This course is designed for circus artists to develop their artistry, creativity, circus wellness, and a new understanding of the circus industry. Participants will be introduced to specific discussion topics derived from Francisco Cruz’s 30 years of experience as a professional circus artist, Head of Casting at The 7 Fingers for over 10 years, as well as his current position as an Associate Artistic Director also at The 7 Fingers. Some example topics include casting in today’s market, the scope of performance in a pandemic world (and thereafter), and Capturing circus through a lens. Throughout the course, the importance of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior will be emphasized as students will reflect on their current experiences in circus and explore strategies and techniques to help them grow, develop, and create concrete goals in order to achieve their circus dreams.
Length: 2h 16m 6s
Live Zoom Question & Answers Session on July 17, 2021 at 3pm EDT / 12pm PDT. Registrants only.
About The Instructor
Francisco Cruz
Francisco Cruz began circus at the age of 7 at The San Francisco Circus Centre in California taught by master trainer Mr. Lu Yi. From the moment he started, he quickly fell in love with the idea of flipping and tumbling for the rest of his life. Being homeschooled his entire life, when Francisco was 12, he was able to go on his first cross-country tour with The New Pickle Circus. In 2002, Francisco moved to Canada to pursue his love of circus by attending The National Circus School of Montreal. Upon graduation, Francisco joined with Les 7 Doigts de la Main to perform in the original cast of the show Traces with which he toured internationally for over 5 years. Looking to discover another side of his circus career, in 2010, Francisco and his wife moved to the Netherlands to be the Acrobatic Director of circus at CODARTS, a world renowned arts university.
Presently, Francisco has since returned to Montreal to once again join Les 7 Doigts de la Main behind the scenes as an Associate Artistic Director. Francisco is also an avid filmmaker after picking up a camera a few years ago. He is the sole resident filmmaker for 7D creating most of their visual content as well as pursuing personal film projects. Outside of circus, Francisco has a BA degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education from Concordia University graduating with “distinction”. Francisco currently lives in Montreal with his wife and two daughters and can be seen skateboarding throughout the summer in the streets of Montreal.