Small Tales, Big Surprises (Ages 3—5)

Parallel Exit creates compelling stories that are family-friendly, cultivating art that speaks to a culturally boundless audience of any age. Productions have received both local and international praise for their inventiveness, energy, and originality, with presentations at such esteemed venues as Lincoln Center, BAM, The New Victory Theater, 59E59 Theaters, and Symphony Space in New York; the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the UK (winning a Spirit of the Fringe Award); and festivals in Poland, Spain, Austria, and Japan. Following an extended German tour in partnership with GOP Variety Arts Theatre Circuit, Parallel Exit served as the powerhouse behind Big Apple Circus’s critically acclaimed The Grand Tour and 40th Anniversary—marking the beginning of a new chapter that radiates with excitement. Their newest work, Sunset Circus, is an intimate, family-friendly circus playing at the Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center starting February 9. 

Joel Jeske is a physical comedian, director, teacher, and creator known for his work with the physical theater company Parallel Exit, where he serves as Associate Artistic Director. He created and performed in Off-Broadway hits like This Way That Way, Cut to the Chase, Room 17B, and Everybody Gets Cake! for which he was nominated for Drama Desk Awards in 2006, 2011, and 2015. JEske has also appeared in films such as Two for the Money and Two Weeks Notice. His TV credits include Sex and the City and The Late Show with David Letterman.

Internationally, Jeske has headlined festivals in Germany, Austria, Spain, and China. As a clown, he created acts for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Cirque du Soleil, and The Big Apple Circus, where he also hosted productions. He teaches circus and clowning internationally and in New York, and has received honors including Clown of the Year (2007) and the Audience Choice Award (2009).

Ryan is a 15-year professional circus artist with a background in artistic gymnastics, diving, kung fu, and tricking. Now, he is an acrobatic generalist with specialties in chair balancing, tramp wall, and ground acrobatics. Ryan has toured for three years with Cirque Éloize's iD and seven years with Cirque du Soleil's Kurios. He plays the character of Luca in Parallel Exit's production Sunset Circus. He also freelances extensively in the New York City area for several clients including The Slipper Room, Lincoln Center, The Muse, House of Yes, and many more.