For Six Oakland Youth, Performing Paves Path to Travel

Prescott Circus students to perform for
National Youth Circus Festival

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Oakland, CA: Seven young stars from Prescott Circus Theatre, an afterschool and summer youth circus program born out of Prescott Elementary in West Oakland 33 years ago, will be traveling to Trenton, New Jersey on August 16 for the American Youth Circus Festival. They will be accompanied by the group’s artist-in-resident (who is also a wellness coordinator for OUSD) Lance “Unique Derique” McGee, educator and circus coach, Ceara Walton, and the organization’s executive and artistic director, David Hunt.

Prescott Circus’ representatives! 

The group will be taking the national stage to perform their act, Higher Ground, A Tribute to the African Roots of Stilt Dancing as part of the festival’s showcase that features selected acts from around the country. The choreographed stilt dance honors the traditions of West African stilt dancing as has been taught to Prescott Circus by Baba Shaka Zulu, a third generation stilt dancer from New Orleans. The youth will also be assisting both McGee and Walton in leading workshops on the traditional Hambone Body Percussion, an expressive form that was born from the resilience of enslaved Africans in the United States. For most of the youth, ages 7 – 16, this will be their first time traveling outside of California and flying in an airplane.

“The opportunity to travel, to go outside my own community, and perform and interact with others, had a pivotal role in my success as an adult.” Former Prescott “Clown,” Edward Smith Lewis who now works for the United Negro College Fund in Atlanta and serves as Treasurer for Prescott Circus.

“I did not have this opportunity when I was a student at Prescott so I’m really excited to help be a part of making this happen for my students.” Ceara Walton, former student-now-instructor who will be leading the program at Prescott Elementary starting this fall.

“We have a national reputation for youth’s talents and our commitment to equity. All of our programs are 100% free- that’s not what you see in many circus programs around the country. This is an incredible opportunity for our youth and we are excited about how they will bring this experience back to inspire others students. Our children are going to be real ambassadors!” David Hunt, Executive/Artistic Director

The organization is working hard to raise the funds to help cover travel costs. The public is invited to assist by making a donation to Prescott Circus through a giving page on Generosity.com. Here is the website: https://igg.me/at/HPKD3WHbKsg

Checks can also be sent directly to Prescott Circus at 800 Pine St.#10, Oakland, CA 94607.

Prescott Circus Theatre. Prescott Circus Theatre is a nonprofit youth development and performing arts education program that serves low income Oakland youth through free after school, weekend, and summer programs. The programs serves over 200 children and the performance company makes appearances and performs at over 50 events each year. Schools served include Prescott, Lafayette, Laurel, Parker, Piedmont Ave. Manzanita SEED, Manzanita Community, and Westlake Middle Schools.

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