Zoe Brookes

Communiversity in Princeton

2009-04-30T10:53:00.001-07:00

Stone Soup Circus did the double this weekend at Communiversity. First there was the parade. A group of 8 stilt walkers and 8 more puppeteers paraded along Nassau St, joining up with an ensemble of 100 bucket drummers to continue on to Palmer Square. The parade was the culmination of a collaboration between Stone Soup Circus and Professor Lee Higgins at the Westminster Choir College. He had students making drums from buckets and learning how to move and play some catchy rhythms. In parallel, I was teaching adults and children how to walk on stilts. We made stilts and stilt pants and some wore puppet costumes. The puppetters came from a program at the Arts Council of Princeton, taught by Maria Evans and me. The children made papier mache puppets with a spring theme. Everyone gathered for the parade in last Saturday's heat and the faces in the crowd said it all.

After the parade, Stone Soup Circus moved to the stage in Palmer Square for our show, telling the story of how the circus began. I'll put videos up on Youtube soon. The show featured some 30 performers and crew, including a parent-child acrobat troupe, trapeze artists and slapstick comedy.

Click here for more pictures

Community Park Party Board

2009-01-13T10:34:00.001-08:00

We held a Family Circus Workshop in aid of Community Park School. Five families joined at my house for juggling, balancing, stiltwalking, trapeze and aerial silks. We finished the tightwire just in time!

Stone Soup Circus Website

2008-12-19T09:12:00.001-08:00

Announcing the launch of the Stone Soup Circus website at www.stonesoupcircus.com
Check it out!

Playful Family Yoga

2008-11-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

My new friend Diane and I tested out a collaboration yesterday with a program of Playful Family Yoga. About twenty people, families, gathered in our empty living room for a mix of play, gentle yoga and circus skills. Afterward, we gathered in the kitchen to make and share Stone Soup. I hope this will be the first of many Stone Soup gatherings.

B'nai Mitzwah and Uncle Sam

2008-11-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

The family that hired a British woman to act as a super tall Uncle Sam at their twin boys' B'nai Mitzwah were very good sports. The tailored costume was a hit, and guests of all ages played ball with me and won minature flags and umbrellas (it was pouring with rain). No photo rights here, so take my word for it that the party was splendid!

Stone Soup Circus Update

2008-11-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

Stone Soup Circus debuted at the Arts Council of Princeton in early September. A scratch crew of performers from my summer programs and from the Circus Minimus camp met up for an hour of prep before launching onto the Arts Council's newly minted outdoor stage (aka the patio). We showcased skills the kids had been working on and invited eager audience members to jump rope with us and join in creating a labyrinth. Princeton's Town Topics featured a photo of me in a tall hat and ringmaster's jacket. If I can find it, I'll add that to this post.

Since mid-September a dedicated crew has been working on learning skills, and creating a circus adaptation of the story of Stone Soup. We'll be performing on November 17 at 4:45pm at the Arts Council of Princeton's Solley Theater. Do come along!

Circus Minimus in Warren, Vermont

2008-09-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

I travelled with my kids this August to a Circus Minimus camp in Warren, Vermont. I taught circus there while they joined in the camp.

A Couple of Swells

2008-09-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Jake and I appeared at a wedding in Putnam County, New York, all dressed up in tuxes

After School Program at the Arts Council of Princeton

2008-08-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Stone Soup Circus will offer an after school program at the Arts Council of Princeton starting September 22. The class will run on Mondays from 4 to 5:30pm. Register from next week through www.artscouncilofprinceton.org

Stone Stoup Circus Performance on September 3rd

2008-07-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

We are putting together a scratch performance at the Arts Council of Princeton on September 3rd. Anyone who has worked with me before is welcome to participate. Please e-mail me to let me know to expect you. Meet us at the Arts Council at 3pm for a 30minute performance at 4:30pm. No preparation is needed, but if you have something special you'd like to do, drop me a line and let me know.

Calling Stiltwalkers

2008-07-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to learn to walk on stilts, or already can, please get in touch. I'm hoping to put together a stiltwalking group for a parade by next spring. Check out www.stiltmen.com for some pics of fun on stilts.

Announcing Stone Soup Circus!

2008-07-21T17:49:00.001-07:00

Stone Soup Circus is our chosen name for community circus activities in the Princeton area. We're building a website, and I'll include a link here as soon as it's up and running.

We chose Stone Soup Circus because of the story where a group of villagers all put whatever they have in a pot and make a delicious meal. The same can happen in performance if everyone contributes and supports one another.

