Imagine a circus in which actors juggle bottled water, polar bears dance on melting ice floes, the props and set are recycled, and the core of clowns are called the Fossil Fools. That's part of what you get in ARTFARM's Circus For a Fragile Planet, an exciting educational circus performance featuring juggling, clowning, physical comedy, acrobatics, unicycling, and other circus arts built around a strong environmental message. The show is written, directed and features ARTFARM co-founder Dic Wheeler, who plays an offbeat Austrian scientist whose attempts at enlightening  the audience about critical environmental issues are undermined by three fun-loving clowns with an agenda of their own.Featuring a lively contemporary and classical musical score, Circus for a Fragile Planet is a side-splitting, mind-opening blend of circus and science.

Circus For a Fragile Planet is designed to connect to the grades six through ten earth and environmental science curriculum, but the fast-paced, hour-long show has entertained and inspired audiences of all ages. What the audience gets is a terrific small-scale circus which leaves them asking, "What changes can I make in my lifestyle to become a more responsible world citizen?"

CircusFor a Fragile Planet is available for touring through 2010. The show addresses issues such as global warming, critical habitat, resource management, alternative energy sources, bottled water, recycling, species sustainability and individual responsibility in a way that is accessible and upbeat, accentuating the positive  choices each individual or community can make to help build a better future for the planet.

    The four character show can be performed in any room with at least eleven foot ceilings and a twenty five foot square open space for the performers. This educational extravaganza is certain not only to amaze and entertain audiences of all ages, but also inspire them to take personal responsibility for our common home.

Circus For a Fragile Planet comes with a study guide for teachers and students. For more information, contact ARTFARM at (860) 346-4390 or info@art-farm.org.

Photos above 2009 by Sasha Portis.
Scroll down to see a three minute video, a collection of  Circus for a Fragile Planet photos by Yvonne Page, link to the STUDY GUIDE or read Testimonials from Circus fans!!

Circus for a Fragile Planet:

I have been a fan of circuses for my whole life and see as many as I can.I am not sure I have ever enjoyed a circus more than I did ARTFARM'S Circus for a Fragile Planet: the combination of outstanding artistry, scientifically accurate information and the sheer enthusiasm of the performersrendered Circus For A Fragile Planet a unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience.I can think of no subject that must be discussed more than global climate change and ARTFARM has found a way to communicate the facts, the importance of the issue in an entertaining way that will communicate effectively to a very broad audience, whether young or old, and have an impact on their lives and, hopefully, the planet. As Director of Environmental Studies I wish we could send ARTFARM into every school and every community group in the country.
Barry Chernoff
Professor
Director of Environmental Studies
Wesleyan University

ARTFARM's Circus for a Fragile Planet provides a powerful, passionate and artistic message to current and future generations about the importance of taking care of our one and only home -- EARTH.
Dr. Charles Button
Geography Department
Central Connecticut State University

Loved it. Good points without beating anyone up. Beautifully done.
Vicki Marnin, Midwife

As a teacher, a scientist, a theatergoer, a parent and a resident of our Fragile Planet, I loved it.Every part of it, and every character, was great. All in all, a great piece, and all the schools that book you will be getting an enormous prize for their students.
Laurel Appel
Biology Department
Wesleyan University

Very effective communication, funny, engaging. Congratulations. It's a great show. Keep up the good work. I think the Circus for a Fragile Planet has a wonderful future.
John Hall
Director, Jonah Center for Earth and Art

The Circus for a Fragile Planet is a fun and innovative way to teach middle school age children about their environment and the earth. Using clowns, dance, acrobatics and other circus skills, along with some narration, the audience gets a sense of the importance of recycling and other choices that can be made to help protect and heal the planet.
Betsy Bielefield, Keigwin Middle School Science Teacher