Vegas Variety Circus Festival
STAGE DEBUT
In collaboration with Vazquez Integral Arts
VVCF
STAGE DEBUT
In collaboration with Vazquez Integral Arts
OUR VISION
Vegas Variety Circus Festival: Stage Debut is an entry into the world of traditional circus performance—where emerging and amateur artists step into an authentic circus ring, under the tent, just as generations before them have done.
Set within a true circus environment, Stage Debut offers artists more than exposure—it offers experience. A moment where training meets tradition, and where performers feel the excitement and honor of entering the ring for the first time.
This is where artists begin their journey building confidence, discovering their artistic voice, and connecting to the living legacy of circus arts.
OUR MISSION
At VVCF: Stage Debut, our mission is to create meaningful performance opportunities for emerging artists by placing them inside an authentic circus setting that honors the integrity of the art form.
Through this experience, we aim to:
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Develop confidence, discipline, and artistic expression in Stage Debut performers
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Preserve and pass down the traditions of Circus Arts to the next generation
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Provide a supportive and inspiring environment where artists can take their first step into the circus ring
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Bridge the gap between training and professional performance
In collaboration with Vazquez Integral Arts, Stage Debut is not just a showcase—it is an invitation into the heritage, history, and spirit of circus.
STEP INTO THE RING AT STAGE DEBUT
Presented as part of the Vegas Variety Circus Festival
In collaboration with Vazquez Integral Arts (ViA) & the ViA Foundation
STAGE DEBUT welcomes circus artists ages 6+ of all levels — from artists preparing their very first act to experienced students developing toward a professional career.
Perform beneath an authentic Circus Big Top in Las Vegas, present your act before an international jury of circus professionals, receive individualized feedback, and connect with artists from around the world.
CHOOSE YOUR FESTIVAL WEEKEND
October 10–11 | October 17–18 | October 24–25, 2026
Choose your preferred festival weekend when registering. Each artist will be assigned either Saturday or Sunday of their selected weekend for their Stage Debut presentation.
Daily Stage Debut Schedule
8:00–9:45 AM • Rehearsal
10:00 AM–12:00 PM • Act Presentations & Jury Feedback
Awards Presentation • Following Act Presentations
AWARDS & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Artists will be considered for three Stage Debut awards:
Technical Excellence • Artistic Excellence • Best Overall
Select artists may also be invited by the jury to perform in the Marinelli Bros. Circus production beneath the same Big Top on Sunday evening of their festival weekend.
Standout artists may receive additional consideration for the Vegas Variety Circus Festival Main Professional Festival, October 29–November 1.
YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES
• Stage rehearsal and act presentation
• Individualized feedback from an international jury of circus professionals
• Official Vegas Variety Circus Festival T-shirt
• One ticket for each registered artist to the VVCF Main Professional Festival (Oct 29-Nov 1)
• Access to VIP ticket pricing for the Main Professional Festival
• Eligibility for Stage Debut awards and select performance opportunities
Spots are limited. Choose your weekend and take your next step into the circus ring!
Behind the Curtain of VVCF
Artistic Director & Co-founder
Julia Makarova
The Vegas Variety Circus Festival is led by a team of experts, with our Artistic director recognized globally for their achievements in the circus industry. A winner of numerous prestigious prizes at some of the world's most famous circus festivals like Festival Internacional del Circo Elafant d'Or Girona, International Circus festival of Italy Latina, Chimelong Hengqin international Circus City Festival and many more, our Artistic director leads a team of talented individuals who come together to bring the magic of circus to life.
"As the Artistic director of the 1st international Vegas Variety Circus Festival, I pride myself on delivering the most thrilling and breathtaking performances from the world's best circus performers. With my years of experience in the circus industry and my passion for entertainment, I guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all our attendees."
