Do you have a story to tell? An itch to perform? A call to create? Performance Lab is a weeklong immersion in ensemble physical theater: the art of working together to create a unique show. Students collaborate with peers and directors to build a Circus Theater show from the ground up, using acrobatics, aerial arts, juggling, stilting, and their own imaginations to tell our group's story! From character-development to choreography, music to costumes, trapeze to tumbling, Performance Lab will be as unique as the campers themselves. This weeklong camp will culminate in an original circus theater show for family and friends!

Our week of camp will begin with skill exploration and brainstorming, as we build foundational circus skills, develop the tools we need to embody characters, environments and stories, and choose a direction for our show. Once we've decided on a theme or storyline, we divide into smaller groups to create acrobatic, aerial and/or juggling pieces that will move the story along. Campers choose their own adventure, building pieces using their favorite apparatus (such as silks, trapeze or aerial bike!) or their favorite disciplines (such as stilt-walking or partner acrobatics). Directors will provide instruction in circus technique, physical storytelling, collaboration, creative movement, performance and more. As the show takes shape, we incorporate costumes, script-writing, music, props...whatever it takes to bring our vision to life. Past groups have re-imagined popular stories such as Alice in Underland or created lesser known gems such as Mary had a Wrecking Ball.

Students must be assessed at level 2 or above in trapeze and tumbling, have instructor permission, or fill out the form (located on the registration page) stating your experience to participate in this program. Contact hello@echotheaterpdx.org with questions! 

This one-week performance intensive camp runs 7/29-8/2. Financial aid is available for all classes and camps!