As seen on WHACK TV!! Scrap Night on Friday May 1st 7:00 doors - 7:30pm show!! #2ndhandcircus #phillyart #thingstodoinphily #tierrawhack thanks to @philly_circus for including us in your fun afternoon with T-Whack!
Ten years ago, the German wheel was my minor in circus school, and I loved it deeply. After graduating, I couldn’t afford to buy my own, so my training stopped. This fall, I decided to invest in myself and rekindle my passion by traveling from Philadelphia to Baltimore by Amtrak and folding bike to brush up on my skills at In the Dark Circus Arts, under the guidance of my coach, Kelly Jo Chartier. For two months, I made this journey, and during that time, I truly fell back in love with the German wheel. Now, I am determined to get one of my own.
A German wheel is a very expensive piece of equipment, with only a few makers in the world. I am searching for the best option so I can perform at my highest level and give my all to this art form. Having my own wheel would allow me to continue growing and practicing my skills without needing to travel all the way to Baltimore to borrow one. I plan to return to Baltimore in March and April to further develop my skills, but my hope is to have my own wheel by then so I can consistently practice what I learn there. I also run a circus called 2nd Hand Circus, and I hope to one day feature the German wheel in our shows.
I’ve am honored and inspired to have already received a grant from the city of Philadelphia that will cover about a quarter of the cost, and I’m also contributing what I can from my own income. The rest is up to you. Since moving to Philly, my goal has been to help strengthen and grow the local circus community. Bringing the German wheel to Philadelphia would introduce a new discipline and expand the skills and creative possibilities available to artists and audiences alike. One day, I hope to teach workshops and help make German wheel more accessible in the city. Asking for support is vulnerable, but any contribution—big or small—would mean so much and help bring this dream closer to reality.
A German wheel is in many ways can be a unique awkward and very silly apparatus but I think we are in a world that needs more unique awkward and silly things and people filling the world with joy. Circus dose that. I do that! Help me do that #germanwheelusa #phillycircusfest #circusphilly #gofundme
What a dream it was! This new project I am working on @2ndhandcircus feels so good in all the ways. I told my self my next project I just want to work with good people on good things and I feel like I have landed in the best place with this . Working with @ellellastico has been so healing and a beautiful experience of what it’s like to collaborate with somone who gets you! What a dream! And thank you to all that came! And all that sent “brake à legs from à far! Community / making sustainable creative space is one of the most valuable things we can do right now.
This post may make it look like my life is perfect. It’s not. It’s Full or Cars that will not start, rooms that need cleaning and Bills that I’m forced to pay. But for those who have the power to make light in this world I encourage you to do so! We need it now more than ever.
This 2nd hand mastermind BEAST right here…introducing Jack!
Jack Kavanagh is the co-founder of 2nd Hand Circus. Originally from Connecticut, he spent time in Montreal, Vermont, and Banff before moving to Philly. Jack spends his time working six jobs on top of building bridges within the circus community and raising the overall awareness of circus in the public eye.Â
He is thrilled for 2nd Hand Circus to be a community-driven venture and excited for what it may blossom into.
Get your tickets to see Jack and our other performers in @2ndhandcircus Scrap Night on Saturday, November 8th at 8pm at @thunderbirdhall . Ticket link in bio.
#2ndhandcircus #scrapnight #jack #castannouncement #show #philly #phillyarts #circus #phillycircus #secondhand #thrift #vintage #salvage #upcycle #antique #thunderbirdhall #liveentertainment #diabolo #circusarts
