About Us
Beyond the Big Top:
Where Mentorship Takes Center Stage


The San Diego Circus Festival was created to support each individual artist. It offers not only a stage on which to showcase your work, but also a unique opportunity to discuss that work with industry veterans and hear their personal insights. Our goal is for every artist to come away from the festival with actionable feedback that will further their creative and professional development.

Our Team

Jean-Luc Martin
Producer & Director

Jean-Luc’s is the founder and master instructor of the San Diego Circus Center. His performing career includes Pickle Family Circus, Circus Knie, and three tours with Cirque du Soleil. He now is happy to share his love of the circus arts and produce the San Diego Circus Festival to help grow the talent and community around circus in the states.

Stacy Clark
Operations & Artist Relations

Stacy is CEO of CircusTalk.com, the international career marketplace for circus and performing arts. She is also a freelance casting director for a variety of companies including DisneyLand Paris and Spiegelworld. Stacy is a career coach and artistic advisor. Until 2020, Stacy was the Director of Casting at Cirque du Soleil, leading a team of international talent scouts and advisor.

Lora Kapelzczak
Stage Management & Festival Operations
Jen Gueniot
Registreation & Award Committee
Mara Martin
Festival Operations & Artist Relations
Weegie Gueniot
Lighting Design/Operation
Dave Dewey
Audio Engineer
Cole Bennington
Marketing Specialist

A Festival For The Artist

“No scores. No hardcore judging...really valuable growth focused feedback for each and every participant.”

Stacy Clark

CEO of CircusTalk
“We got to give individual feedback to the artists...guiding them on how to improve their acts.”

Charlie Burrows

Casting Advisor at Cirque du Soleil
Want to be seen?
If you are an aspiring artist and have a full act, we want you to apply today to perform in the 4th annual San Diego Circus Festival
Applications Open Fall 2024