The American circus is now at a critical point, which is reflected in the growth of training schools and the increasing financial challenges of realizing high-quality productions. In this panel discussion, prominent circus leaders will consider such questions as the impact of a distressed economy on touring; the growing applications of circus arts in therapeutic, developmental, and athletic education; and the relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to professional training, funding, and artistic collaboration.

Ernest Albrecht is the publisher of Spectacle Magazine.

Amy Cohen is the director of the American Youth Circus Organization.

Dominique Jando is the director of the San Francisco School of Circus Arts and the former associate artistic director of Big Apple Circus.

Keith Nelson is the director of Bindlestiff Family Cirkus.

Matthew Wittmann is the curator of Circus and the City: New York, 1793–2010