2025 COMPANY - HOOPLA!

Abigail Munn - Director & Ringmaster

Since its inception, Abigail has been directing, creating and producing new work for Circus Bella. Along with the more conventional duties she has also served as the company's truck driver, catering service and laundress. An accomplished dancer, choreographer, and aerialist, Munn holds a BFA in Modern Dance from UC Santa Barbara. As a child, who was born and raised in SF, she appeared with the Pickle Family Circus, and later with Zoppe Italian Family Circus, Lone Star Circus, the Moisture Festival, the New Pickle Circus, Cabaret Verdelet, Circus Cabaret, Tease-O-Rama, Va Voom Room, and The Velvet Hammer Burlesque. Munn was commended in the New York Times for her performance in Alma Esperanza Cunningham’s Princess. Munn co-directed the nouveau-vaudeville troupe Kitty Bang, an internationally recognized three-time “Best of the Bay” winner that is influential in the modern Burlesque resurgence.

Over the past few years Abigail has become increasingly involved in advocacy work for the Circus Arts. When transitioning Circus Bella performers to Employees, she became aware that the current workers compensation rates and policy descriptions in California were way out of step with the current reality of the Circus Industry. Munn embarked on a one woman quest to help change this and after initiating a study from the Workers Comp Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB), rates were significantly lowered (by 80%) for ALL Circus Companies in California. In addition, she is a founding member and on the board of the American Circus Alliance. abigailmunn.com

Veronica Blair - Aerial Straps

Veronica Blair is an accomplished aerialist, choreographer, and circus researcher. She is the recipient of the 2021 Gerbode Foundation's Choreographers Award, the 2020 American Circus Educators Award for Innovation, and the Community Impact at the inaugural International Circus Awards for her work on the Uncle Junior Project, a multimedia archive spotlighting People of African descent in American circus. Under the same project, Veronica curated a live exhibition titled "Entrapment to Entertainment: A Celebration of Black People in American Circus" in 2013. Her impactful work has earned her invitations to speak at the Smithsonian, SF Int’l. Arts Festival, and facilitate panel discussions engaging conversations about institutional barriers, individual biases, and abuse prevention in the circus industry as part of the Circus and Changing Realities series in partnership with CircusTalk.com. instagram.com/veronica_blair_aerialist

Toni Cannon - Chinese Pole

Toni is consistently working on finding new ways to express himself through acrobatics. He finds the challenge thrilling, and very relatable to life’s challenges. Toni started his circus career later in life however, that didn’t stop him from diving deep into his new found love and passion. He has been lucky enough to train under some great coaches like Master Lu Yi, and Dominik Wyss learning disciplines like Chinese pole, partner acrobatics, and Hand to hand. He has been a part of some amazing companies and productions like Topsy Turvy Circus, Circus Bella, This is Acrosanct, When the rainbow is Enuf, and his one man show Reflection. instagram.com/acrocannon

Dwoira Galilea - Aerial Hoop

Dwoira Galilea is a circus performer specializing in aerial arts and contortion. She was a rhythmic gymnast from age 9-13, and began circus training at age 11. She has been performing professionally for 15 years and is known for her glamorous makeup, wardrobe, and ability to captivate an audience. She has toured across the globe performing with traditional and contemporary circus and cruise ships. While not on tour she performs locally at dinner cabarets, corporate events and galas, nightclubs and special events. Companies include Strut & Fret, the Vau de Vire Society, Golden Gate Dolls, Cirque Estival, Cirque Mondo, Summer Circus Spectacular, Earth Circus Productions, Circosphere, the Edwardian Ball, Velocity Circus, Celebrity Cruises Entertainment, P&O Cruises, Circus Hamid, Fantazia Circus, Shrine Circus, the Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, Star Star Roadhouse * Black Rock City, Sister Magic Productions and the 50th Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Currently Dwoira is pursuing a Pilates Certification and performing as much as humanly possible. instagram.com/dwoiragalilea

Elise Hing - Contortion

Elise was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA where she fell in love with circus at a young age. After discovering her natural bendiness at 12, she developed a passion for contortion. She trains regularly in San Francisco, with her coach Leslie Tipton, and has performed contortion all over the bay area. Elise loves to connect and share her talents with the audience, but when not upside down, she enjoys wandering through the redwoods, spending time with her pets, and working on her next sewing project. In addition to performing with Circus Bella Elise has had the pleasure of performing with Flynn Creek Circus and at Viva fest Las Vegas, 2022 and 2023, where she competed as an emerging pro. instagram.com/elise_hing

Willem McGowen - Diablo

Willem McGowan began juggling at the age of 12 in Oak Park, IL. After training with different youth circus organizations, Willem later moved to Quebec City, Canada, where he attended l’école de Cirque de Québec and graduated in 2017 with a specialty in Diabolo. Since finishing school, Willem has performed around the world with various companies, including the Midnight Circus in Chicago, Strut & Fret in Australia, and Circus Monti in Switzerland. Willem previously performed with Circus Bella in 2018 and has been missing it ever since! He's excited to show the Bay Area circus audience what he's been working on for the last 7 years...

