold to studentsfrom PIFA, and 12 students from PIFA purchased new six-session class cards.

Give the Gift of Circus This Season

Philadelphia Citypaper named "Intro to Circus Arts" workshops at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) one of the season's best gifts -- and we agree!  Forget about the fruit cakes, bad ties, ill-fitting clothing and expensive toys...this year, give the gift they will remember FOREVER with the gift of circus (arts).

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts(PSCA) offers an exciting and unique list of options to send your party hosts, kids, family members, friends, co-workers, and signficiant other to the circus.  

Gift Tip #1: Private Circus Arts Lessons!

 Give your spouse, partner, friends or family members the gift of circus with a certificate for a private lesson (for up to two people) for only $70. Purchase and print from home: http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=21875&stype=42 

Gift Tip #2: Kid's Circus Workshops!

Give the gift of circus by your kids to PSCA during Winter Break Week. Intro workshops will introduce them to age-appropriate activities, including climbing ropes, hanging from trapezes, walking the tightwire, juggling scarves, plate spinning, tumbling and more. Workshops include: Youth Circus (7-10 yo), Kinder Circus (5-6 yo), Tots Circus (3-4 yo) and Gymfoolery (New walkers -2 yo). Sign-up today at https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=21875

Gift Tip #3: $100 Gift Certificate (NO SHIPPING/PROCESSING FEES)

Circus arts are at the top of your wish list! Drop Santa a hint by sharing this link on his/her wall. Enjoy PSCA all year long with $100 gift certificates valid for any class, workshop, private lesson, party, summer camp or special in-house event. With our new gift card system, Santa can buy and print your certificate right from his/her workshop for FREE! Available at: http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=21875&stype=42

Holiday Gift Tip #4:  Fly with the Music of the Green Fairy!  

The wildly successful "Green Fairy Cabaret" might be over, but the music lives on forever.  Composer Eric Michaels created and performed original music for PSCA's circus arts performance during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. For only $5, you can give this beautiful music to circus, music and arts enthusiasts.  Samples are available at http://www.theericmichaels.com/greenfairy

More Gift Tips

Visit the PSCA Facebook page for on-going updates to this list in the month of December.  "Like" PSCA at http://www.facebook.com/phillycircus

Check Out the Cover Story in Citypaper:

http://www.citypaper.net/cover_story/2011-11-24-holiay-gift-guide-play.html

 

Theatre Alliance Presents a Lunchtime Treat for Circus Lovers

Today, from 11:30am - 1:30pm, Philadelphia Theatre Alliance will host "Casting Couch," at the Comcast Center outdoor plaza, 1701 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA.  At 12:30pm, John Jarboe will serve as the celebrity theater host, interviewing contestants and onlookers.  Jarboe represents Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.  He will use the couch to promote PSCA, and the upcoming, "The Green Fairy Cabaret," in which he is the emcee.  "The Green Fairy Cabaret" is presented as part of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival/ Philly Fringe.

About the Casting Couch

The Philly Theatre Casting Couch, now in its second touring season, uses a talk show format to engage theatre fans in conversations with celebrity interviewers about what theatre means to them.  Imagine seeing a red couch parked in the middle of a plaza or a park – or even on a street corner -  with a Philadelphia theatre celebrity is sitting there comfortably chatting with an average Joe/Jane (our contestants) about the magic of theatre!  The Theatre Alliance stages these couch appearances to find out what our audiences get from their experiences at the theatre.  Each interview is considered an audition for a PSA that we will cast out of clips from the day’s videotaped interviews which will then be posted on YouTube.  Contestants also get entered into a ticket giveaway contest.   It is a lot of fun, and a great way to meet your audience and build a little buzz for your show.

"Green Fairy Cabaret" Returns for Another Dazzling Flight During Philly Fringe/Live Arts

Look up!  Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) presents another dazzling flight to 1900s Paris with “The Green Fairy Cabaret,” from Thursday, September 8, 2011 to Saturday, September 10, 2011, at 8:00pm on Thursday and Friday, and 12:00pm and 9:00pm on Saturday. Fly with the “Green Fairy” as she brings aerial feats, comedy, juggling and spectacular physical skills to the 15^th Annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe. Daytime performances are family friendly.  Nighttime shows have special rewards. PSCA performances take place at 5900A Green Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144. Tickets are on sale at www.livearts-fringe.org or by calling 215-413-1318.

In the 1900s, Paris sparkled with five permanent circuses. Night after night, Picasso, Leger, Apollinaire and other artists watched the shows and mingled after hours with the jugglers, saltimbanques, clowns, harlequins and acrobats who virtually embodied artistic risk.  Painters, sculptors and circus artists challenged the status quo by redefining the limits of human possibility. The popular – and controversial – drink absinthe (nicknamed the Green Fairy) was rumored to push these limits even further. 

“During this extremely creative and socially volatile period, the Green Fairy was a symbol of transformation, freethinking, and a shakeup of the social order,” said PSCA’s Managing Director Robin Marcotte. “Our exotic, dazzling and comical performance is a perfect match for The Philly Fringe.  The show honors a time in Paris when circus artists made their city into the world’s most renowned cultural center.  Today, as part of The Philly Fringe, circus artists again will influence a cultural landscape by establishing Philadelphia as an unparalleled place to live, work, and visit.”