Here's the latest:

Arts Council drop-ins are lots of fun - join in on July 25, 28 or Aug 4 1pm to 3pm

September 3 we are putting on a 'scratch' performance at the Arts Council. Drop me an e-mail if you'd like to participate and can be available between 4pm and 6pm on that day: you@zoebrookes.com

In the fall, the Arts Council is now planning two circus programs. One, taught by me, will focus on performance skills, the other, taught by Maria Evans, will focus on making props, puppets and a mural for the circus.

Plans are already afoot for summer camps next year. Likely there will be more than one, but I'm planning Stone Soup Circus camp in the first two weeks of area private schools' vacation at Trinity Church, Princeton.

In the meantime, we're working towards a public performance at Communiversity in April and, I hope, plenty of others in between.

Circus Minimus Performs in Princeton

2008-07-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

On June 20th, 18 kids from the Circus Minimus 'Circus Kids Create' camp in Princeton, New Jersey, put on a show for friends and family. Congratulations to all involved. To view more pictures, click here.

After School Circus Arts in Princeton

2008-07-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Watch this space for news of an after school Circus Arts program at the Arts Council of Princeton this fall. Mondays look likely, but exact dates and times will be confirmed shortly.

Free Circus Workshops at Arts Council of Princeton

2008-06-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

Mondays from 1pm to 3pm, July 14 through August 4 plus Friday July 25, I'll be teaching circus skills at the new Arts Council of Princeton building. The building lies on the corner of Witherspoon St and Paul Robeson St in Princeton, New Jersey. Workshops are geared towards children aged 7 to 11 but smaller children with adults are welcome to join in. There's no charge, just come along.

Circus Minimus in Princeton

2008-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

I'm two days into teaching at The Circus Kids Create summer camp in Princeton, at Trinity Church. We have 18 children aged 7 to 11, learning juggling, tumbling, stilt walking, unicycling, puppet making, diablo, tight wire and lots more. We're putting on a show on the last day: 5:30pm on Friday June 20th at Trinity Church in Princeton. All are welcome.

Transition Time

2008-05-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

This week has shown me that there is life after New Haven, and that circus life back there will continue apace without me (of course). Check out this link to the New Haven Independent for news of Jake, Linda and the burgeoning unicycle craze http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/05/circus_fires_up.php

Down in Princeton, I've been helping out Circus Minimus at their Barclay Brook School residency in Monroe, New Jersey. Feels great to be back circusing again after the move. Also, I'm starting to find potential circus buddies in Princeton. Looks like I may be able to bring circus arts to the Arts Council over the summer. I'm thinking about starting a women's stiltwalking club - any takers?

Stiltwalkers Menagerie Photos by JoShmoeJo

2008-04-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

The results of a photo shoot in Edgewood Park are now up. JoAnne Wilcox (joshmoejo@gmail.com ) took pics of Jake and me in our costumes, featuring the new zebra head that Jake and I made together. Also, Queen Elizabeth showed up! Click here to see the rest

Landed in Princeton

2008-04-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

The family has finally landed in Princeton, so I'm gradually navigating around the town. On two wheels for now, since my unicycle appears to be buried under a pile of boxes in the garage.

Apology to After School Drama Parents

2008-03-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

I owe the parents of kids in my after school drama program an apology. A month ago I posted a video that contained the names of some of the children in my class. That was a mistake, and I have removed the video. My apologies for any upset caused by this.

Stiltwalkers' Menagerie Website Launched!

2008-03-05T18:04:00.001-08:00

Jake and I have just launched 'Stiltwalkers' Menagerie', a stilt walking act specializing in animals. We're available for festivals, parades, public and private events. We offer interactive entertainment in the form of giraffes, zebras, polar bears, insects, birds and humans too! Click here to check out our new site.

Photos by JoShmoeJo

2008-03-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

Look out for New Haven's hottest photojournalist, JoAnne Wilcox (jo.shmoe.jo@gmail.com)! She took some lovely pics for me at Fresh Yoga last week. Click here to see the best ones!

Hired For Circus Minimus in Princeton

2008-02-11T16:24:00.001-08:00

Christie Robb called today and I'm booked to teach at the circus summer camp in Princeton in June. For more information, check out www.circusminimus.com

Giraffe at the Peabody

2008-02-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Jake and I appeared as Jasper the Giraffe and his keeper at 'Night At The Peabody', hosted by New Haven's natural history museum, the Yale Peabody Museum. I didn't make this costume, but I can't wait to try my own version!

