Dec. 8, 2024

Talking Circus with CircusTalk | Stacy Clark

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The memory of my first-ever invert on a pole — when I hung upside down—remains vivid as if it happened yesterday. That experience with the circus arts community in Malaysia opened my eyes to a vast and captivating genre that thrives on its interdisciplinarity. So, when the opportunity arose to delve into this season's exploration of interdisciplinarity, I was fortunate enough to discover CircusTalk, an international online platform previously led by Canadian Casting Director and Career Coach, Stacy Clark.

Stacy Clark is a seasoned professional in the circus and performing arts industry, and she’s no stranger to the stage herself. Before making a name in the circus world, Stacy worked in marketing and communications. Eventually, she left that behind to perform and teach circus arts across the globe, on stage, at festivals, and even on screen. Her career trajectory then led her to become a talent scout and eventually the Director of Casting at the renowned Cirque du Soleil. In 2021, Stacy joined CircusTalk as CEO, determined to help a small but ambitious team transform the platform into a global hub for the circus arts community.

Kickstarting a brand new season and month of Dance Interdisciplinarity, this episode explores the intricate world of circus arts, challenges of managing an all-encompassing online platform and the essence of interdisciplinary arts. Ready to discover the circus within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtracks:

Birds - Tyler Twombly
Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
Chaos in the Mouse Kingdom - SergeQuadrado
The circus marched down bourbon street - Melodyayresgriffiths

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Chapters

01:58 - Introduction

14:50 - Know thyself, and keep checking in!

24:18 - Life by design

33:59 - Don’t be an a**hole

Stacy Clark

CEO / Casting director /Career coach

My ethos: equanimity, perseverance, and an unwavering conviction in one’s proven abilities and untapped potential are essential attributes of success.

I am a seasoned professional in the entertainment and performing arts industry, with communications and team leadership at the heart of my strategic and operational responsibilities.

For three years I led CircusTalk (the online career marketplace for circus and performing arts) to a 25% growth in membership while developing international arts-focused media content, enhancing the talent database, and expanding global collaborations with industry stakeholders ranging from festivals to professional schools to performing arts organizations.

In my past role of Director of Casting at Cirque du Soleil I created and nurtured a strengths-based team culture enabling colleagues from all walks of life to thrive in their respective roles within the department.

As a talent scout, manager and then director responsible for artist recruitment and departmental leadership, I cultivated relationships in international performance communities, refining my skills in diplomacy and cross-cultural communications. I am a skilled evaluator and finessed in the art of feedback. Working with both internal and external stakeholders I shaped training partnerships and talent development programs.

In my pre-performing arts chapter, I honed my marketing and communications skills at Bombardier Aerospace (Regional Aircraft) and Field Day, a strategic communications agency whose client list centered around the arts, s… Read More