The 60-minute show stars Chris Chiappini (juggling), Kendra Greaves (fabric/tissu), John Jarboe (emcee), Kitsie Lundell (aerial ladder), Harley Newton (aerial ladder), Robin Marcotte (clown), Niff Nicholls (trapeze), Anthony Ruiz (acrobatic duo) and Erica Saben (acrobatic duo).  “Green Fairy” is directed by PSCA’s Marcotte.  “Green Fairy” features original music created by composer Eric Michaels.

Shows will be held at at 8:00pm on Thursday and Friday, and 12:00pm (Noon) and 9:00pm on Saturday.  Tickets are $15 for children (12 and older), and $20 for adults.  Evening performances are recommended for audiences 21 or older.  Tickets can be purchased at 919 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123.  Tickets are also available by visiting www.livearts-fringe.org, or calling 215-413-1318. For information about PSCA, visit www.phillycircus.com or call (215) 849-1991.    

About Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
PSCA is the region’s center of contemporary circus arts.  PSCA presents professional and student productions during the year.  Seasoned faculty lead a curriculum featuring aerials (static trapeze, corde lisse, aerial silks and lyra), juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling, acrobatics, Chinese pole, and physical conditioning.  In addition to ongoing classes, PSCA also offers introductory workshops, birthday parties, rental space, summer camp and special guest performances.  For information, visit www.phillycircus.com.

About The Philly Fringe
The 15th Annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe will take place September 2-17, 2011. Tickets prices range from free to $55. The Festival Guide will be available the first week of August, and can be either downloaded as a PDF or picked up in hard copy at any Festival venue as well as at key “Hot Spots” (to be announced online in July) throughout the city.

The Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe were originally founded in 1997 as the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Today, the Live Arts Festival is a curated festival of the world's most cutting-edge, high-quality performing arts groups who are invited by the Festival's Producing Artistic Director. The Live Arts Festival is often the only opportunity the region’s audiences will have to see these works without traveling internationally. In 2011, 16 Live Arts shows will be presented.

The Philly Fringe is an unfiltered festival, where a platform is provided for new and established artists to present their work free of a selection process. For some it’s a once-a-year, or once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a show; for professional companies, it can be an opportunity to try something new. The Philly Fringe seeks create a cityscape filled with theater, dance, music, and everything in between for audiences to enjoy; encourage artists to give expression to and develop their talents and artistic visions in total artistic freedom without any curatorial barriers in bringing that work to an audience; to help artists become successful independent producers; and ensure the growth and continued health of the local and regional performing arts community. In 2011, over 200 Philly Fringe shows will be self-produced by thousands of artists from throughout the region.

Photos: © Jacques-Jean Tiziou / www.jjtiziou.net

Air Canada's enRoute Names Philadelphia School of Circus Arts as Top Thing to Do In Philadelphia

Air Canada's enRoute magazine named Philadelphia School of Circus Arts as one of region's top things to do and see.  enRoute released a list of it's top seven cultural attractions  in Philadelphia for under $25.00, naming introductory circus lessons as the top three activity.  Instead of running off to join the circus, enRoute says take a class instead!  "You’ll get a taste of the trapeze and the ropes and learn a thing or two about juggling. If you can’t imagine yourself flying through the air, check out their schedule of upcoming events." See below for a video that accompanied the story. 

http://enroute.aircanada.com/en/articles/7-fun-things-to-see-and-do-in-philadelphia-1?p=4

Untitled from enroutemag on Vimeo.

 

Back to School Circus Deal - Half Off Intro to Aerials or Circus Arts!

 

Fall is coming and it is time for back to school - circus school that is!  Philadelphia School of Circus Arts has a special half price deal on our intro workshops.  Try your hand at aerials (silks/fabric, static trapeze and aerial rope), tightrope, juggling and more. No prior experience is required.  All skill levels welcome!  Advanced reservations are required for both workshops..  Ages 16 and up only.  Promo code is valid for a limited time.  Regular workshop guidelines apply.

Intro to Aerials Workshop
Every Sunday Through December 18, 2011, 5:45pm - 7:00pm
Your Price: $12.50 with promo code "PSCA" (Normally $25.00)
You've soared all day at work and home -- now learn how to really get you feet off the ground!  During this workshop, you will learn rope, fabric and static trapeze.  You will learn creative ways to build upper body and core strength, while improving your flexibility. It's more motivating than yoga and gives you more bragging rights than pumping iron. Register now at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/191387

Intro to Circus Arts Workshop
Select Saturdays Through December, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Your Price: $12.50 with promo code "PSCA" (Normally $25.00)
Back to school means juggling schedules, school supplies, lunches and so much more. Take a break from the sideshow at home and learn a new way to keep everything flying through the air!!  During this workshop, you will learn the rope, tightwire, juggling and more.   Register now at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/137869

For more information visit www.phillycircus.com or call (215) 849-1991.