Digital Program: 

Dreams of a Clown


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

Soul Penny Circus’ international, four-star, Brighton Excellence Award-finalist production is now making its debut across the US.

Come enjoy a multi-sensory audience experience that whisks participants through a heartfelt story. Follow the sandman clown as he traverses the dream world, across colorful landscapes and haunted corridors, on a mission to rescue the Moon Child from Nightmare herself. This family-friendly, immersive show whisks you away on a fast-paced adventure, exploring both contemporary and traditional circus mediums, including clowning, aerial, acrobatics, juggling, and more!

Digital Program

Pre-Show

Creating the Clockwork Girl

The clowns work together to test out their latest robotic creation.

The Circus Comes Out to Play

Parachutes, beach balls, and confetti abound as the circus awakens!

Act One

1) A Clown's Dream

A tent fort, glimmering lights, sleepy eyes, and a Sandman's dream. 

2) Twilight Unfolds

Dusk falls as eyelids close and a dream begins. Here we walk, in fear of nightmares and turning an eye to the shadows that lurk within these fantastical walls.

3) The Moon's Own Child

The Moon tucks her Child in to sleep, as the world of dreams is awoken by the Sandman.

4) Stolen by Shadows

Darkness lurks in the shadows as the Nightmare steals the Moon Child away in the night.

5) Father Time

The Sandman and Moon seek to save the Moon Child and beg Father Time to help.

6) The Land of Shadows

Ghosts and lost souls wander in this liminal space as the crew seeks to find the Moon Child.

7) The Moon's Lament

The Land of Shadows takes its toll, it looks like rain tonight.

8) Underwater Goddess Party

The stormy seas whisk the traveling bunch to a delightfully whimsical ... underwater party?

9) The Siren

The seas contain mysteries and dangers unbeknownst to ignorant sailors. Can the crew escape the Siren's trance?

10) Swords!

Zombies, blacklight, and undersea creatures can be found here. Get ready for a swashbuckling good time!

11) Killing Time

The aftermath of the battle leaves the crew devastated. 

12) Goddess of Dreams

The crew reaches the Goddess of Dreams. Will they find favor for her to lift the veil in time?

13) Escape from Nightmare 

The crew reaches Nightmare at last in a final battle to save the Moon Child and restore balance within the Dreamscape.

14) It All Will End With a Snap

And just like that, the Dream is done. Morning comes all too soon.

Tour Talk Back

Have questions? Our cast will be hosting a short talk back immediately following the show for any questions or feedback. We want to hear from you!

Like What You See? Write Us a Review!

Credits

Artistic Director: Erica Holt

Producer: Fae Champagne-Walls

Tech Director: Tim Holt

Choreographers: Megan S., Erica Holt, Marci Wojciechowski, Fae Champagne-Walls, Rachel Richmond, Ashleigh Keller

Videographer: Christian Szczepanski

Tech Crew: Christian Szczepanski, Matthew Simmons

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 Bayerl

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 Minut

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 S.

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.

Wil Fields

Amalia Holt

Marek Holt & Idan Humphrey

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Watch Our Rehearsal Documentary!

Video credit to: Christian Szczepanski, Music: To Speak of Solitude, Brambles