Bindlestiff Family Cirkus

The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus was founded in 1995 By Keith Nelson and Stephanie Monseu. (Originally, the duo called themselves 'Fireplay'.) Since then, they have toured the world with their mix of circus and sideshow. In 1999 The company became a non-profit organization incorporated as 'Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc.' The mission statement was as follows:

Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc. is a non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to increasing the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the history of circus, sideshow, vaudeville, and related arts through activities including performances, lectures, print media, and workshops for the general public as well as creating opportunities for cultural exchange and fostering a sense of community.

(from [http://www.bindlestiff.org bindlestiff.org] ) [mission statement from www.bindlestiff.org] [Juggle Magazine, May/June 2004]

Shows

Since 2001 The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has been producing full length theatrical productions including 'Buckaroo Bindlestiff's Wild West Gender Bender Jamboree' (2001) 'High Heels and Red Noses' (2003) 'From the Gutter to the Glitter: A Night Out with the Bindlestiffs' (2005) - directed by Michael Preston.They have also produced several editions of the "Cavalcade of Youth"--a showcase for performers 21 years of age and under.

The Palace of Variety

In 2002, the company found a defunct shoe store just off Times Square and converted it into a performance space called the Palace of Variety and a museum called The Free Museum of Times Square. During the seasons that followed, The Palace of Variety became the focal point of variety arts in New York City. As many as fifteen shows per week were performed in the theater by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and other performing artists from around the world. Acts included music concerts, plays, sideshow exhibitions, burlesque shows, and a flea circus. The Free Museum of Times Square showcased the history of Time Square. They were forced to close in February of 2004, due to the planned demolition of the building.

Company Members

The company has included a number of performers. Some of the mainstays have included: founders Keith Nelson and Stephanie Monseu, keyboardist Raja Azar, aerialist Tanya Gagne, clown Christine Duenas, musician Peter Bufano, clown Matthew Morgan, juggler Adam Kuchler, drummer Tim Hoey, flea circus impresario and clown Adam Gertsacov, magician Magic Brian, daredevil clown Jonah Logan, and magician/m.c. Scotty the Blue Bunny. This is by no means a definitive list. [Juggle Magazine, May/June 2004]

Appearances

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has enjoyed various high-profile appearances including HBO's Real Sex, Late Night With David Letterman, The Today Show and the Glastonbury Festival.

References