Fern Street Circus was founded in 1990 by John Highkin and Cindy Zimmerman to explore circus as an artistic and narrative form and to function as a means for artists to work in neighborhoods. The first production, in 1991, launched an annual series of whimsical, narrative circus shows set amid an urban landscape. These eagerly anticipated productions are premiered in Balboa Park each spring, then form the basis for a Southern California neighborhood tour during the remainder of the year. In addition, artists from Fern Street Circus are available for corporate and community work, providing entertainment ranging from a single performer to an entire circus production.
In 1993, the After-School Circus Skills Program at Golden Hill Recreation Center was launched. Satellite circus skill programs were then added in Linda Vista, San Ysidro and at Roosevelt Junior high School. In 2003 Bobby Hartman became Program Director and took over the management of the education department. The programs at Golden Hill and Roosevelt are the mainstay of our current education program.
Since late 2003, when John Highkin retired, a group of individuals, most of whom had close ties to Fern Street Circus in the past have carried on the spirit and tradition of the circus while adding their own creative and administrative skills to the mix. This year Fern Street Circus will be celebrating our 20th anniversary show. Many familiar faces, both current and from the last 20 years, will be seen on stage and in the audience in Balboa Park in May.