Staff Biographies

CircEsteem has grown to such an amazing program because of the countless hours and limitless energy given by circus professionals, curious volunteers, and excited educators, passing on what they know. Our staff has gone on to tour with circuses as acrobats and clowns, gone to public and private schools bringing circus to their classrooms and started outreach programs of their own.

Andy Monson-Circus Instructor

Andy Monson is a Chicago artist who has spent years working in theatre and circus.  He holds an acting degree from Roosevelt University where he studied commedia as well as other forms of clowning.  His first exposure to circus came from the Gamma Phi Circus of Illinois State University where he studied and later instructed in his hometown of Bloomington.  He has taught with a number of youth programs and led workshops in subjects ranging from dance, clowning, Shakespeare and stage combat.  Keep playing!