Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started training to be an acrobat at the age of 5 and began performing at the age of seven. In my late twenties, after several years of traveling with Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Baily Circus, I decide to move to Chicago. I wasn’t sure what the future would hold for me here, but the city was exciting and seemed full of possibilities.
Shortly after moving here, I was introduced to live theater, I was hired by a director at The DePaul Theater School to incorporate some circus style movement into one of their productions. I loved the environment, I loved the people. The atmosphere of trust, loyalty, and teamwork was comforting in its familiarity.
After that show, I was hired by Lookingglass Theatre Company, training actors and incorporating circus into their production of The Master and Margarita. It was then that the idea of an “actor’s gymnasium” was formed. A place where performers could train in all aspects of physical theater including circus.
The Actors Gymnasium was founded in 1995 by two theater makers, a theater critic, and a circus performer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The four founders of The Actors Gymnasium were from totally different backgrounds. We all brought something unique to the table. For me it was my circus background- I had very little knowledge of running a business, We all worked for several years trying to figure out what we wanted the place to be. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be all things to all of us and one by one the other founders moved on to other pursuits. For me, though, it turned out to be all things. A place where people come and learn. Push themselves beyond what they thought was physically possible. Discover what they are really made of.
The struggle for me is the same as anyone running a small not-for-profit arts organization. We pay our artists with revenue from classes, but we give out generous scholarships for those classes so that they can be accessible to all. This makes paying artists and teachers what they deserve a challenge. It’s a balancing act.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Actors Gymnasium – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My style of circus is less “death-defying” and more artistic. I encourage students to take risks in a controlled, safe space. The students learn to trust and be trustworthy. The environment this creates is what I am most proud of. Watching students and performers of all ages push their boundaries and overcome fears is the most gratifying part of my work.
I try to instill in my students that there are no limits to the benefits of training in the circus arts.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The Actors Gymnasium is a hub of activity. We have a professional training program that is in its third year. We have children’s classes and productions. We produce nine shows a year at the Gym and work in association with Lookingglass Theater and other theater companies in Chicago. It’s a lot.
Keeping circus alive is my plan for the future.
Pricing:
- Our ticket prices for shows range from $15.00-$25.00
- Our camp prices vary but start at $80.00 a day
- Our ticket prices for shows range from $15.00-$25.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 927 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL 60201 - Website: actorsgymnasium.org
- Phone: 847-328-2795
- Email: email@actorsgymnasium.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActorsGymCircus
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/actorsgymnasium
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/the-actors-gymnasium-evanston
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
