Circus Camp at The Palace Brings the Big Top to Life for Stamford Youth

This summer, dozens of Stamford children are experiencing the joy of the big top in a whole new way – as performers. Circus Camp at The Palace, in a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, brought the circus arts to the Yerwood Center in Stamford for the second consecutive year. The Palace Theatre provided scholarships to 30 children in kindergarten through third grade through a grant from the First County Bank Foundation, Inc.

Circus Camp at The Palace, held July 17-20, 2017, focused on teaching campers a number of hands on, exciting skills – from juggling and plate spinning to physical comedy and classic slapstick. Campers worked closely with two professional circus artists and performers from the Big Apple Circus, Liz Bolick and Therese Schorn, to create original circus and clown routines.

“Arts Education is extremely important to The Palace,” said the organization’s Executive Director, Michael Moran. “As a non-profit, we understand the importance of collaboration and see the tremendous value of reaching out through the arts to benefit our community. We are pleased to be able to share Circus Camp with the Boys and Girls Club for the second year in a row and look forward to further partnerships.”

The Palace’s Arts in Education programs are held year round and strive to educate, challenge and inspire area youth by offering opportunities in performing, choreography, master classes and intensives in acting, voice and dance. Students learn skills that are important in academic and life success such as confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, perseverance and focus.

“We value our partnership with The Palace Theatre as we strive to give all the children of Stamford opportunities to develop their talents and interests,” said Michael Cotela, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. “The Circus Camp, as part of The Palace Theatre’s ArtsKids Program, was a fun way for our summer camp kids to improve motor skills, develop teamwork and improve their concentration level in a creative environment. Thanks to everyone at The Palace Theatre for supporting the children of Stamford who need us the most at our Boys & Girls Club!”

Circus Camp at the Palace was made possible through the generosity of the First County Bank Foundation. The Foundation provides charitable contributions to non-profit organizations that support quality of life and educational enrichment for families and children. Its giving reflects the dedication and charitable inclination of First County Bank, its directors, corporators, officers and employees.

“First County Bank Foundation is pleased to provide funding for a program that brings such joy to local children. What’s better than experiencing the fun of the circus while learning the skills that these big top professionals use when performing,” said Reyno A. Giallongo, chairman and CEO of First County Bank and President of First County Bank Foundation.

The Palace Theatre is located at 61 Atlantic Street in Stamford, CT. They can be reached at (203) 325-4466 or by visiting www.palacestamford.org. For the latest news and updates, follow @ThePalaceTheatreStamford on Facebook and @PalaceStamford on Twitter.