What is Circus Theatricals?
Circus Theatricals is a unique combination of a nonprofit theatre and film company and a professional acting studio.
The name Circus Theatricals was inspired by the extraordinary nature and energy of the circus, and the dangerous risks performers take in order to entertain and inspire. Like circus performers, actors must challenge themselves to draw up daring and breathtaking artistic courage to allow great stories to be pass through them undaunted by fear.
When Jack Stehlin founded the company, he wanted to combine theatre performance with 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.
Due to our multiple projects, and the addition of our Film Production wing, we are transitioning into calling ourselves The New American Studio for Theatre and Film.
|
What is the difference between Circus Theatricals and the New American Studio for Theatre and Film?
Circus Theatricals is a nonprofit company which produces theatre and films in Los Angeles and beyond. Circus Theatricals has a membership company of working, dedicated actors. The New American Studio for Theatre and Film is the training home for Circus Theatricals.
All members of Circus Theatricals participate in our acting studios. AND...All members/students of our acting studios are also members of Circus Theatricals, and serve as the main casting pool for our productions, free to audition for roles, submit project ideas, and more.
Really, Circus Theatricals and the New American Studio for Theatre and Film are one and the same.
The Circus Theatricals Studio Ensemble is a membership compnay of actors, writers, directors, producers and designers formed out of from the New American Studio for Theatre and Film . |
Do You Also Produce Films?
Yes. Our company recently launched the New American Screenplay Contest. The winner in the short film category will be produced by Circus Theatricals. Read more here by visiting the NASC website: |
What are Your Membership Dues?
We are amazingly affordable. Consider this: we offer professional acting studios AND membership to one of the hottest and most successful theatre companies in Los Angeles.
Basically, members of Circus Theatricals and the New American Studio for Theatre and Film pay $175 per month. Click here for our schedule:
|
How Do I Audition for Membership?
Give us a call and/or email to schedule an audition. We hold formal auditions at various times throughout the year, but we also schedule individual auditions when time permits. phone: 310-836-7823 email:jeannine@circustheatricals.com
|
What Should I Prepare for My Audition?
Please prepare a 2 minutes (or less!) monologue. Your monologe can come from a play or other script. Remember that the best monologues come from great writing and great plays or film scripts. Don't worry if you think that we may have heard it before. That doesn't matter. If it's great writing, you'll act better anyway!
If you're stumped for audition material, Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Tennessee Williams are always great choices!
|
Can I Audit a Studio?
We've thought long and hard about this one. And we've come up with the decision that auditing is not a good idea for the studio members who are already participating. When a new person comes in to audit, there is an unavoidable judgement in the air. We try to nurture a positive and safe atmosphere for our members, so that they can be free to do their best work, and to take risks.
Instead of auditing, there are some things that you can do to get to know us, like see one of our productions, look at our membership page and see the amazing list of our working actors....and schedule an audition. We try to work with every actor who comes through our door. Our auditions are part audition, and part interview. Tell us what you're looking for, and we will work together and try to fit you into the best studio that's right for you.
|
| |
After I Audition, How do I find out if I'm accepted ?
We'll give you a call!
|
How do I know which Acting Studio is right for me?
Let us know at your audition what your interests are, and we'll discuss with you where you might best "fit." Regardless of which studio you are a participant in, you're also invited to attend Jack Stehlin's Master Class each Saturday.
|
What is expected of a Circus Theatricals and New American Studio for Theatre and Film Member?
We encourage our ensemble to participate in 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.
Other really important things: Come on time, be prepared, have a positive attitude.
|
If I Join, How Often Will I Get to Work in My Studio?
We keep our studios small, so that our actors can work almost as often as they wish. The average studio size is around 12-16 actors. The short answer is, if you come prepared to each studio and you're ready to work, chances are you will. The only studio that's a bit different is Jack Stehlin's Master Class Studio. This top studio takes a different approach.
|
How many theatre artists are involved with Circus Theatricals?
We have actively produced theatre for over 26 years, and we've been in Los Angeles for 16 years. During that time, we have worked with many many actors, directors, and writers. Many of our theatre artists are extremely busy professionals. At its core, there are about 50 active members at any given time, about 15 Associate Artists and hundreds more "artists-at-large," who have demonstrated their commitment to our company over time.
|
Do I have to be a Member to be Considered for Casting?
No. However, we do everything possible to cast our active membership in every play and film that we produce. The Circus Theatricals Studio members usually make up the majority of the cast. We do cast non-members on rare occasions when it is not possible to cast a role within our membership.
|
I'm a member of AEA. Can I still be a member?
Of course. We produce our plays under the AEA 99-seat plan. For more information about the plan, visit the AEA website. |
Where is Circus Theatricals located?
Our home base is at the highly regarded Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. We also produce plays and hold studios at the Hayworth Theatre in Los Angeles, As needed, we also hold studios and produce plays in other venues in the Los Angeles area.
Fall 2008, we took two plays Off-Broadway in New York.
Odyssey Theatre: 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. W.L.A, CA 90025 (between Santa Monica and Olympic Blvd., just East of the 405 freeway)
Hayworth Theatre: 2511 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90057
|
Is Circus Theatricals nonprofit?
Yes. Circus Theatricals Foundation is a nonprofit company. |
I'm a Playright, Screenwriter, Director....... Is There a Place For Me in Your Company?
Yes of course. In addition to presenting the classics, we also produce new plays, use outside directors, read screenplays.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)