Ori Quesada - Rola Bola

Ori Quesada is a proud Bay Area born and raised acrobat who began training and performing at age 7 under Master Lu Yi and Teacher Xia Ke Min in traditional Chinese Acrobatics in San Francisco. He grew up training and performing a multitude of different acrobatic acts and at 16 he began specializing in a Rola Bola Kick Bowls solo act, which he still performs today. Spanning over 25 years, Ori has had the privilege to perform with Troupe Vertigo, Sweet Can, Circus Bella, Circus Nonsense, the Santa Rosa Symphony, in the first Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, and with the LA Opera. Most recently he performed as a cast member of The Rainbow is Enuf. Ori is thrilled to be back with Circus Bella this time under the big top! facebook.com/oriana.quesada.7

Jack Weinstock - Foot Juggling, Roustabout & Company Artisan

Jack likes to think of herself as a master harpsichordist, a skilled hat maker, and possibly even a well-seasoned cast iron. Alas, she is none of those things. What she does have, however, is a degree in technical theater and design from San Francisco State University, which she put to good use by making a series of intriguing life choices that somehow led her to graduate from the SF Circus Center’s Clown Conservatory. Following this, she then trained as a foot juggler at the Hebei Wuqiao School of Acrobatic Arts in China.Her resume includes two years as San Marin High School’s Technical Director and instructor, along with teaching stints at Circus Center and Prescott Circus Theater. Now, with an arsenal of crafting tools, paintbrushes, and a deep affection for schlepping whimsical whatnots, Jack is thrilled to be back with the fabulous Circus Bella. 

THE CIRCUS BELLA ALL STAR BAND:

Rob Reich - Bandleader - Accordion, Keyboard, Glockenspiel

Rob Reich has performed in concert halls, circus tents, dance clubs, and chapels. This breadth of experience has made him a foremost performer and composer in the Bay Area. Reich grew up in Long Island, NY, studying piano from age three. He graduated with a degree in Music Composition from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied with John Luther Adams and Pauline Oliveros. In 2000 he moved to the Bay Area, where he discovered the accordion, now his primary instrument. Reich's music defies genre, combining strong melodic ideas, rhythmic drive, and a spirit of irreverence and experimentation. His many musical projects include serving as long-time musical director for Circus Bella. He's also known for his work with Tin Hat & Gaucho. Reich recently released an EP of original music, Cloisters, available on Bandcamp. "Whatever context he's in, Reich transforms it into a creative hothouse where thousands of musical flowers bloom.” - Andy Gilbert, East Bay Express. www.robreich.com

Ian Carey - Trumpet

Ian Carey is an East Bay-based trumpeter, slide whistler, composer, and educator. When he's not circus-izing, he can be found performing with his groups the Ian Carey Quintet+1 and Wood/Metal/Plastic, with bands like the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra, the Morchestra, and Anthony Brown's Asian-American Orchestra, or teaching at places like CA Jazz Conservatory and Sonoma State. He is also a graphic designer. www.iancareyjazz.com

Shaina Evoniuk - Violin (12/13-12/23)

Shaina Evoniuk is an electric and acoustic violinist, writer, arranger, band leader, and recording artist who has been dazzling audiences for over a decade. Shaina earned her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and currently leads the Jazz Mafia String Section. Shaina spends much of her time writing and recording strings and has had her work featured on two GRAMMY-winning albums (Leon Bridges' 2019 GRAMMY-winning song Bet Aint Worth The Hand & Lizzo’s 2020 GRAMMY-winning album, Cuz I Love You) as well as several GRAMMY-nominated albums. No stranger to the stage though, she has performed with ODESZA, Smokey Robinson, Sigur Ros, Train, TroyBoi, Gregory Porter, Third Eye Blind, Roy Ayers, Chicago, Macy Gray, and more! Highlights of her performance career include appearances at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Super Bowl XLIX, Montreal Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Beijing’s Spring Festival, and a collaboration with dancers Lil Buck & Jon Boogz for an audience of 10,000 people at Despertares in Guadalajara Mexico. For more information please visit www.ShainaE.com and say hi on Instagram @shainaviolinista

Kasey Knudsen - Saxophone

Kasey Knudsen is a SF-based saxophonist, composer & educator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2002. She has been dubbed "one of the region's most esteemed saxophonists" (Andrew Gilbert, SF Classical Voice, 2018) and was included in a list of "10 Female Instrumentalists Who Redefine Jazz" by Alexa Peters of Paste Magazine (2016). As a composer, Knudsen has been commissioned by the San Jose Jazz 'New Works Festival'; InterMusic SF's Small Chamber Music Grant; Intersection For the Arts; the De Young Museum; and the CA Jazz Conservatory's Emerging Artist Series. In addition to leading a number of her own projects, as a co-leader, she is involved in several groups including the Schimscheimer Family Trio, the Holly Martins, and the Klaxon Mutant Allstars.

