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Elly Craig: Elly Craig is a circus artist, storyteller, and human connection enthusiast who thrives on the weird, the funny, and the unexpected. Whatever they’re up to, they bring a mix of humor, heart, and a fearless willingness to be foolish. Their work invites audiences to slip out of reality and into the present—laughing, feeling, and seeing the world from a fresh perspective. A natural organizer and advocate, Elly is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and free to be themselves. Follow the antics at @ellylouisecraig!

Kevin Flanagan: Kevin Flanagan is a classical guitarist turned circus artist from Bronxville, NY. His love of music started with his dad, who made sure that growing up sounded strange. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of ten and hasn't stopped playing since. Kevin followed his love of playing to Ithaca College where he first discovered circus which quickly became an obsession all its own. After graduation he went on to study at the Circadium School of Contemporary Circus. He graduated from Circadium in 2021 and since performed with Nouveau Sud, Circus EVO, ABCirque, Almanac Dance Circus Theatre, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The International Jugglers Association, Symphoria, and many more. Kevin specializes in unicycle, partner acrobatics, and juggling. 

Santina Leone: Santina Leone is a New York based dancer and choreographer. This winter she made her professional debut in The Nutcracker with Eglevsky Ballet, and her choreography was selected for the 2025 White Wave Solo/Duo festival in NYC. She is originally from Long Island, New York and received a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (2024). Her training at UNCSA exposed her to the styles of Cunningham, Limón/Humphrey, West African, Horton, ballet, and Countertechnique, as well as compositional practices. At UNCSA she performed contemporary works by Brenda Daniels, Darrell Grand Moultrie, and Dwana Smallwood. She has also performed excerpts of repertory by Trisha Brown, José Limón, Paul Taylor, and Yue Yin. Currently, Santina teaches Pilates, is an operations assistant at ArtBridge, and interns in the costume shop at the Paul Taylor Dance Company.  She hopes to continue to welcome every new experience with an open mind and gentle heart.

Cheya Potter: Cheya Potter, originally from Seattle, WA, is a professional circus artist with a specialty in Chinese Pole. She started her circus journey at the age of twelve in the world of youth circus. By the time she was in high school Cheya had dived head over heels into her love for circus and eventually found her way to Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour (2015-2017).  Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in circus arts, Cheya attended Necca's Protrack Program graduating in 2019. Since graduating she has performed all over the world and worked with companies including Cirque du Soleil and Seven Fingers. Beyond Chinese Pole, Cheya has extensive performance experience in acrobatic and aerial disciplines. She also loves creating new things and working with other people.

Sierra Rhoades Nicholls: Sierra Rhoades Nicholls has been turning herself upside-down for as long as she can remember. A lover of all things acrobatic and exhilarating, she trained as a gymnast her whole life and has fallen in love with standing on her hands. Sierra studied handstands for two years at Circus Maine Professional Training Program and then went on to attend Circadium School of Contemporary Circus in Philadelphia, PA where she graduated in June 2021. In an effort to make work that spreads roots deep into our souls, Sierra has devoted her life to her craft. That devotion has led her to work with companies such as Circus EVO, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Nouveau Sud, ABCirque Productions, Cirqovations, Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Company and many more! Sierra's desire to help others find their way in circus too led her to found CSAW - Connecting Circus Students Around the World in 2018. CSAW is a non-profit devoted to making resources and financial aid accessible for the circus community.  CSAW is most well known for its BIPOC grant programs, you can learn more at

Dom Sebastian: Dom is a Hip-Hop & Contemporary Fusion Artist trained in Street Dance, social grooves, and contemporary dance. He's battled amongst B-Boys, shot commercials for Samsung and NatGeo, done blogs for Verizon, and is a part of an elite dance community known as the Red Bull Beat Riders. He's taught for organizations including the NC Folk Festival, Colorado University, UNCSA, and Old Dominion. He was the first Hip-Hop Dance Instructor to teach at ADF's Samuel Scripps Studios and has trained with the National Dance Institute. Dom has been an Adjunct Professor for Elon University and Salem College and has worked with Schools in his hometown as an Arts Integrated Facilitator, using art as a learning tool to assist teachers in Title 1 schools. In his free time, Dom-Sebastian teaches private lessons and works with local stores to produce social media content to promote their businesses. 

Team
Houston Odum: Houston Odum is from Jamestown, North Carolina . He's had an immense passion for Circus since he was young. He began juggling at age 9 and won awards such as a Bronze Medal at the Juniors World Championships in 2017. He studied Design & Production at UNC School of the Arts. As the COVID Pandemic hit in 2020, Houston founded Circus EVO, North Carolina's own Circus PerformanceCompany. The company is now in its 5th year and continues to grow since its founding. "My greatest passion is working with people to create something 'extra'ordinary. Solstice is the embodiment of that. It's a call to action to dream, and to not forget what's around you every single day. We're so grateful for the support of our audiences as Solstice is a pivotal project for us, touring to 3 cities across North Carolina for the first time! This cast and team have a special place in my heart and I'm incredibly grateful to each and every person involved in 'Solstice' to bring this project to life!"

Amanda Fisk: With a love for the live entertainment industry, Amanda has been in the world of lighting design and technology since 2014. Her journey has taken her across the states, and she is currently based in Denver, Colorado. She graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Lighting Design and Technology from UNC School of the Arts. Notable credits include Assistant Lighting  Designer for Franco Dragone and Criss Angel's  Amystika, Assistant Lighting Designer for the first national tour of & Juliet.  “I’m thrilled to be bringing Solstice back to North Carolina and beyond this year. This show holds a special place in my heart. I hope that everyone who sees the show finds as much joy and light as we did in creating this show, through the story, the artistry, and this wonderful community of Artists.”

Composer: Bella Nona of Opening, Banquine, Bboy/Ballet, Finale

Banquine Choreography: Sierra Rhoades, Kevin Flanagan, and Liam Bradley

General Stage Manager: Evan Hausthor

Sound Designer: Camille Everett

Production Electrician & Light Director: Liz Shekhterman

Props Artisan: Emma Thomas

Painted Drop Artisan | Majestic Scenic Company