Digital Program:
GALAXIAS
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Digital Program:
GALAXIAS
“Emotional, passionate, artistic and breath-taking, Soul Penny Circus gives us an incredible circus/physical theatre piece that stays with you for a long time.”
-Theatre Scotland
“A collaborative concoction of aerial, dance, clowning, and theatre.”
-Westword
Send your imagination into orbit as our crew takes you on an out-of-this world adventure...
Join a weary Clown as he escapes his predictable world to journey through the stars - encountering dazzling celestial wonders, cosmic conflicts, and the beauty of connection. Laugh, cry, soar past the stars, and gain a whole new perspective of your universe. This breathtaking circus show weaves artistry and imagination into a timeless tale of exploration and self-discovery.
Digital Program
Pre-Show
The Universe Forms
From the darkness erupts light and life, a universe forms
Act One
1) A New Day Begins
The sun, Photo, awakens the new day for The Clown in his newly formed universe
2) A Neverending Circus
The clown grows weary of the never ending cycle of his life, and longs for something new
3) The Moon's Love Song
The Clown sings a love song to the Moon, wishing he could join her in the night sky
4) An Out Of This World Idea!
Inspiration strikes! The Clown has a daring and wonderful idea to create a way to explore the farthest reaches of his universe.
5) Alien Contact
The Clown meets a friend or foe?
6) The Dark Star Fini
As his travels through space continues, The Clown meets a dark force of nature. The Dark Star approaches his ship...is she good, evil, or something else entirely?
7) Crashing Into The Void
Pulled by her gravitational force, the Clown's ship, The Galaxias is thrust into a pocket dimension in space.
8) A Star Love Story
Breaking through the void The Clown finds himself witnessing an eons old push pull dance of the stars, Electra and Proto.
9) The Nebulous Ball Bungee Party Begins!
Kicking off the celebration of the ages, Electra welcomes guests to the birthday ball
15 minute intermission
10) Grava's Diner
Attempting to grab a second wind, The Clown and Clown Proto visit the universal hot spot, Grava's Diner, to recoup from the party. While they are enjoying the atmospere, The Clown is once again followed by the Dark Star, Fini
11) The Comet Fields
Making their way back to the Nebulous Ball, the Clowns pull over to regroup in The Comet Fields, where they witness the dance of the comets
12) The Universal Disco Birthday Party
The moment has finally arrived! The universe gathers to celebrate the extinction of the ancient star, Gia, and the arrival of her new form, Pulse.
13) A Star Is Born
The Clown witnesses the partnership of the Dark Star Fini and the ancient star, Gia, and realizes that one is not able to grow without the other.
14) Journey Home
The Clown realizes that although he has traveled the cosmos, his universe is found in the company of his earth family and friends
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Credits
Written By: Christian Szczepanski
Theatrical and Artistic Director: Erica Holt
Audio Visual Director: Christian Szczepanski
Technical Director: Tim Holt
Creative Administrator: Megan Stern
Executive Producer: Fae Champagne-Walls
Videographer: Christian Szczepanski
Technical Crew: Christian Szczepanski, Marek Holt
Choreographers: Megan Stern, Megan Hall, Marci Wojciechowski, Fae Champagne-Walls, Racheal Richemont, Ashleigh Keller, Luna Minuet, Amalia Holt
The Players:
Clown Dingus - Brion Joe Humphrey
Phota - Sun, Server Deneb -Marci Wojciechowski
Refa - Moon, Server Altair - Jeanne Bayerl
Fini - Dark Star - Megan Stern
Wingus Proton Star - Tim Holt
Clown Nod, Lotus the Hippo - Alisa Humphrey
Star Nova - Amalia Holt
Electra Star - Megan Hall
Grava - Diner Planet Queen - Rachael Richemont
Waitress Vega - Ashleigh Keller
Gia / Pulse - The reborn star - Fae Champagne
The Comet Donati - Luna Minuit
Living disco balls - Nik Workman, Ariana BA Johnson
Crew:
Audio Video Director - Christian Szczepanski
Rig and stagehand - Marek Holt
Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Emotional, passionate, artistic and breath-taking, Soul Penny Circus gives us an incredible circus/physical theatre piece that stays with you for a long time."
