Erica Holt is the Artistic and Theatrical Director for Soul Penny Circus. Her earliest memory is looking through book of fairytales in a secluded corner of a tiny library. Ever since that moment, Erica has been searching for a way to bring to life that feeling of magic and disbelief one feels when transported by stories that inspire and delight. A University of Northern Colorado Theatre Department Alum, Erica has worked professionally in and around Denver, as well as traveling with Missoula Children’s Theater. When she isn’t working with the incredible performers of Soul Penny Circus, you can find her as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department and as a School Nurse with Denver Public Schools.

Tim Holt is an artist from Arvada, Colorado. His creative journey has taken him through a diverse range of artistic endeavors. As a skilled special effects makeup artist, Tim has brought fantastical characters to life, captivating audiences with his transformative artistry. Alongside this, he has also honed his craft as an actor, mastering the art of storytelling through captivating performances on stage. Whether it's through comedic genius or the whimsical charm of a clown, Tim's versatility as an entertainer knows no bounds. One of Tim's unique and captivating talents lies in puppetry. As a member of the Puppeteers of America, he builds and performs with puppets in each Soul Penny production. His passion for theatrical effects, special effects, animatronics, and puppetry has set the stage for a dynamic and fulfilling artistic journey, leaving a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to witness his talent unfold.

Fae is a Denver, San Francisco, and Montréal based professional aerialist and producer. She is a co-founder, producer, and VP of Soul Penny Circus, a collaborative concoction of aerial, clowning, and theater. This nonprofit organization travels far and wide hosting clowning, theatre, and circus workshops for students. Soul Penny Circus frequents fringe festivals around the world with their full-length theatrical productions. An accomplished producer, with a background in live theatre, Fae has worked closely with notable organizations such as The Clocktower Cabaret, The Stanley Hotel, Fever Candlelight Concerts, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Fae regularly collaborates with local artists and productions to choreograph and direct creative endeavors. Outside of the performing arts world, Fae is passionate about ESL work and refugee community initiatives. Fae and her partner also own and operate a jewelry business, where she creates wire-braided pieces to honor her Sámi heritage.

Diligently drawn to the spotlight and the written word, Brion Humphrey has discovered a calling that tickles his fancy and fills his soul with gooey goodness: the role of a "theatrical clown" with the Soul Penny Circus. With a patchwork jacket and a heart full of mirth, Brion steps into this whimsical world, where laughter becomes a symphony and playfulness knows no bounds. His excitement is palpable, and his dedication to bringing joy to audiences is a radiant beacon that lights up the circus tent. When Brion is not clowning around, he fancies himself a closet poet, novelist, high school theatre teacher, and dad to his equally ridiculous and hilarious boys.  He is eternally honored to get to share the circus ring with his fellow performers, who include, among several other brilliant family members, his amazing puppeteer wife, and his inspiring 10-year-old son. What else could a humble clown ask for?

Jeanne’s adventure with aerial started after seeing other “aerial moms” stepping off the bleachers and into the act alongside their children. Motivated to join these ultra-cool people, she dove in deep and fell in love with the activity as well as her aerial circus family. Aerial has allowed her to reconnect with the same thrill and excitement she felt as a child learning new skills in gymnastics. She enjoys silks, lyra, ground dance, acrobatics and especially dance trapeze. As a founding member of Soul Penny Circus she has performed with them in the Denver Fringe festival for the past three years as well as in additional original productions. Jeanne has also performed with the Iluminar Aerial Adult Student Company in Broomfield, Colorado, and is an instructor there as well.  

Ashleigh Keller began life on the stage as a ballerina in Denver, Colorado. She was introduced to aerial arts at Monkey Aerial Arts in Grayslake, Illinois, and fell head over heels in love with the aerial silks. The feeling of freedom, expression, and beauty combined with the physical challenge of the sport makes aerial arts Ashleigh’s passion. The camaraderie of performing with talented and supportive friends that she found in Soul Penny Circus is what keeps her motivated and always having fun! When she is not working as a Molecular Biologist, Ashleigh can typically be found petting a dog, or planning her next travel adventure. She is currently training with the expert coaches at Illuminar Aerial in Broomfield, Colorado.

Step into the mesmerizing world of Rachel, a movement artist from Boulder, Colorado, who specializes in hula hooping, aerial acrobatics, and dance. Rachel has been captivating audiences since 2017, enchanting them with her dynamic performances and a boundless passion for bringing characters and stories to life on the stage. She began performing with Soul Penny Circus in 2023 and participated in her first Fringe festivals that same year. On-stage or off-stage, Rachel finds inspiration in music and movement and she is excited to be bringing “Dreams of A Clown” to life at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Marci has been with Soul Penny Circus since the beginning!!  She has been dancing since age four and has trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip-hop. While dancing at the University of Colorado she graduated with a degree in Kinesiology, she later attended The George Washington University In Washington DC where she obtained Masters degrees in Public Health as well as Health Sciences.  She has performed, competed and choreographed throughout the USA and Ireland. She got her start in aerial at Iluminar Aerial in Broomfield Colorado.  Outside of dance, Marci works as a physician assistant in emergency medicine. Many thanks to the SPC family, you are all the best!

Megan began life as a particularly uncoordinated child, so growing up she never participated in dance or sports. Instead, her love of science and adventure compelled her to study and travel the globe. Upon completion of a contract working at a scientific research base in McMurdo, Antarctica she returned to Denver looking for a new conquest. It was then, in the summer of 2010, that she encountered a flier for an aerial fabrics class and her life was forever changed. Since that fateful day Megan has trained, performed and taught with several Colorado based aerial groups including Aerial Fabric Acrobatics, Relevé Aerial Dance, and In The Wings. She is currently a Professional Company Member with Iluminar Aerial, Soul Penny Circus, and Darkly Dreaming Collective.

Alisa Humphrey, puppeteer of our wonderful “Max” is making her 4th appearance in Soul Penny Circus. She is not new to the theater arts and has been in various performances as an actor and clown since her childhood. When she is not performing Alisa is a high school Special Education Teacher and mom to the two most wild and glorious boys! She would like to thank everyone who continues to support the arts by watching our shows!

Bryan grew up doing competitive gymnastics and has an extensive background in acrobatics. He started doing aerial in 2017 and has grown to love performance and the circus arts. Additionally, Bryan is the director of a youth student aerial dance company Bryan feels right at home on the stage and loves to perform with his wonderful circus family, and looks forward to the many adventures ahead for Soul Penny! Traveling and performing are some of Bryan’s favorite things in the entire world, and he is thrilled that he gets to perform in Edinburgh! When not traveling or performing, Bryan is a certified personal trainer and fitness coach. He is very passionate about health and fitness, and loves to coach and share his love of the aerial arts with his students. Bryan’s other hobbies and interests include climbing, hiking, gaming, and spending time with his wonderful wife Emma.

Emma has always held a love for performance and theatre. But it wasn’t until 2019, when she and her now husband presented the idea of doing aerial for their first dance, that she fell in love with dancing in the air. After performing at her wedding, she was excited to continue aerial, and hasn’t looked back since. Outside of performing with Soul Penny Circus, Emma is a couples and wedding photographer. When she is not taking photos, Emma can be found snuggling her cat, bouldering, playing pickleball, or consuming anything related to Star Wars. Emma is overjoyed to see Soul Penny Circus reach new heights and perform on an international stage. Her love for the arts has transformed into a passion for aerial, and she is excited to share her love of circus with the world.