Looking for something fun to fill your sunny Saturday afternoons? Head to Thompson’s Point, and #getupsidedown with the Saturday Spectacular Circus at the Point and the crew from The Sellam Circus School. Saturday Spectaculars at Thompson’s Point kick off on Saturday, June 22, and will feature free-to-the-public circus performances and mini-workshops in circus arts. Timeframe: noon to 3 p.m. 

Featuring aerialists and artists of all ages and backgrounds, the Saturday Spectaculars at Thompson’s Point will inspire, with performances by talented artists from across New England - and your very own chance to get hands on in a circus discipline.  Learn to juggle with The Sellam Circus School’s youth troupe – the CircusKids. Try out hula hooping on the lawn at the Point. And, starting at noon and 2 pm, enjoy ambient and roving performances by friends of The Sellam Circus School and the CircusKids Troupe. Plus, each Saturday, a different mini-workshop will be offered; arrive early to sign up for a chance to learn the fundamentals of circus disciplines such as Aerial Silks, Trapeze, Acrobatics or Lyra.  

For the premiere workshop on June 22, be sure to get your name on the list and take the free hand-balance clinic with none other than Bearded Mann – Chris Gatti. A gifted and sought-after artist and instructor, Chris has both performed for Cirque Du Soleil’s Corteo, and coached on the hit show Volta.  His unique style of coaching combines insightful technique, effective drills, and deep philosophy.  Don’t miss this opportunity to get upside down with the Bearded Mann.

“We have been fans and supporters of circus arts in Portland for years,” said Thompson’s Point principal Jed Troubh, “and are excited to partner with Amity and Sellam to bring free circus workshops and free access to high caliber circus performance to kids of all ages in greater Portland.”

Join us for live circus performances both in the air and on the ground; take part in circus workshops; and sample incredible edibles from the local Portland food truck scene. Each Saturday Spectacular circus program is free to those kids – and kids at heart – who want to get upside down with us.

Think you want to try handbalancing, learn the fundamentals of aerial lyra, or build a human pyramid?  Get there early, and be sure to sign up for our free workshops.  Spaces will be limited – but the fun never stops.  Keep an eye out as announcements of amazing guest artists and coaches will be ongoing – including master coach Sellam El Ouahabi and his team of Professional Circus Arts Training program (PCAT) circus artists, as well as the CircusKids.

For more information: www.thompsonspointmaine.com/event/saturday-spectacular

About The Sellam Circus School: The Sellam Circus School is a circus arts academy based in Biddeford, Maine, that teaches recreational and professional circus arts classes, forums on circus history and practical tent mechanics. Founder Sellam El Ouahabi began performing at the age of 13, and grew up in the circus world. Over the course of his 40-year career, he taught and performed in over 26 different circuses around the globe, including Asia, Europe, and South America.  Sellam began acting as the Head Tour Coach for the premiere youth circus, Circus Smirkus, in 2008. In 2015, he and Amity Stoddard founded The Sellam Circus School, with the mission to provide students with a deep dive into all aspects of circus life - from performance technique, to historical and cultural background, as well as the practical knowledge of building, maintaining, and repairing tents.