October 1, 2019 | Theatre,

From The Audience to The Stage: It All Happened in Boston

Contemporary circus has been a mainstay for ArtsEmerson and each season, our audiences flock to the theatre for these productions. While each circus has it’s own story and aesthetic, the binding commonalities of beauty and awe entrance us. And, you never know who is going to be in the audience…

Brin Schoellkopf is currently a performer in Passengers (SEP 25-OCT 13). Originally from Vermont, it’s been a joy to return to New England with this production, but the moment goes even deeper for Brin. Seven years ago, he sat in the audience of the Cutler Majestic and witnessed his first contemporary circus piece, by none other than The 7 Fingers. Now, Brin is back at the ArtsEmerson with The 7 Fingers, performing on the very stage the first ignited his career.

The first show that I ever saw by The 7 Fingers was in 2012 when Sequence 8 came to ArtsEmerson. At that time I had just finished my first summer performing with Circus Smirkus and a group of us came together to Boston to see the show. At that time I didn’t know much about the company itself. Thinking back to this experience, it was my first understanding of what contemporary circus was and ultimately had a huge impact on my decision to become a professional circus artist. I remember being transfixed by each performer, following their individual paths throughout the show, while also being moved by the incorporation of dance and movement within the high level of circus. Ever since that experience, I always followed the company as they grew throughout the years. Moving to Montreal and attending the National Circus School allowed me to meet and work with some of the founders of the company, including Shana Carroll, Sébastien Soldevila, Isabelle Chassé and Gypsy Snyder.

When being asked to be apart of The 7 Fingers’ new creation in 2017, I was honestly shocked since the company had never had a tight wire artist before. Working with them to create a new self supporting tight wire rig for the show was a long process, but in the end we were able to create something completely new and so special for the show.

Coming to Boston to perform with Passengers (SEP 25-OCT 13) really brings the experience that I have had in the contemporary circus arts full circle. This is where my real interest in pursuing circus as a career sprouted. It is also a great opportunity for many of my friends and family to come to the show, since I grew up only three hours away in Warren, VT. To be here for three weeks feels very surreal and is allowing me to reflect on the journey that I have taken so far, and all the people who have helped me get to where I am. If you haven’t seen the show yet, Passengers will be running until October 13th at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater. Who knows, maybe this will be the show that sets you on your path!

-Brin Schoellkopf