Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience Program

Solstice A Winter Circus Experience

Thur.7:30pm

Solstice A Winter Circus Experience

Thursday, February 27, 2025

2/27 Thur.7:30pm

PERSONNEL

CAST: Liam Bradley, Elly Craig, Kevin Flanagan, Santina Leone, Cheya Potter, Sierra Rhoades Nicholls, and Dom Sebastian

Show Director/Producer

Houston Odum

Lighting Designer

Amanda Fisk

Composer

Bella Nona of Opening, Banquine, Bboy/Ballet, Finale

Banquine Choreography

Sierra Rhoades, Kevin Flanagan, and Liam Bradley

General Stage Manager

Evan Hausthor

Sound Designer

Camille Everett

Production Electrician & Light Director

Liz Shekhterman

Props Artisan

Emma Thomas

Painted Drop Artisan

Majestic Scenic Company

Warnings/Info

No photography, videography, or recordings of any kind is permitted. This show is 75 minutes and does not include an intermission.

Late Seating will be held during the first performance. While late seating will be allowed, patrons will not be able to sit in their ticketed seats if they do not arrive on time. Late arriving patrons will be sat in the first, open, available seats in the house, after the first act has ended.

By entering Western Carolina University’s campus you understand that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped, and you authorize Western Carolina University the unqualified right to take pictures and or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to take your likeness, image, photo without compensation, for broadcast or use in any medium.

About Solstice

Circus EVO is a Contemporary Circus Company based in the Triad in North Carolina. Our Mission is to provide meaningful, live experiences that are accessible to the public. Our unique creative process empowers and brings together artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.

Circus EVO was founded in October of 2020 with a bold vision to transform urban spaces into vibrant stages, bridging the gap between art and the community. Over the last 3 years, we’ve emerged as a dynamic force, dedicated to delivering high-quality, multi-disciplinary performances to the streets and beyond.

Since our founding, EVO has performed more than 35 times for thousands of people across North Carolina and even in Canada, supporting more than 30 Artists and Creatives along the way.

Personnel Bios

CAST

Liam Bradley: Liam Bradley is a 24-year-old non-binary circus artist from Chicago, specializing in partner acrobatics, juggling, and movement. After graduating from Circus school in 2021, they co-founded groups like Company ‘To X For’ and Full Out Formula. They incorporate elements of dance, theater, performance art, and clown into their work, with a focus on storytelling and stagecraft.

Elly Craig: Elly Craig is a circus artist, storyteller, and human connection enthusiast who thrives on the weird, the funny, and the unexpected. Whatever they’re up to, they bring a mix of humor, heart, and a fearless willingness to be foolish. Their work invites audiences to slip out of reality and into the present—laughing, feeling, and seeing the world from a fresh perspective. A natural organizer and advocate, Elly is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and free to be themselves. Follow the antics at @ellylouisecraig!

Kevin Flanagan: Kevin Flanagan is a classical guitarist turned circus artist from Bronxville, NY. His love of music started with his dad, who made sure that growing up sounded strange. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of ten and hasn’t stopped playing since. Kevin followed his love of playing to Ithaca College where he first discovered circus which quickly became an obsession all its own. After graduation he went on to study at the Circadium

School of Contemporary Circus. He graduated from Circadium in 2021 and since performed with Nouveau Sud, Circus EVO, ABCirque, Almanac Dance Circus Theatre, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The International Jugglers Association, Symphoria, and many more. Kevin specializes in unicycle, partner acrobatics, and juggling.

Santina Leone: Santina Leone is a New York based dancer and choreographer. This winter she made her professional debut in The Nutcracker with Eglevsky Ballet, and her choreography was selected for the 2025 White Wave Solo/Duo festival in NYC. She is originally from Long Island, New York and received a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (2024). Her training at UNCSA exposed her to the styles of Cunningham, Limón/Humphrey, West African, Horton, ballet, and Countertechnique, as well as compositional practices. At UNCSA she performed contemporary works by Brenda Daniels, Darrell Grand Moultrie, and Dwana Smallwood. She has also performed excerpts of repertory by Trisha Brown, José Limón, Paul Taylor, and Yue Yin. Currently, Santina teaches Pilates, is an operations assistant at ArtBridge, and interns in the costume shop at the Paul Taylor Dance Company. She hopes to continue to welcome every new experience with an open mind and gentle heart.

Cheya Potter: Cheya Potter, originally from Seattle, WA, is a professional circus artist with a specialty in Chinese Pole. She started her circus journey at the age of twelve in the world of youth circus. By the time she was in high school Cheya had dived head over heels into her love for circus and eventually found her way to Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour (2015-2017). Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in circus arts, Cheya attended Necca’s Protrack Program graduating in 2019. Since graduating she has performed all over the world and worked with companies including Cirque du Soleil and Seven Fingers. Beyond Chinese Pole, Cheya has extensive performance experience in acrobatic and aerial disciplines. She also loves creating new things and working with other people.