"At times may seem a little creepy, bending the genre but keeps the 4th wall shattered in its cooperation and invitation to be a part of the playfulness of this performance."
Theatre Scotland
Cast & Crew
Erica Holt
Erica Holt is the Artistic and Theatrical Director for Soul Penny Circus. Her earliest memory is looking through book of fairytales in a secluded corner of a tiny library. Ever since that moment, Erica has been searching for a way to bring to life that feeling of magic and disbelief one feels when transported by stories that inspire and delight. A University of Northern Colorado Theatre Department Alum, Erica has worked professionally in and around Denver, as well as traveling with Missoula Children’s Theater. When she isn’t working with the incredible performers of Soul Penny Circus, you can find her as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department and as a School Nurse with Denver Public Schools.
Tim Holt
Tim Holt is an artist from Arvada, Colorado. His creative journey has taken him through a diverse range of artistic endeavors. As a skilled special effects makeup artist, Tim has brought fantastical characters to life, captivating audiences with his transformative artistry. Alongside this, he has also honed his craft as an actor, mastering the art of storytelling through captivating performances on stage. Whether it's through comedic genius or the whimsical charm of a clown, Tim's versatility as an entertainer knows no bounds. One of Tim's unique and captivating talents lies in puppetry. As a member of the Puppeteers of America, he builds and performs with puppets in each Soul Penny production. His passion for theatrical effects, special effects, animatronics, and puppetry has set the stage for a dynamic and fulfilling artistic journey, leaving a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to witness his talent unfold.
Fae Champagne-Walls
Fae is a Denver, San Francisco, and Montréal based professional aerialist and producer. She is a co-founder, producer, and VP of Soul Penny Circus, a collaborative concoction of aerial, clowning, and theater. This nonprofit organization travels far and wide hosting clowning, theatre, and circus workshops for students. Soul Penny Circus frequents fringe festivals around the world with their full-length theatrical productions. An accomplished producer, with a background in live theatre, Fae has worked closely with notable organizations such as The Clocktower Cabaret, The Stanley Hotel, Fever Candlelight Concerts, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Fae regularly collaborates with local artists and productions to choreograph and direct creative endeavors. Outside of the performing arts world, Fae is passionate about ESL work and refugee community initiatives. Fae and her partner also own and operate a jewelry business, where she creates wire-braided pieces to honor her Sámi heritage.
Brion Humphrey
Diligently drawn to the spotlight and the written word, Brion Humphrey has discovered a calling that tickles his fancy and fills his soul with gooey goodness: the role of a "theatrical clown" with the Soul Penny Circus. With a patchwork jacket and a heart full of mirth, Brion steps into this whimsical world, where laughter becomes a symphony and playfulness knows no bounds. His excitement is palpable, and his dedication to bringing joy to audiences is a radiant beacon that lights up the circus tent. When Brion is not clowning around, he fancies himself a closet poet, novelist, high school theatre teacher, and dad to his equally ridiculous and hilarious boys. He is eternally honored to get to share the circus ring with his fellow performers, who include, among several other brilliant family members, his amazing puppeteer wife, and his inspiring 10-year-old son. What else could a humble clown ask for?
Jeanne’s adventure with aerial started after seeing other “aerial moms” stepping off the bleachers and into the act alongside their children. Motivated to join these ultra-cool people, she dove in deep and fell in love with the activity as well as her aerial circus family. Aerial has allowed her to reconnect with the same thrill and excitement she felt as a child learning new skills in gymnastics. She enjoys silks, lyra, ground dance, acrobatics and especially dance trapeze. As a founding member of Soul Penny Circus she has performed with them in the Denver Fringe festival for the past three years as well as in additional original productions. Jeanne has also performed with the Iluminar Aerial Adult Student Company in Broomfield, Colorado, and is an instructor there as well.
