300 W. HARGETT ST, #40, RALEIGH, NC 919-714-9082
Pa'volar Circus + Aerial Performance
Student Ensemble Program
Pa’Volar Performance Program
Pa’Volar is the student performance ensemble of Cirque de Vol, offering students the opportunity to develop performance skills, collaborate creatively, and present original work in a professional theatre setting. Through aerial arts, circus performance, and ensemble storytelling, students build confidence, artistry, stage presence, and technical skill while experiencing the transformative power of live performance.
Each production celebrates the dedication, growth, and creativity of emerging circus artists and provides audiences with an inspiring, visually captivating theatrical experience suitable for general audiences and families.
Get Involved with Pa’Volar
Volunteer Opportunities
Bringing a Pa’Volar production to life takes a passionate community of artists, supporters, and volunteers. Volunteers play an essential role in helping create a seamless and magical experience for both performers and audiences.
Volunteer opportunities may include:
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Assisting performers backstage
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Supporting costume, props, and set design
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Helping with stage crew and technical production
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Assisting with front-of-house operations and audience support
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Event setup and production logistics
Whether you have theatre experience or simply want to support the arts, we welcome individuals who are enthusiastic, collaborative, and excited to contribute to the creative process.
Even if you were unable to participate in previous seasons, we invite you to join future productions and become part of our growing aerial and circus arts community.
Help Us Spread the Word
Community support is vital to the success of Pa’Volar. You can help by sharing information about upcoming performances, workshops, and events through social media, community boards, or word of mouth. Every conversation, post, and shared flyer helps expand awareness and strengthen the local circus and aerial arts community.
Internship Opportunities
Pa’Volar offers seasonal internships that provide hands-on experience in theatrical and production environments. Interns work closely with the creative team and gain valuable experience in:
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Costume and prop creation
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Stage and set construction
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Technical and production support
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Rehearsal assistance
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Performance production and backstage operations
Internships are designed for individuals interested in circus arts, theatre production, performance, design, or live event operations. Participants gain practical experience while contributing creatively to the production process.
Spring internships typically run from mid-March through mid-June and culminate in the summer performance season.
Fall internships generally run from October through December.
Interns attend weekly build sessions, rehearsals, and production meetings throughout the season. Enthusiasm, reliability, creativity, and a positive attitude are highly valued.
Application Process
To apply for an internship or express interest in volunteering, please submit a letter of interest via email to:
Please include:
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Your connection to circus, theatre, or performing arts
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Relevant experience, training, or creative interests
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Your familiarity with and interest in Cirque de Vol
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Any unique skills, talents, or perspectives you would bring to the program
Business Sponsorship & Community Support
Pa’Volar is proud to collaborate with local businesses and community partners who believe in supporting youth arts, creativity, and performance education. Sponsorships directly support:
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Costumes and set design
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Technical and production equipment
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Student scholarships and accessibility initiatives
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Educational and performance opportunities for emerging artists
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Sponsors also receive recognition through event materials, promotional campaigns, and community visibility while helping foster a thriving local arts culture.
By volunteering, interning, sponsoring, or attending performances, you help support the next generation of circus and aerial artists and contribute to a vibrant, creative community.
Contact & Inquiries
For additional information about volunteer opportunities, internships, sponsorships,
or upcoming productions, please contact:
Throughout the program, participants will work on leveling up their technique in multiple Ground and Aerial disciplines while also working on Act Development and Ensemble Show Creation. Our training incorporates Circus, Dance, Aerial Technique, Physical Theatre, and more. From the colorful costumes and vibrant music to the theatre and storytelling we bring to life, Pa’Volar becomes so much more than something you do. You become a part of this high-energy, immersive, dynamic, and fun artistic community! The culmination of the program includes a produced performance presented to the public, providing valuable onstage experience and
preparing students for the professional world.
The program includes a two hour weekly rehearsal, a two-hour Ensemble Creation period one Saturday per month, as well as an additional one-hour weekly skill training session in the major of your choice. Training Options include Contortion, Cane Balance, Aerial Silks, Sling, Rope, Straps, Trapeze, or Lyra.
