"One Man's Trash: A Repurposed Circus" Turns Waste in Wonder

Get ready for an unforgettable night of creativity and spectacle as "One Man's Trash: A Repurposed Circus," jumps, flips and summersaults into the New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro, Vt. on March 22. Presented by the innovative troupe Cirque Us, this thrilling show transforms everyday discarded objects into mesmerizing circus feats. Join them for an evening of wonder, where the beauty of repurposed art meets the magic of circus in a show unlike any other. Audiences will find themselves immersed in a world where everyone lives in a junkyard, and everyone is excited about sorting through the trash. Every piece of trash pulled out of a trash can turns into an exciting act, filling the stage with incredible high-flying aerialists, quirky clowns, breathtaking acrobatics, daring stunts and imaginative storytelling. Cirque Us proves that one person's trash is another's treasure, delivering a performance that is as heartwarming as it is astonishing. "The show is about teamwork, friendship, communication and coming together. It's a high energy show that people really enjoy," said Doug Stewart, director of Cirque Us. Originally produced in 2016, "One Man's Trash" is back again for its 5th national tour following the overwhelming success of its 2022 and 2023 revivals. With the limitless spirit and can-do attitude of the circus, this cast reanimates all that's left in trash cans and littered in the garage to create an astonishing testament to the power of community and teamwork — be it the pass of a juggling club or the leap of an acrobat. Since its founding in 2016, Cirque Us has rapidly grown into one of the most notable contemporary circus companies in the country. Its eight original company members quite literally stitched a show together with recycled materials and old car tires. "The fun thing about the premise of this show," explained Stewart, "is that this was started by the company when we were 20-year-olds and in college. We thought, 'how could we make a show and do it for free?'" Trash! The group found recycled materials, thrifted costumes and handmade props and came together to create this show out of nothing. Since then, Cirque Us has expanded to produce and tour original, full-length works year after year, alongside educational experiences such as camps, workshops and other events for people of all ages and abilities. The 2025 troupe of "One Man's Trash" includes: Doug Stewart, Mariah Fraker, Jeremy Cifonie, Tyler Jacobson, Sam Hollis and Ava Kapelczak. They come from across the United States and have a collective resume which includes Machine de Cirque, Cirque Mechanics, Cirque Dreams, Flynn Creek Circus, Krystallpalast Varieté, The 7 Fingers, Circus Smirkus, SeaWorld and more. "One Man's Trash: A Repurposed Circus" opens in Brattleboro at the New England Center for Circus Arts Trapezium on March 22 for one show only, beginning at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. The show will have preshow performances by NECCA students. Tickets are $16 for youth and seniors, $25 for general admission and $35 for VIP. Tickets and additional information are available online at www.thecirqueus.com or www.necenterforcircusarts.org. Since 2007, New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) has emerged as the premiere circus arts training facility in the nation, blending athleticism and artistry and hosting professional circus artists as performers and coaching staff. The mission of NECCA is to provide high quality circus arts training for students and artists while facilitating greater access and programming to everyone. As a non-profit organization, NECCA ensures financial and inclusive access to serve students of all ages and abilities to learn circus skills, have a wellness practice and experience the joy of play through recreational circus classes, pre-professional and professional programs and workshops. Learn more at www.necenterforcircusarts.org.