The Making of Stars Above - An All American Open Air Circus

Created by 2020 Drama Desk nominees and founders of Hideaway Circus, Josh & Lyndsay Aviner, Stars Above is a new outdoor family friendly circus that had its premier tour around the North East of the United States in August and September of 2021. Set to original music and reimagined cover songs, Stars Above is a modern take on the nostalgic small touring circuses from two hundred years ago.

Featuring an all-star cast of circus performers and musicians, the show centers around a day in the life of a traveling family troupe. Combining elements of contemporary and classical circus, Stars Above explores and celebrates our interwoven connections to loved ones, community, and what we’ve lost. The all-ages production is performed outdoors, under the vast canopy of sky and stars, on a custom-built circular stage and aerial rig.

CAST

Adam Kuchler - Clown

Alexandra Feit - Cyr Wheel

Book Kennison - Ringmaster

Delaney Bayles - Juggler

Jacob Aviner - Musician

Lindsay Culbert-Olds - Aerialist

Naomi & Ottavio Gesmundo - Crossbows

Summer lacy- Aerialist

Willem McGowan - Juggler

PRODUCTION TEAM

Lyndsay Magid Aviner - Creator

Josh Aviner - Creator

Bo Park - Choreographer

Quinn Carpenter - Assistant Choreographer

Book Kennison - Composer

Peter Bufano - Composer

Jacob Aviner - Music Director

Barbara Erin Delo - Costume Designer

Theodore Watson - Assistant Costumer Designer

Jeff Croiter - Lighting Designer

Ben Scheff -Sound Designer

Spencer Novich - Comedic Act Designer

Jacob Aviner - Music Director

Ben Fichthorn - Lighting Programmer

Nicholas Palatella - Assistant Lighting Designer

Jon Batz Owings - Production Manager

Thomas Owings Batz - Technician

Shayna Golub - Company Manager & House Manager

Andrew Schmitz - Rigging Consultant

Elsie Smith - Aerial Consultant

PRESENTED BY

The New England Center for Circus Arts

The Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center

The Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts

The Town of Wilton Parks and Recreation Department

Circus Culture

The Lake Placid Center for the Arts

Phantom Theater

The Upper Valley Circus Camp