FOUNDER/ PRODUCER
MAXIM POPAZOV
7th GENERATION OF THE 150 YEAR OLD WORLD FAMOUS
POPAZOV-KOCH RUSSIAN CIRCUS DYNASTY. WELL KNOWN AROUND THE
WORLD FOR HIS 3 UNIQUE HAND BALANCING ACTS: HAND BALANCING ON
PEDESTAL IN THE STYLE OF THE FAMOUS UKRAINIAN PERFORMER ANATOLY ZALEVSKY,
"THE ADVOCATE" ACT WITH BOOKS (DIRECTED BY THE UNIQUE AND CONTEMPORARY
CHOREOGRAPHER RUSLAN GANEEV), BALANCING ON CHAIRS BY RENOWNED RUSSIAN
DIRECTOR VALENTIN GNEUSHEV.MAXIM HAS PRESENTED HIS ACT ON MANY FAMOUS
STAGES AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING CIRCUS KRONE IN MUNICH, MONTE CARLO
CIRCUS FESTIVAL, SWISS NATIONAL CIRCUS KNIE, SCHUHBECKS TEATRO IN MUNICH,
ROYAL THEATER CARRE IN AMSTERDAM , WORLD CHRISTMAS CIRCUS IN STUTTGART AND
FRIERDRICHSTADT PALACE IN BERLIN.
HE CURRENTLY LIVES IN LAS VEGAS AND PERFORMS IN THE SHOW "ABSINTHE" AT CAESARS
PALACE. MAXIM OPENED UP A WHOLE NEW MARKET WITH HIS CONTACTS TO
PRODUCERS, DIRECTORS, CHOREOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
TO PRODUCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CLEMENS ZIPSE, THOMAS DÜRR UND URSULA HAUG,
THE TEATRO COLOMBINO DINNER SHOW FOR FOUR YEARS IN FREIBURG, GERMANY.
Administrative Coordinator
LISANNA PALOMA VÁZQUEZ
Lisanna Paloma Vazquez is a globally accomplished performing artist and athlete with more than two decades of competition and international stage experience, including productions with Cirque du Soleil, famed singer Meatloaf, and Germany’s Flic Flac Festival. A Division 1 NCAA full-ride scholarship gymnast, she earned a BFA in Graphic Design and holds certifications in personal training and fitness nutrition from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. As Director & Head Coach of Vazquez Integral Arts, Lisanna blends elite athleticism with creative vision, and a deep passion for guiding each student to discover the artist within.
Community Engagement Manager
ADAM VAZQUEZ
Adam Vazquez is a 4th generation circus artist, carrying on the rich historical tradition of his family with artistic integrity, discipline and passion for his craft. Having captured the quality and poise of hand-to-hand artistry, as part of the international award-winning Duo A&A, Adam has graced the stages of the world’s most renowned venues, holding a prestigious place in history among the halls of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione, a fully-merited plaque for “Most Standing Ovations.”
Now, with a lifetime of experience, Adam brings his deep-rooted passion for circus arts and community-building to Vazquez Integral Arts, Las Vegas’ circus school, recognizing the responsibility of an artist to cultivate the arts for generations to come.
Director
Alexey Emelin
Alexey Emelin, an experienced circus performer, has achieved remarkable success by winning prestigious festivals worldwide, including Monte Carlo, Circus festival in Paris China, and Russia. With extensive experience as an artist and director, Alexey's creativity extends beyond acting, successfully spearheading various projects like the Circus “KRONE,” “Stars in der Manege,” and “Circus with the Stars” on Russia 1th TV. A highlight for Alexey was being part of the creative team and a star performer at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Currently he is excited to start working on a new project, aiming for success as always.
Director
Alexey Emelin
Alexey Emelin, an experienced circus performer, has achieved remarkable success by winning prestigious festivals worldwide, including Monte Carlo, Circus festival in Paris China, and Russia. With extensive experience as an artist and director, Alexey's creativity extends beyond acting, successfully spearheading various projects like the Circus “KRONE,” “Stars in der Manege,” and “Circus with the Stars” on Russia 1th TV. A highlight for Alexey was being part of the creative team and a star performer at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Currently he is excited to start working on a new project, aiming for success as always.
Consultant
Nataliya Popazova
Between 1976 and 1980, Nataliya initiated her circus journey at the Moscow Circus College (GUTSEI, State School of Circus and Popular Arts), focusing on developing her expertise as a Circus Performer and Stage Director. Her education, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Russian Academy of Theater Art (GITIS State Institute of Theater Arts) in Moscow from 1996 to 2006, she extended her collaboration with the Moscow State Circus, performing not only in Moscow but also embarking on tours across diverse European and Asian countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Thailand. Following this, from 2007 to 2013, Nataliya toured Great Britain with the Moscow State Circus in roles as a Circus Performer and Stage Director, exploring regions like England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