Luna Minuit is a movement artist who uses the aerial arts to tell stories, challenging audiences to reflect on the complexity of human existence. Professionally hailing from both the east coast and the Rocky Mountains, Luna’s career has roots spread throughout the crust of the country. Prior to moving to Richmond, VA, Luna performed in the Denver Metro area of Colorado. Luna currently coaches and choreographs at SOUL Aerial & Performing Arts in Richmond, where she shares her passion for storytelling through art with future generations.
Megan Hall
Megan Hall joined the cast of the most lovable misfits known as Soul Penny Circus in 2023. She has an extensive background in dance (ballet, contemporary, jazz and heels) and began training in aerial arts in 2018. She joined the professional company at Iluminar Aerial Dance in 2019 which led her to SPC. More recently, Megan has added partner acrobatics, rock climbing and aerial highlining to her repertoire of movement, as all the world's a stage. Megan has a true passion for choreography, character development, and storytelling and connection through movement.
Marci Wojciechowski
Marci has been with Soul Penny Circus since the beginning!! She has been dancing since age four and has trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip-hop. While dancing at the University of Colorado she graduated with a degree in Kinesiology, she later attended The George Washington University In Washington DC where she obtained Masters degrees in Public Health as well as Health Sciences. She has performed, competed and choreographed throughout the USA and Ireland. She got her start in aerial at Iluminar Aerial in Broomfield Colorado. Outside of dance, Marci works as a physician assistant in emergency medicine. Many thanks to the SPC family, you are all the best!
Megan began life as a particularly uncoordinated child, so growing up she never participated in dance or sports. Instead, her love of science and adventure compelled her to study and travel the globe. Upon completion of a contract working at a scientific research base in McMurdo, Antarctica she returned to Denver looking for a new conquest. It was then, in the summer of 2010, that she encountered a flier for an aerial fabrics class and her life was forever changed. Since that fateful day Megan has trained, performed and taught with several Colorado based aerial groups including Aerial Fabric Acrobatics, Relevé Aerial Dance, and In The Wings. She is currently a Professional Company Member with Iluminar Aerial, Soul Penny Circus, and Darkly Dreaming Collective.
Ashleigh Keller
Ashleigh Keller began life on the stage as a ballerina in Denver Colorado. She was introduced to aerial arts in Grayslake, Illinois, and fell head over heels in love with aerial silks.
The feeling of freedom, expression, and beauty combined with the physical challenge of the sport makes aerial arts Ashleigh's passion. The camaraderie of performing with talented and supportive friends that she has found in Soul Penny Circus is what keeps her motivated and always having fun!
When she is not working as a Molecular Biologist, she can typically be found petting a dog, or planning her next travel adventure
Amalia Holt
Seasoned aerial actress, flying trapeze acrobat and contortionist, Amalia has been performing since 2016 around the world.
Resident clowns and technicians in training.
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Alisa Humphrey is thrilled to be in her 5th production with Soul Penny Circus. With a background in theater arts, and working full time as a high school educator, she is no stranger to performing. She is very thankful to not only puppeteer for SPC, but also do theatrical clowning as well! She would like to thank her amanzing husband, (Dingus) her two boys, and her sister, Erica Holt (director) for seeing some magic in her.
Ariana Johnson
Dancer and aerialist, this is Ariana's debut with Soul Penny Circus
Rachel Richmont
Racheal is an aerialist and flow artist in Boulder, CO. Her life’s motto is “dance first, think later”
Christian Szczepanski
Despite spending two summers in gymnastics as a child, Christian does not have a strong inclination toward performing circus acts. All's well though as he has found a particular passion in production! With his background in film education, videography projects like short films, and years of experience with both live and standard video production and other digital media, he aims to capture the powerful stories that make Soul Penny Circus special and bring them into new mediums. He is always searching out new avenues of creative exploration and has started to dive deep into theatrical lighting, projection, and sound design, finding a way to put his obsession with color theory and thematic design to good use in all Soul Penny Circus endeavors. If you see him behind the scenes at one of our events, be sure to say hi!
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Video credit to: Christian Szczepanski, Music: To Speak of Solitude, Brambles