Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater to Present 29th Annual Children's Circus of Middletown

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater and Middletown Commission on the Arts presents The 29th Annual Children's Circus of Middletown: ANOTHER CIRCUS HISTORY OF MIDDLETOWN.

This one-time-only show will be performed at 5 pm, Friday, July 28, at Spencer School, 207 Westfield Street, Middletown, CT. In the event of rain, the show will be at 5 pm, Saturday, July 29th. Tickets are available on the day of show, cash only at the gate, $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.

ANOTHER CIRCUS HISTORY OF MIDDLETOWN calls back to Circus Director Jason Leinwand's first circus twenty years ago which told the history of Middletown through circus acts.

Artists and participants researched the history of Middletown and are creating original acts inspired by fascinating events and note-worthy figures in Middletown history and lore - including Allie Wrubel, Dave Downs, Tyondai Buxton, Henry Clay and General Alden Partridge. Giant puppets, amazing acrobatics feats, wild group unicycling and more will bring to life the history of this storied city on the banks of the Connecticut River. It's a family event you won't want to miss.

The Children's Circus is an all-day five-week program involving 135 children ages 8-15. Participants learn a variety of circus skills, such as acrobatics, juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, clowning, and visual arts, while they build confidence, friendships, creativity and teamwork. The campers' hard work culminates in the main event on July 29, which also features a live circus band of local musicians led by Chris Coffey, costumes by Marion Imbruglio, and scenic and prop design by Andrew Murdock.

The Children's Circus is part of the Middletown Commission on the Arts Kids Arts program. Stephan Allison, Coordinator of the City Arts Office said, "The Children's Circus has been a mainstay of the City of Middletown Commission on the Arts programming for over a quarter century. It has proven its success through its sustainability over the years. One constant is the joy the Circus brings to the participating children and the audiences who witness the finale. The Children's Circus gives new meaning to 'running away to the Circus' and it is embraced by the parents who send their children 'away'."

Parking for the performance is limited to street locations - carpooling is recommended. Handicapped and elderly parking is available at Spencer School - call 860-347-6143 to reserve a parking spot and/or handicapped seating. Tickets are cash only at the gate, $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.

The circus is made possible by the City of Middletown Commission on the Arts, the Middlesex United Way, the Community Foundation of Middlesex Country, the Middletown Board of Education, and Oddfellows Playhouse's many generous supporters.

For more information, email info@oddfellows.org, call Oddfellows at (860) 347-6143 or visit oddfellows.org.

Founded in 1975, Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street, Middletown, supports youth development and advances social justice by creating opportunities for all young people, ages 3-19, to directly participate in the performing arts. Our programs are fun, challenging, and educational and led by experienced teaching artists. Oddfellows offers plays, circus and theater classes, after-school and on Saturdays. Oddfellows has a generous financial aid program and after-school bus transportation is available to the Playhouse for children from Middletown Public Schools. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations to help us realize our mission. 50% of our participants are living at or below poverty level and attend on scholarship -- no interested child is ever turned away.

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