Circa’s ‘Duck Pond’ comes to Penn State on March 22

Contemporary acrobats combine the enchantment of classic tales with the thrill of the circus

 

UNIVERSITY PARK (Monday, March 3, 2025)—Australian cirque company Circa will perform “Duck Pond” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble, “Duck Pond” reimagines the stories of “Swan Lake” and “The Ugly Duckling” by combining circus, theater and dance into an exciting performance for all ages. Touching, funny and utterly entertaining, “Duck Pond” is a tale of identity and finding your true self.

Tickets are $46 for an adult, $10 for a University Park student, and $15 for a person 18 and younger, and are available for purchase online. Tickets are also available by calling 814-863-0255 or in person, weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium.

You can avoid the $4-per-ticket online service fee by calling 814-863-0255; or buying in person from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Visit Discounts for information on available ticket-discount programs, including the Arts Engagement Family Program, a free ticket program for Penn State students, and a ticket discount for Penn State employees.

Visit Circa “Duck Pond” online for more information.

This is the third time Circa has visited Eisenhower Auditorium; the company performed its productions “Opus” in 2015 and “Humans” in 2020.

Circa’s shows, known for their minimalistic approach, explore various themes surrounding the human condition and human interaction through acrobatics. But “Duck Pond,” with its extravagant sets, costumes and clear storyline, follows the “Ugly Duckling” through a tale of love, heartbreak and self-identity.

Be swept away by this tale of swans and hapless princes sparkling with quirky touches, like the decorated duck army and a burlesque black swan. There will be out-of-sight aerials, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and, of course, feathers!

Zachery Stephens, who plays the Prince, said the Circa ensemble wanted to create a production that interested all generations. There are not a lot of younger people who go to the ballet or the orchestra anymore, he said.

“[We] wanted to create something that allowed a bit more engagement with youth, as well as being able to link that to older generations,” Stephens said in a Center for the Performing Arts interview.

Watch a preview of Circa’s “Duck Pond” here.
 

Sensory accommodations

The center welcomes patrons of all sensory sensitivities to its performances. Eisenhower Auditorium is certified by KultureCity as a sensory-friendly venue. Upon request, patrons can sign out a variety of items to accommodate your visit, including noise-reducing earmuffs, anti-strobe glasses, lap pads and fidget toys.

Learn more about the center’s available Accessibility services online.
 

Acknowledgements

“Duck Pond” is co-commissioned by QPAC and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, The Art House Wyong, Frankston Arts Centre, HOTA-Home of the Arts, Merrigong Theatre Company and Orange Civic Theatre.

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Support for this performance is provided by Sidney and Helen S. Friedman Endowment and McQuaide Blasko Endowment.

A grant from the University Park Student Fee Board makes Penn State student prices possible.

Support for accessibility services is provided by William E. McTurk Endowment for Program Support.
 

Find us

For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.