An Interview with Artistic Director of Hupstate Circus Festival

The only all-circus international performance festival in the US, right here in Ithaca!

The Hupstate Circus Festival is a four-day celebration of circus over Labor Day weekend, featuring live performances, community events, and workshops for people of all ages. Through high-impact and accessible programming, Hupstate brings artists and audiences together while elevating circus arts in the United States.

We interviewed Amy Cohen, Hupstate’s Artistic Director, to learn all about this year’s exciting line-up.

Many people still picture elephants and ringmasters when they think of circus. How does Hupstate defy these stereotypes? What can audiences expect?

AC: PT Barnum was probably the best PR guy the world has ever seen! As a result many still have the cultural imprint that he reinforced of elephants and showgirls. 

At Hupstate, you can expect to see circus that reflects the diversity of the artform. Our shows don’t feature wild animals and focus on the extraordinary capacity of humans to push their own potential physically, emotionally, and communally.

Circus is a vast and varied artform with “high” and “low” art as well as entertainment. Imagine if people thought Ballet was the only kind of dance! 

We are excited to show as much range as possible while elevating those people and shows who often don’t get as much visibility for a variety of reasons.

You are bringing elite international artists right into our backyard. What makes Upstate New York such a compelling stage for global talent?

AC: Artists love to retreat to our community - we try and lean into  what is truly special about where we are rather than confirm to try and have big city appeal.  We are a circus person led organization, which also means we have at most one degree of separation from an artist or group which hopefully means we can really meet them where they are.

The schedule includes incredible events that are completely free. How does this festival make world-class performance truly accessible to everyone?

AC: The festival is a true labor of love. We have a volunteer working board, and fundraise for over a year to make it happen. Grants are around 40% of our budget, and all of our housing is donated- without that generosity there would be no festival! 

Hupstate brings so much variety in its programming, including so many options for families. What is one specific show that you think parents and kids will talk about for weeks to come?

AC: Flip Fabrique is a beloved Quebecquoise company that has created a brilliant show where the entire set- trampoline and aerial rig at all- unfold from a converted school bus. We’ve been grateful to have support from the Quebec Consulate to bring them to Hupstate!

For someone who has never been to a contemporary circus festival, the options can be overwhelming. Where is the best place for a beginner to start?

AC: For ticketed shows, take 15 minutes to sit down and watch all of the video that accompanies the shows and choose what feels engaging to you. Some people like to see shows that make them feel comfortable, and some like to feel challenged by something totally out there- we’ve got both options, so it’s nice to reflect on what you are most interested in!

For free shows, everything is family friendly, high flying, and a ton of fun- don’t worry too much about what you see, just show up ready for four days of fun!

Hupstate Festival only happens every two years, and after this one we will have to wait until Labor Day weekend 2028! Why is missing this specific weekend a mistake for locals?

AC: Hupstate is a rare opportunity to see new and different performing arts in our community. Ithaca doesn’t actually see very many touring productions roll through! It’s designed to really fill our well as community members, artists, and people. Seeing circus is not only about the show - it’s about sitting beside others experiencing something together, living in a more tangible and analogue world, and seeing things that expand our notion of risk taking, collaboration, artistry, and athleticism… all right here in Ithaca.