The Actors Gymnasium–a multi-disciplined artist training facility in Evanston–announced the addition of Molly Brennan as the new Physical Theatre Director for the Professional Circus Training Program’s 2016-17 year.

“I’m excited to bring on board a co-director that is as dedicated as I am to developing well-rounded performers. By the end of the program, students will be the type of performer the circus/physical theatre world needs today,” says Program & Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.

Brennan is a well-respected player within the theatrical community. Named “Chicago’s Queen of Mischief and Mayhem” by American Theatre Magazine, she has appeared with the Paper Machete, the Moth, Steppenwolf, the Goodman, Lookingglass, Second City, Lyric Opera, and more. She has taught Clown, Devising and Physical Theater at DePaul, UIC, Northwestern, Columbia, Opera-Matic, Steppenwolf, University of Chicago, the Neo-Futurists, and various institutions nationwide.

Brennan has been known for taking on typically male roles, including, Harpo in Goodman’s Theatre’s Animal Crackers, and Smee in Lookingglass’s Peter Pan. She has also appeared as the Red Queen–a role originated by Tony Hernandez–in Lookingglass Alice. Co-founder of CLQWN Mutiny, Company Member of 500 Clown, and co-creator of the Madam Barker Show, Brennan is a strong advocate for building one’s own body of work in addition to working with established organizations.

In addition to her work with the 9-month intensive Pro Training program, she will be offering physical theater classes to the general population at The Actors Gymnasium starting in August.

Applications for the Professional Circus Training Program are now being accepted.