The Artists
Erica Holt
Artistic Director
Erica's 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
Technical Director
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
Producer & Public Relations Director
Fae is a Denver, Los Angeles, 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
Clowning Director
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?
Megan Stern
Creative Administrator
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.
Christian Szczepanski
A/V Director
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!
Marek Holt
Technical Crew
Jim Heckendorn
Technical Crew & Set Engineer
Marci Wojciechowski
Dance Captain & Head of Rigging
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!