A mixed bill celebrating the best of contemporary circus from Philadelphia and beyond. Come experience glimpses into the worlds and crafts of some of the most innovative artists.

May 24th, 8 PM  – Cherry Street Pier

Vicky Roman

In this show Vicky share a lot of possibilities with hula-hoop, spin, manipulation and a big quality of performance

Siboney Circus

From the middle of the world—Quito, Ecuador—to the vibrant energy of Miami, Siboney carries six generations of music and a daring spirit as a first-generation multidisciplinary circus artist. Her charisma and fearless heart have taken her across stages in more than 14 countries and counting…

May 27th, 5:30 PM – Christ Church Neighborhood House

Amné

Amnè defines herself as an aerial dancer. Since she is a ballet and contemporary dancer, movement and expressiveness are fundamental parts of her art. The act presented is a journey between dream and reality, what is really real and what is not.

Natalie Bednarski

Natalie Bednarski will be performing a sharp, dynamic act on aerial silks. This act will explore feelings of confusion, and how those feelings can evolve into fear and panic through fast paced and powerful movement.

Carmen Parcelli

Carmen Parcelli is an aerial performer and self-described “silks devotee,” based in the Washington, DC area. Carmen’s work showcases her formidable musicality and sharp eye for visual detail. Her silks act entitled “Infernal Soiree” is about a woman under an enchantment, which forces her to dance all night, every night (a thinly veiled metaphor for Carmen’s own obsessive aerial practice)

Matthew Morgan

Matthew Morgan is an aerial straps artist and acrobat based in Brooklyn, New York. His piece explores the desire to ascend, and includes original technical and choreographic research on the straps.

Angela McIlroy-Wagar

Thomas Miller

TiMothy is a juggling bug with a love for light and a hunger for sweaters. Together, we’ll learn how to metamorphosize fear into something brighter.

May 30th, 8 PM – Circus Tent

Catherine Doveland and Reagan Needham

Aerial artists Catherine Doveland and Reagan Needham bring awe to the stage with their beautiful-but-fierce duo lyra act. Having both started learning and performing at a young age, they seek to take circus to the next level with their stunning choreography and unique tricks.

Rae Lawhorne

Rae Lawhorne (they/them) is a circus artist and dancer from the mountains of Virginia. Specializing in aerial hoop and Chinese pole, they have performed with companies such as the New England Center for Circus Arts, Westchester Circus Arts, the Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival, and more. Their act, “What’s Among the Trees?”, is a solo aerial hoop act about an energetic and curious forest fairy exploring their environment and sharing their joy with the audience.

Elena Meyer Reimer

Elena is a circus artist originally from the Midwest now based in Vermont who loves to collaborate. After beginning to explore multi-cordes a year ago, they are excited to show their newest collaboration with these 34 rope friends (who all have names)!

Eleanor Parker

Eleanor Parker is an aerialist and multidisciplinary circus artist from Minnesota, known for weaving together intricate research, personal storytelling, and dynamic movement. This act, Sweet Dreams, was inspired by those untimely bursts of creative energy which demand to be acted on.

Jake

Jake is an aerialist who loves exploring new ways to move. While training on spanset, I stumbled upon the Flying Bell — a mix of aerial pole, rope, hammock, and a kettlebell. This new apparatus brings a fresh challenge and inspires even more creative movement.

Katie Baith

Katie Baith is a gymnast turned flying pole artist currently based in San Diego. She is passionate about innovating on flying pole, pushing to find separation and uniqueness from Chinese and dance pole disciplines. Her act celebrates a return to her favorite apparatus after an unplanned hiatus.

Saturday, May 24 at 8pm – Cherry St. Pier
Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30pm – Christ Church Neighborhood House
Friday, May 30 at 8pm – Circus Tent in Cooper Poynt’s Park

Cherry Street Pier

121 N. Columbus Blvd,
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Christ Church Neighborhood House

20 N. American St,
Philadelphia, PA 19106

TICKETS

GA $25
Students, Industry, 25 & Under: $15
FringeACCESS: $2
PWYC/Sliding Scale: $5-20

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.

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.

PCCF SUPPORT

The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.