Knudsen collaborates frequently with many of the most unique musical voices in the Bay Area including multiple performances across the USA and Europe with TuneYards; a myriad of shows and festivals across the world with Fred Frith and the Gravity Band; a tour of the Pacific Northwest with the Charlie Hunter Quartet and a wide variety of performances with Erik Jekabson, Circus Bella, the Ian Carey Quintet + 1, Ben Goldberg, the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra, Beth Schenck, and many more. www.kaseyknudsenmusic.com

Michael Pinkham - Percussion

Michael Pinkham has been a working Bay Area drummer since the early 90's (1st gig at Berkeley Square). He has played, recorded and toured nationally and internationally with many artists including: Peter Rowan's Big Twang Theory, Linda Tillery, Joan Baez, the Oakland Symphony, Oakland Interfaith gospel Choir, Matt Montgomery & the Petty Troubles Orchestra, The SF Mime Troupe, Samba do Coracao, Diego's Umbrella, Albino!, New Monsoon and many others. Michael currently holds the drum Chair with the Circus Bella All-Star Band (since 2008), the Bay Area's old-world soul group, Kugelplex, Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project (PSDSP), Milk For The Angry, Jesse Ray Smith Band and is a founding and current member of the Lost at Home Drumline.

Jonathan Seiberlich - Tuba

Over the past 10 years, Jonathan Seiberlich has become a prominent member of the SF Bay Area’s vibrant music scene. On any given night you may hear him perform with the SF Symphony, the Nomad Session Wind Octet, Jazz Mafia Collective, Grateful Brass, Honor Brass Band, Circus Bella, Kyle Athayde Dance Party, or playing solo at MacArthur BART Station. Jonathan has also performed alongside internationally renowned acts such as Sigur Ros, Veronica Swift, Peter Apfelbaum, Josh Jones, and The California Honeydrops.

In addition to his work as a tuba player, Jonathan is an accomplished producer, composer, arranger, and songwriter. Since 2015 he has been producing albums of music under the name Jensen Engineering. These albums include a variety of original songs and collaborations with other renowned Bay Area instrumentalists, singers, and rappers. More recently, Jonathan has formed the Jonathan Seiberlich Quintet, which performs original instrumental music featuring a blend of New Orleans “brass band” instrumentation, classical composition, and improvisation.

Jonathan was born and raised in Concord, CA. He began his musical studies at Los Medanos College, then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Tuba Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory and a Masters degree in Tuba Performance from USC. Over the course of his career, he has studied with Peter Wahrhaftig, Ron Bishop, Jim Self, Norm Pearson, Doug Tornquist, Roger Bobo, and Zachariah Spellman. He is currently the Tuba Faculty at Sonoma State University and has been teaching students of all ages for over 15 years.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Autumn Adamme - Costume Design

Dark Garden founder Autumn Adamme became known as the Godmother of Modern Corsetry after launching the business in 1989, reviving corsets for a modern body and audience. Autumn made her first corset at 12, having already developed an abiding interest in historical costuming and alternative aesthetics. Shortly after reaching the age of majority, she turned the crafting of custom corsets and ensembles into the groundbreaking business which established many of the techniques and standards observed by corset makers across the world today.

Carlo Gentile - Production Director

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Carlo has been teaching, directing, and performing circus for the past 15 years. He is a graduate of SF Circus Center’s Clown Conservatory and has trained in China, where he went to perfect his foot juggling act. Carlo has performed with the Royal Lichtenstein Circus as a clown, juggler, unicyclist, and diabolo artist, with St. Louis’ celebrated Circus Flora, has toured extensively with the Zoppé Italian Family Circus, and has appeared with his family for many years with Circus Bella’s “Circus in The Parks” and “Kaleidoscope,” He was Artistic Directors of CircEsteem and the Chicago Youth Circus.

Andrew Heller - Sound Engineer

Bio Coming Soon!

Daniela Blancas - Marketing and Social Media Intern

Daniela was born and raised in San Francisco an is a student at San Francisco State majoring in Marketing. She loves listening to music especially kpop hopes to have a career in the media/live entertainment industry in the future.

ADMINISTRATION:

Abigail Munn - Executive Director
Carlo Gentile - Production Manager and Right-Hand Man
Lawrence Helman - Publicity
Rhonda Sauce - House Manager
David Messimore - Box Office Manager
June Price - Merchandise
Jill Skinner, Zebra Accounting - Accountant
Prudy Kohler - Grantwriting

Photo Credits: Aaron Weinstock