Circus Theatricals Membership

Actors Playwrights Directors

The Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble
The Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble is an elite membership company of actors, directors and writers. Members collaborate in the production of new and classic plays, as well as participate in a weekly studio. The Studio is designed to further all aspects of the theatre art. Under the direction of Artistic Director Jack Stehlin, members seek to create an atmosphere of collaboration towards the development of a common working language.

Steeped in the tradition of Stanislavsky, The Studio often focuses on technique, voice, speech, movement, text, and the development of new plays. Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble members participate in Circus Theatricals productions of new and classic plays, and in Circus Theatricals Mainstage productions.

The Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble is a very time-intensive dues paying company of approximately 30 members. It is our goal that actors work in the studio each week.The on-going Studio is held at the Odyssey Theatre. Membership is by audition/interview/submission.

Our Saturday studio follows the following monthly schedule:
Week One -playwright’s session: actors read new works for possible development
Week Two - actor’s session: scene work
Week Three -actor’s session: Improv. & acting exercises
Week Four - director’s session: scene work with actors

How to Join

Actors
Participation is by audition/interview only. To schedule an audition appointment, please call: 310-226-6144, ext. #1. You will be notified of acceptance into The Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble by Jack Stehlin, or his producing partner, Jeannine W. Stehlin.

Please prepare a two minute monologue from a classic or contemporary dramatic work. The best monologues have "dramatic action." In other words, your character must be struggling to achieve a goal, and should have a beginning, middle and end. Be prepared for Jack Stehlin to work with you during the audition.

Playwrights
Playwright-members may join the Ensemble at the reduced rate of $35 per month. Playwright- members can learn the language of the Studio, watch scene work, and have their plays read in an informal setting by professional actors. The goal is to develop plays for future production with the company. Current playwright-members include award-winning playwright /screenwriters Shem Bitterman, John Bunzel, and Colette Friedman.

Membership is by submission/interview only. Send a cover letter along with a fully developed scene, short play or full-length play to: Jeannine Stehlin, Circus Theatricals c/o The Odyssey Theatre 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 Attn: Membership

Directors
Director-members may join the Ensemble at the reduced rate of $35 per month. Director- members can learn the language of the Studio, and watch and/or direct scenes with professional actors. The goal is to establish relationships with directors for future production with the company. Current

Membership is by interview only. Send a cover letter along with resume to: Jeannine Stehlin, Circus Theatricals c/o The Odyssey Theatre 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 Attn: Membership

Membership Dues
Actor’s dues are $175 per month. Directors and writers pay $35 per month. We ask for first and last month’s dues upon joining.

Frequently Asked Questions

	How do I find out if I'm accepted into the Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble? We will notify you by telephone after your audition.
	If I'm not accepted into the Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble, can I be considered for Jack Stehlin's Scene Study Class? Let us know at your audition that you may be interested in Advanced Scene Study with Performance Showcase. We may find that you're a better "fit" with one or the other.
	What is the difference between the Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble and The Circus Theatricals Studio for Actors? The Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble is the membership company of Circus Theatricals. The Circus Theatricals Studio for Actors is the formal name of our classes, which includes Jack Stehlin's Advanced Scene Study with Performance Showcase. Besides Jack's class, the Circus Theatricals Studio for Actors also offers specialized workshops throughout the year, such as Shakespeare, On-camera, and Improvisation.
	Why are the membership dues different for actors, directors and writers? Actor members participate in Circus Theatricals to the fullest extent. Actor members participate in the weekly Saturday Studio, where they work on scene study, voice, speech, movement, improvisation, and creating a common language. Actor members are also considered in the casting of all Circus Theatricals productions, which includes mainstage co-productions with the Odyssey Theatre, mainstage Circus Theatricals productions at other venues, front of the week shows, staged readings, and more.
	Why are Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble dues different from other membership companies? Circus Theatricals is a hybrid of a membership company and an acting studio. Our members get  the benefits of belonging to a theatre company while at the same time enjoying the added bonus  of the Saturday Studio. Because we strive to keep the talent high and the actual number of members low, everyone wins.
	What is expected of a Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble member? Our company members are expected to participate in the Saturday Studio where we seek to create an atmosphere of collaboration, towards the development of a common working language. Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble members participate in Studio Ensemble productions of new and classic plays, and in Circus Theatricals Mainstage productions when casting is appropriate.
	How many company members does Circus Theatricals have? There are approximately 25 actor-members, 5 writer-members and 5 director-members. In addition, Circus Theatricals has several Associate Artists, or members-at-large, who have demonstrated their commitment to our company.
	Do I have to be a Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble member to be considered for casting? We do everything possible to cast members of Circus Theatricals in every play we produce. We consider all members of the Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble, as well as members of the Circus Theatricals Studio for Actors. We do cast non-members on rare occasions when it is not possible to cast a role within our membership. When we co-produce our Spring plays with the Odyssey Theatre, we also field submissions from the general acting pool. Circus Theatricals members usually make up the majority of the cast in these co-productions, however.
	Where is Circus Theatricals located? Our home base is the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. In true Circus style, we also take our act on the road, so to speak. Jack Stehlin's Monday night advanced scene study workshop meets at the Elephant Theatre in Hollywood. This Fall, we're presenting the world premiere of Shem Bitterman's "The Circle" at the Stella Adler Theatre located in Hollywood's historic theatre district.
	Why are you called Circus Theatricals? Are you a Circus? We get asked this question alot! No, we are not a circus, although we do find ourselves often juggling many projects at once! Seriously, when Jack Stehlin founded the company, he wanted to find a way to honor his family, which is made up of several generations of circus performers in Australia, the U.K., and here in the United States. Jack's Uncle Con Colleano was a famous wire walker. Jack's mother Kitty and her three siblings were a famous juggling act who performed center ring with the Ringling Brothers, and were often seen on the Ed Sullivan Show.