— Photo by Amy Swain

By Amy Swain 

The Open Air Circus is back. Beginning June 23, young performers from all over Massachusetts flocked to Somerville to start training for the many exciting events the circus brings to town: stilting, miming, juggling, and so much more.

This annual event celebrates its 30th year in 2015. Chairperson Peter Jehlen recently said his favorite part of the circus is “Seeing the kids enjoying physical activity and growing into young leaders.”

That idea is personal for Jehlen, as he himself grew from a training performer into a leader. Jehlen began his training with the circus in its first year, when he was just five years old. Then, his favorite acts were stilting, juggling, and stage combat. Now he devotes his time to organizing and supervising this non-profit organization for five weeks of summer.

The talented staff performs this show exclusively in Somerville, but they also offer specialty training in other cities upon request. These are all students who have proved talented and interested in continuing on as performers. Students often continue to perform in other Boston area events, such as festivals, fairs and parades.

As of now, there are roughly 125 students enrolled. This is slightly lower than the average year, and students are still encouraged to sign up. There is no age cutoff for students, and all classes (barring intermediate or advanced classes requiring prerequisite) are available. Many of the students perform in several different acts come performance day. It is recommended to get involved by the third week to ensure enough training time.

Classes are held weekly on Tuesdays at Nunziato Field, Wednesdays at Foss Park, and Thursdays at Nathan Tufts Park, continuing three days a week until July 23, followed by two rehearsal days.

Performances will be held July 31 at 7 p.m., August 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and August 2 at 2 p.m. More information can be found at openaircircus.org.