Contemporary Issues Forum
Sawdust in the Veins: A Circus Artist, Producer, and Founder Shares
- SAT, JULY 25, 2026
- 3:00-4:00 PM
- Hall of Philosophy
SPEAKER:
Pedro Reis
Founder, Production & Artistry Strategist at The Circus Arts Conservatory
Click HERE to watch this lecture recording on CWC’s YouTube channel.
TOPIC:
There’s a heightened quality to the Circus world, where acrobats and aerialists put their lives on the line every single performance. And yet, generation after generation keeps doing it over and over again. Join Circus artist and impresario Pedro Reis, as he shares about his own death-defying feats in the air and around the globe, as well as his post-performing life entirely devoted to displaying the mystery and magic of Circus Arts.
View “Sawdust In My Veins” video from Pedro HERE.
Speaker Bio:
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Pedro Reis began his circus training at the age of 12 at a local YMCA. He developed his skills on the flying trapeze and later helped develop the first circus school in South Africa. He has toured Europe and the USA extensively and has performed before many dignitaries, including now HRH King Charles, the Royal Family of Monaco, and former US President Ronald Regan.
Pedro made his American debut starring with Ringling Brothers’ “The Greatest Show On Earth” in 1984. In 1997, Pedro co-founded the Circus Arts Conservatory, a not-for-profit performing arts and educational organization, dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Circus in Sarasota. Pedro served as its President/CEO and Artistic Director from CAC’s first days until 2025. Since then, Pedro has been consulting and developing multi-disciplinary artistic collaborations through his new venture called Spirit of the Circus. Most recent projects include the second annual production of “Circus & The Bard,” which closes this weekend at Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires.
Venue located on Chautauqua Institution grounds; a gate pass is required.