Pa’Volar participants also benefit from unlimited open gym times for individual training and rehearsal. We find that this helps sharpen skills and feed a determined spirit!
Apply for the Fall 2026 Pa'Volar Production
For all students interested in joining this season’s production of The Nutcracker, we are now accepting applications for the fall season which starts Sept. 1, 2026.
The casting application process will take place — a supportive audition-style session designed to help us evaluate skills, strengths, and interests. Level 2 and up is encouraged to audition. We are currently casting for ground acts, dancers, circus acts, and aerialists.
No one is “cut” from auditions; every student who attends is part of the program. The process helps us place students into roles, apparatuses, and ensembles that best showcase their talents.
Application Fee is $20, Registration fee is $50.
This is the perfect chance to connect with the Pa’Volar community, set intentions for the season, and begin building toward our Spring Performance.
MEET YOUR TEAM
Head Aerial Coach & Director
Sebastian Jacome
With over a decade of experience in aerial arts and performance production, Sebastian brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. Originally from Colombia and raised in Venezuela, he began his aerial journey in 2014 and has become a respected aerialist and coach. His coaching blends technical precision, artistic expression, and injury prevention, ensuring students develop strength and fluidity. Sebastian relocated to North Carolina from Miami, where he taught, performed, and coached for many years. His background in social work and psychology enhances his ability to support students both physically and emotionally.
Founder & Operations
Sara Howell
Sara is the Founder and CEO of Cirque de Vol and co-founder of the Pa’Volar Performance Program alongside Paulina Munoz. She oversees operations and combines her lifelong passions for performing arts, creative movement, and personal transformation.
In 2009, Sara founded Cirque de Vol’s event booking company, producing staged aerial and circus theatre performances, including her passion project Fringe Dwellers. Her movement background includes hoop dance, aerial, fire arts, ritual performance, and compositional improv.
Sara’s mission is to create a transformational community that fosters confidence, creativity, connection, and personal growth through movement and the aerial arts.
Dance Coach, Choreographer & Pa'Volar Assistant to the Director
Natasha Falerne
Natasha Falerne has over 20 years of professional dance training and international performance experience. Originally from South Africa, she has competed across Europe and trained under a variety of instructors, performing on stages worldwide.
At Cirque de Vol, Natasha serves as Assistant Director of the Pa’Volar Performance Program and teaches contemporary, jazz, modern, lyrical, and commercial dance. She is passionate about helping students develop technique, confidence, and expressive performance skills while bringing their creativity to the stage.
Dance is not just her career, it’s her passion, and she loves inspiring students to shine in every movement.
Gabrielle was born and raised in North Carolina and moved to Orlando shortly after college to pursue new adventures. It was there that she discovered her passion for aerial arts in 2017, beginning as a hobby that soon became a lifelong pursuit. Since then, Gabrielle has performed in multiple showcases, attended aerial-focused retreats overseas, and taught both beginner and advanced students at local studios. Now back in her Carolina roots, she’s excited to continue growing as both an artist and instructor, sharing her love for aerial silks and the artistry of movement with her community.
Pa'Volar Assistant
Gabrielle Lipovan
Coach and Program Coordinator
Houston Odum
Houston is a Circus Director/Producer from Jamestown, NC. He began his circus career at age 9 after learning to juggle and quickly fell in love with the art form. His Speed Juggling Act has won awards across the U.S, including a Bronze Medal in the Juniors World Championships of Juggling in 2017 and First Place at the Atlanta Juggling Festival in 2018. Houston holds a degree from the UNC School of the Arts in Design and Production with a concentration in Set Design and founded his own company, Circus EVO, in 2020 amidst the pandemic. Since then, he has directed numerous projects presented across North Carolina and even in Canada. In February 2025, his original show, Solstice, is slated to complete a six-city tour across North Carolina and Tennessee.