Circus Springboard is the touring production culminating three years of study by emerging professionals in the circus arts at the New England Center for Circus Arts. This show is devised with a guest director using the incredible physical talents of these dynamic performers who will go on to be America’s next generation of circus. www.necenterforcircusarts.org

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2024 Circus Springboard show is titled:  What To Do if Your Balloon Pops

Step right up and witness the heartening new piece "What To Do If Your Balloon Pops," a dazzling contemporary circus-theater show that unfolds the extraordinary journey of our protagonist, Kato, as she navigates a profound life change. Kato finds herself at a crossroads, her life is suddenly unrecognizable to herself. As Kato embarks on this whimsical odyssey, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each representing a facet of her inner self and the kaleidoscopic array of emotions that come with change. 

Under the colorful lights of the circus, Kato meets her enigmatic Guide who leads her through a series of breathtaking performances featuring Aerialists, Acrobats, Jugglers, Chinese Pole Artists, and Clowns. Along the way, Kato encounters characters like the Witch of Fear, the Keeper of Fire, the Dream Goddess of Hope, and… Fred – all offering their unique wisdom and support. Through awe-inspiring acts and heartwarming moments, "What To Do If Your Balloon Pops" is a celebration of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of the human spirit. Prepare to be enchanted by this spellbinding, family friendly circus extravaganza that reminds us all that life's greatest changes can lead to the most meaningful journeys. Come learn "What To Do If Your Balloon Pops"… and how to wear your hat!

• Director: Neva Cockrell
• Composer: Sasha Bogdanowitsch
• Costume and Prop Designer: Alexandra Mushinski
• Story Development: Led by Neva Cockrell
• Lead Writer Darcy Biddle
• Rigging Design: Zane Defiant
• Devised by all the performers plus Aimée Hancock, Francesca Bourgault, Nikita Patel, Sasha Bogdanowitsch, Raphael Sacks, Astraea Bella, Leslie Field, and Yanai Feldman.
• The performers are Darcy Biddle, Henry Koski, Katie Russo, Rae Lawhorne, Meaghan Behne, Olivia Sather, Réanne Hein, Rose Francis.

Content: this show contains lighting effects as well as potentially startling and loud sounds.

NECCA is built on a foundation of support. We cannot do what we do without the generosity of our sponsors.  Please join us in thanking them.

• Trapeze Sponsor:  Brattleboro Savings and Loan
• Aerial Silks Sponsor:  Back Roads Granola, Holiday Inn Express, Sapsis Rigging
• Spectacular Sponsor: Brattleboro Tire, The Works, Trust Company of Vermont
• Friends and Family Sponsor: Big Picture Farm, Hilltop Montessori 
• In-Kind Sponsors: Brattleboro Portable Storage, Brattleboro Reformer, Latchis Arts, Minuteman Press

We believe that the arts, youth empowerment, and mental and physical wellness are critical for our community, and we are deeply grateful to these businesses who strengthen our circles of support by being NECCA sponsors.