Circus Videos

2008-02-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

I've just edited and uploaded some video from 'Vernacular Spectacular' - the show that I directed in October by the New Haven Community Circus. Check out my youtube site to view them:
www.youtube.com/swingmummy

Peabody Museum Gig

2008-02-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Jake and I appeared at the Peabody Museum on Martin Luther King Day. Must get myself some bigger stilts!

For more stiltwalking pics, see

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/collections/72157603851781069/

Birthday Cakes!

2008-01-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

I was looking back at old pictures and realized there's a fun collection here - cakes I've designed for the kids. I think this owl cake is my favorite.

Check out the gallery at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/sets/72157603825055529/

Moving Delayed!

2008-01-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

Our move to Princeton has been delayed by The Glitch - a real estate snafu beyond our control. More news when we sort it out. In the meantime, all my New Haven contact information still applies.

Dance For Joy!

2008-01-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Dance for Joy! provides a safe place to find the way that you want to move.
There are no steps to learn, no critiques, no right or wrong way to move. Instead, I lead the group in movement that exercises the whole body, leaving plenty of room for free expression.
We move to an eclectic range of music, starting each session with gentle stretching and ending with relaxation.
The group provides a supportive atmosphere. Dancing with others adds inspiration and fun. Dance For Joy! can be enjoyed in private parties, in open classes and at public events like the one below on the New Haven Green in 2007, part of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas.

For more pics, checkout http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/sets/72157603826539667/

For video, go to http://www.youtube.com/swingmummy

Teaching Drama, Edgewood School 2006-7

2008-01-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

I ran an after school drama program this year, and last. For videos of me and the children working, check out my YouTube account:

http://www.youtube.com/swingmummy

Costumes From Trash

2008-01-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

I make wearable costumes from trash. My first dress was inspired by the vast pile of Stop & Shop bags I amassed from just a week's groceries. Since then, I've turned a range of ready sources of trash into something to wear: take-out cartons, detergent bottles, toilet rolls, aluminium foil, or old car seat covers. Everything, apart from the odd piece of tape or thread would otherwise have been thrown in the garbage. I'm struck by the beauty inherent in some of the stuff we chuck out.

Target Bag Ballgown and Donut Trash

Check out my gallery of costumes at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/sets/72157603822887174/

See my work at:

http://www.islipartmuseum.org/pdf/IslipMakingMostOfItCatalogue.pdf

http://www.greenfestphilly.org/

http://artspacenewhaven.org/

Midsummer Night's Circus, Rogersbarn Circus, July 2006

2008-01-12T08:54:00.001-08:00

Our first outdoor circus, performed at the Kasbah Garden Cafe in New Haven. I helped direct.

For pictures, checkout my gallery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/sets/72157603828528477/

One of my favorites: "I am the wall, Russ"

Circus Curtains, Rogersbarn Circus, October 2006

2008-01-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

Circus Curtains was a Vaudeville-style production. I directed a number of the acts, and appeared on stilts. For pictures, see my gallery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/sets/72157603829171351/

Here's one of my favorites: Advil Enka the Spy

Vernacular Spectacular Performance, Fall 2007

2008-01-12T08:08:00.001-08:00

I directed this circus at City-Wide Open Studios in New Haven. Videos to follow. The theme focused on creating spectacle from creative movement and costume.

In the picture, you can see the 'Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede' featuring our youngest circus performers.

For pictures, see my gallery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/sets/72157603828518645/

For video, go to www.youtube.com/swingmummy

Gullible's Travels, Rogersbarn Circus Spring 2005

2008-01-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

I'm the chicken on the left in this silly video.

Gullible arrives in Lilliput as a giant, lowered from the ceiling

Circus Through The Looking Glass

2008-01-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

This was a Rogersbarn Circus performance that I co-directed with Jake Weinstein in June 2007. Performances were held at Kasbah Garden Cafe in New Haven, a perfect outdoor setting for a summer evening.

For pictures, see my gallery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23316161@N05/sets/72157603825116038/

Here's a taster: Alice meets the 'Jabbering Whacko'

Moving to Princeton!

2008-01-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

Teaching and performance commitments in New England are winding down in preparation for the move to Princeton, New Jersey on February 5th.

You can still catch my yoga class at Revive Studio, Whalley Avenue, New Haven 9am every Monday except MLK Day. Last class Jan 21st.

On MLK Day, I'll be performing on stilts with Jake Weinstein at the Peabody Museum, New Haven.