BRATTLEBORO — Frog Meadow Farm and the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) are co-presenting the Queer Circus Arts Scholarship Fundraiser on Friday, May 6, from 6–9 p.m. at NECCA's trapezium in Brattleboro.
“Begin with hors d'oeuvres, libations, special entertainment, a silent auction, and quirky fun, followed by a special showing of the Capstone Circus Project from the graduating class of NECCA's ProTrack, pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus theater,” say organizers, “then stay for a meet and greet with the artists following the show.”
NECCA is the leading nonprofit circus arts education center in the United States. LGBTQ adult and youth students and staff thrive in NECCA programs.
“NECCA transforms lives through the opportunity we offer to people,” said NECCA co-founder and producing director Serenity Smith Forchion in a news release. “It has been clear to us at NECCA that queer people require and deserve specific financial help to come here and train circus so that they can be embraced as entertainers in the circus arts.”
The collaboration between NECCA and Frog Meadow on the Queer Circus Arts Scholarship Fund came about naturally, aligning with their collective mission to support the queer community.
Organizers describe Frog Meadow Farm as a gay bed & breakfast, inn, and massage oasis for gay and bi men in Southern Vermont. Co-owner Scott Heller says, “I know the difference that an organization like NECCA can make in the lives of kids and adults who may be a bit different than the mainstream. I have experienced firsthand the joy that athletics and movement have brought to myself and to others.”
LGBTQ+ students are faced with discrimination that leads to housing, employment, financial, and other disparities. Organizers say this scholarship fund helps to close the gap and “provide a safe and inclusive environment for queer circus students of all ages and backgrounds across all of NECCA's programs.”
“As an educational and performing arts organization focused on the transformation through circus, NECCA is committed to creating opportunities wherever we can,” said Executive Director Jenna Struble.
Students who seek career-supporting scholarships are disproportionately LGBTQ+ identifying, often due to lack of family support or an imbalance of opportunity. The Queer Circus Arts Scholarship fund aims to provide access to transformative circus training, despite barriers.
Marshall Jarreau, a NECCA alum who has gone on to success in Cirque Du Soleil's LOVE and first place in men's division at the 2013 Pole Expo, is the emcee for the event.
Jarreau explains, “Circus is one of the best places to explore all things queer. It has always been a safe place for those who are different and nonconforming. I think the scholarship is important in giving promising young talent the space to grow and develop their own unique brand of artistic expression without fear of being judged or labeled as weird, freaky, or strange.”
Whetstone Station is sponsoring catering, and special pre-show performer guests include Ladies of the Rainbow and Lily DeValley with Hudson DeValley. Enjoy entertainment that bends the rules of gravity and more, all for a good cause.