From the category archives:

How To…

Five Tips to Survive the Countdown to Showtime

by Julie

As many of you know, my partners and I recently completed and executed our second annual fund raising cirque show. In the circus, dance, and theater worlds the countdown to showtime can be both an exciting and stressful time. On the one hand you have all of the magic and beauty of the creative process, [...]

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Feeling Uninspired?

by Julie
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It happens to all of us. Sometimes we “have it” and sometimes it elludes us. The “it” I’m talking about is inspiration. When I’m excited and passionate about a project – everything seems to flow. On the flip side, when I am unmoved or even bored by what it is I’m doing – everything seems [...]

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“So, what do you do?”

by Julie
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When meeting someone for the first time, one of the first questions we are usually asked is: “So, what do you do for living?” Some people have a quick and easy answer: “I’m an accountant” or “I’m a corporate lawyer.”  Others, like me, struggle to choose the right words to articulate our work (because “circus [...]

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Invest in Interactions

by Julie
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People don’t just buy things any more. Nope. We buy ideas, relationships, and feelings attached to products or services. I don’t get my hair done at just ANY salon. I trim my long locks by going to see Sam – the one hair dresser who I feel understands my personal style and therefore my hair. [...]

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10,000 “No’s” Equals One “Yes!”

by Julie
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Rejection is a reoccurring challenge for all of us. The most effective learners among us know that real value is gained when we learn from those “nos.” How many cold calls does it take to land your first client? How many auditions must you undergo before you land the role of your dreams? How many [...]

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Focus on Effective Communication

by Julie

Despite all of the means we have to communicate this day and age (text-ing, MSN-ing, bb message-ing, emails, and yes, even calling…) effective communication continues to elude most of us on a continual and reoccurring basis. The fact of the matter is, most of us are communication “dunces.” That’s right, I said “dunces!” You know, [...]

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Insecurity ~Get Over Yourself!

by Julie

On the topic of insecurity… I can’t think of a more detrimental mentality, really. Our insecurities, but more importantly, our INABILITY to face those insecurities have the potential to destroy or block out critical relationships. Why, you ask? The less secure you are with yourself, as in: your abilities as a performer, your capabilities as [...]

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Top Ten Touring Tactics

by Julie

Cover of Bon Voyage! Bon Voyage! Going on tour with your cirque act or show can be an exciting endeavor. Before you book – be sure to read through my list below consisting of action items in order to ensure that your circus tour is tops. Julie’s Top Ten Touring Tactics 1) Define Your Terms [...]

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Phenomenal Photoshoots

by Julie
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“A picture is worth a thousand words.” How true this statement is! In circus, a great shot can be the difference between landing an event booking or not. Pictures bridge the gap between language and understanding. When your client asks “What is a double silks act anyway?” Pull out your blackberry and produce a picture [...]

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A Cirque-tacular Holiday Gathering!

by Julie
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During the holidays family gatherings can certainly feel like a three-ringed circus! I was browsing the fab Biz Bash site [one of my favourite event-planning resources] and found this hilarious article by Ted Kruckel on “10 Holiday Party Hints for Amateurs and Pros Alike.” I hope you enjoy reading as much as I did! 10 [...]

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Perfecting Your Pitch!

by Julie

Pitching it seems, is a constant work-in-progress. The more we pitch, the more we learn really. Different clients, varied situations, themed events, and personality dynamics all have influence on our pitches so it’s important to approach each opportunity on a case-by-case basis in order to  customize a winning proposal. Cirque pitches in particular are tough [...]

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Sensational Site Inspections

by Julie
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Ahhh the art of the site inspection… A key component of the successful execution of a cirque event! After investing the time and energy into your site visit you should come away with all of the information you require. I have developed a checklist [which is forever growing by the way] that I’d like to [...]

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Acing Your Audition

by Julie
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For my fellow cirque artists who happen to come upon this blog post… This past weekend A2D2 had the pleasure of holding our first annual company auditions. My partners, Elisa, Samantha and I have always been on the other side of the table [the "audition candidates" if you will]. This was the first time we [...]

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Planning a Cirque-Themed Event

by Julie
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Lions and tigers and bears – no longer. Left behind are the days when ferocious beasts, daring ringmasters, and cotton candy were the tell-tale icons of circus. Fast forward into the twenty-first century and through the rapid transformation of circus arts (notably initiated by Canada’s own mega circus success story Cirque-du-Soliel) animal-free circus acts combine [...]

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The Art of Event Pacing

by Julie
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I’ve had the very good fortune to have been involved in hundreds of events over the years. A common problem which arises time and time again is the actual event pacing and how easily an event schedule can become de-railed. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard the words “we’re running late,” or “we’ve [...]

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