MISSION AND VALUES
The mission of the Ottawa Circus Festival is to create an inclusive, accessible, and dynamic event that supports and showcases Canadian contemporary circus artists. Through performance, professional development, and community engagement, the Festival sparks creativity, encourages artistic excellence, and fosters meaningful connections within Ottawa’s circus community, across Canada and beyond.
We believe circus is a powerful, contemporary art form that brings people together. The Ottawa Circus Festival values creativity, inclusion, and community. We support artists at all stages of their practice, foster meaningful connections, and strive to create welcoming, accessible spaces where diverse voices can be seen, heard, and celebrated.
BACKGROUND
The Ottawa Circus Festival is produced by Aerial Antics, and takes place in Ottawa within the heart of the capital city. Celebrating Ottawa’s bilingual and vibrant arts community, the Festival brings together local, national, and international circus artists in support of contemporary circus across disciplines. Experience world-class circus up close - bold, creative, and rooted in the spirit of Ottawa.
creativity • inclusion • community
Melissa Landry
DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
Renee-Claude Goulet
DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
Anastasiia Parkhomenko
COMPETITION MANAGER
Melissa Goodman
BRAND MANAGER &
DESIGNER
TBD
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
TBD
STAGE MANAGER
OUR TEAM
We pride ourselves on our qualifications and certifications, ensuring that our team is equipped with the necessary expertise to deliver exceptional service.
Joanne Lynn Galligan
Joanne is a Toronto-based Aerial Circus Instructor and Personal Trainer. Her circus arts career started in 2005 when she took her first static trapeze class…..she was hooked and hasn’t looked back since! Joanne has sought out top coaches across Canada and the US, including Aimee Hancock, Elsie & Serenity Smith, Niff Nichols, Jenn Bruyer, Michael Lanphear and Pawel Walczewski, to continue to expand her knowledge and skill. Currently she is a coach for both Disney Cruiseline and Norwegian Cruiseline, training their specialty performers and dancers on Silks, Hoop, Spanish Web, Harness, Trapeze and Chinese Poles. She is excited to be part of this year’s Ottawa Circus Festival!
Thomas Lenglart
Thomas Lenglart began his early career through music and clowning. Since his arrival in Quebec 20 years ago, Thomas has mainly worked in the circus world. For the past four years, he has been the Program Manager for TOHU and the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival. He began his journey in Québec as an assistant director and tour manager for a traditional circus and worked for Cirque du Soleil for three years as a casting coordinator and researcher. Passionate for casting, he then worked for eight years as casting director for Cirque Éloize. Thomas Lenglart has also served as a judge for numerous circus events, including the Cirque de Demain festival (France), the Circus Star USA festival, and for final exams at various circus schools around the world.
Sarah Soleil
Sarah-Soleil is a high-level aerial hoop specialist. ÉCQ-trained Canadian aerialist, she is known for her dynamic and epic style. She was featured at the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival, Cirque Éloize, la TOHU and Productions Haut-Vol. She has been coaching and judging aerial competition all over the world traveling to Mexico (CNAAY) and Thailand (AirStars) in the past year.
Despite starting her circus journey later than most, at 21 years old, she reached a professional level within 3 years through determination, talent, and creativity. She believes that everyone can do circus and achieve their dreams!
Festival Adjudicators
Judges are selected for their demonstrated experience and professional practice within the circus arts community, providing informed perspectives to participants.