A family-friendly (optionally interactive) circus in which the audience learns to juggle (scarves) while they watch. Jaw-dropping juggling, precarious unicycling, shimmering puppetry, meticulously prepared hot beverages – Janoah the Jester juggles all this and so much more!
In moments between acts, Janoah engagingly guides the audience through the essentials: throwing, catching and (of course) messy-ing up! Meanwhile, “meSSeS” immerses audiences in a whimsical exploration of metaphor, tossing together art forms to tell a tale of learning & labor, emerging ecstatically from a haphazard pile of props.
“meSSeS: Solo circuS is a sold-out sensation for a reason. Bailin’s infectious energy, skillful performance, and ability to connect with the audience leave you smiling from ear-to-ear. The show’s unique blend of laughter, interactive moments, and awe-inspiring feats create an experience that is truly unforgettable.” — Kevin Frenech, Apartment613
Part performance, part workshop, entirely entertaining, Janoah has taught audiences from San Diego to Halifax how to juggle, winning “Spirit of the Fringe” at the 2022 Elgin Fringe Festival and “Pick of the Kids Fringe” at the 2023 Orlando Fringe Festival.
And (of course!) what circus would be complete without popcorn & banana peels?
PERFORMANCES
Monday, May 26 at 5:30pm
Christ Church Neighborhood House
20 N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
TICKETS
GA $25
Limited tickets for this show are “Sliding Scale”, or Pay What You Can, which means you are able to pick your price. If you are able to pay the suggested price, that will help to subsidize somebody else’s ticket in need, but seating is General Admission and is not determined by the amount you choose to pay.
Recommended for all ages
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Janoah Bailin (ze/zir), aka “Janoah the Jester,” learned unicycling in the empty after-hour corridors of zir middle school. As a teenager, ze traveled New England with the award-winning Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour. Janoah is now Assistant Director for the Gym Dandies Children’s Circus of Scarborough (ME), as well as a coach for the Children’s Circus of Middletown (CT). Ze has created and tours 3 interactive family shows intermingling circus, contemporary dance, puppetry and storytelling: “SpinS” (“Best Variety” London Fringe 2019), “meSSeS” (“Spirit of the Fringe” Elgin Fringe 2022), and “rOng” (with keyboardist Kafari). These shows have toured from Halifax and Orlando (“Pick of the Kids Fringe 2023”) to Vancouver and San Diego. Janoah has received the 2020 MAC Fellowship in the Performing Arts, as well as NEFA’s Public Art Learning Fund 2022 and support from the Puffin Foundation. Ze currently collaborates on managing the Maine Youth Circus, and performs for festivals, stages and parades across North America, leaving behind a wake of tumbled juggling props.
See More Circus!
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival (PCCF) runs May 23 - June 1, 2025, featuring artists from Philly's vibrant contemporary circus community as well as ground-breaking artists from across the nation and beyond. These contemporary circus artists defy limitations, reimagine what’s possible, and create breathtaking moments of connection for audiences of all ages. Don't miss thrilling shows that blend acrobatics, dance, theater, and storytelling to push the boundaries of performance.
SUPPORT
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