Sierra Rhoades Nicholls: Sierra Rhoades Nicholls has been turning herself upside-down for as long as she can remember. A lover of all things acrobatic and exhilarating, she trained as a gymnast her whole life and has fallen in love with standing on her hands. Sierra studied handstands for two years at Circus Maine Professional Training Program and then went on to attend Circadium School of Contemporary Circus in Philadelphia, PA where she graduated in June 2021. In an effort to make work that spreads roots deep into our souls, Sierra has devoted her life to her craft. That devotion has led her to work with companies such as Circus EVO, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Nouveau Sud, ABCirque Productions, Cirqovations, Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Company and many more! Sierra’s desire to help others find their way in circus too led her to found CSAW - Connecting Circus Students Around the World in 2018.

CSAW is a non-profit devoted to making resources and financial aid accessible for the circus community. CSAW is most well known for its BIPOC grant programs, you can learn more at csawcircus.org

Dom Sebastian: Dom is a Hip-Hop & Contemporary Fusion Artist trained in Street Dance, social grooves, and contemporary dance. He’s battled amongst B-Boys, shot commercials for Samsung and NatGeo, done blogs for Verizon, and is a part of an elite dance community known as the Red Bull Beat Riders. He’s taught for organizations including the NC Folk Festival, Colorado University, UNCSA, and Old Dominion. He was the first Hip-Hop Dance Instructor to teach at ADF’s Samuel Scripps Studios and has trained with the National Dance Institute. Dom has been an Adjunct Professor for Elon University and Salem College and has worked with Schools in his hometown as an Arts Integrated Facilitator, using art as a learning tool to assist teachers in Title 1 schools. In his free time, Dom-Sebastian teaches private lessons and works with local stores to produce social media content to promote their businesses.

TEAM

Houston Odum: Houston Odum is from Jamestown, North Carolina . He’s had an immense passion for Circus since he was young. He began juggling at age 9 and won awards such as a Bronze Medal at the Juniors World Championships in 2017. He studied Design & Production at UNC School of the Arts. As the COVID Pandemic hit in 2020, Houston founded Circus EVO, North Carolina’s own Circus PerformanceCompany. The company is now in its 5th year and continues to grow since its founding. “My greatest passion is working with people to create something ‘extra’ordinary. Solstice is the embodiment of that. It’s a call to action to dream, and to not forget what’s around you every single day. We’re so grateful for the support of our audiences as Solstice is a pivotal project for us, touring to 3 cities across North Carolina for the first time! This cast and team have a special place in my heart and I’m incredibly grateful to each and every person involved in ‘Solstice’ to bring this project to life!”

Amanda Fisk: With a love for the live entertainment industry, Amanda has been in the world of lighting design and technology since 2014. Her journey has taken her across the states, and she is currently based in Denver, Colorado. She graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Lighting Design and Technology from UNC School of the Arts. Notable credits include Assistant Lighting Designer for Franco Dragone and Criss Angel’s Amystika, Assistant Lighting Designer for the first national tour of & Juliet. “I’m thrilled to be bringing Solstice back to North Carolina and beyond this year. This show holds a special place in my heart. I hope that everyone who sees the show finds as much joy and light as we did in creating this show, through the story, the artistry, and this wonderful community of Artists.”

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS MEMBERS

Thank you, Friends of the Arts Members, for supporting our students. If you would like to join FOA or learn more, visit foa.wcu.edu

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS MEMBERS

Belcher Circle: $25,000 + Lifetime Giving

Thank you, Friends of the Arts Members, for supporting our students. If you would like to join FOA or learn more, visit foa.wcu.edu.

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House Policies for Solstice

No photography, videography, or recording of any kind is permitted. Food and drinks are NOT permitted inside the Performance Hall. If personal items are displaced during the event, please visit our BAC Box Office or call during operational hours at 828-227-2479 for assistance.

2024 - 2025 Bardo Arts Center Ticket Prices

Box Office Website - arts.wcu.edu/boxoffice

Box Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm | Thursday 10 am - 7 pm

WCU Student: $5

General Student: $15

WCU Faculty/Staff: $20

Adults: $25

These prices only apply to Bardo Arts Center presented productions. Sales tax and a $3 fee apply to all tickets sold. Find more information about these events at arts.wcu.edu/explore.

The WCU Fine Art Museum and BAC Concessions are open one hour before ticketed events.

Bardo Arts center staff

Scott Ashley - Production Manager and Technical Director

Denise Drury Homewood - Executive Director

Carolyn Grosch - Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

Rachel Hood - Marketing Manager

Kim Kopak - Administrative Support Specialist

Greg McPherson - Exhibition Designer

Sara Rincon - Audience Services Manager

Amber Rousseau - Visitor Services Coordinator

Logan Wallace - Lead Technician

Bardo arts center

Western Carolina university 199 Centennial drive, cullowhee, nc 28723

828.227.ARTS | Bardoartscenter@wcu.edu | Bardoartscenter.wcu.edu

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