janoah...anygoodjokes?
Jen McNally
teaching
Circus is invention. Circus is technique.
Circus is...
patience and balance and attention
and looseness and exuberance and
showing off and little details
and watching and supporting and
silliness and serious fun!
Jen McNally
Janoah is currently Creative Director for
The Gym Dandies Children’s Circus of Scarborough,
founding member of the
Maine Youth Circus,
and coaches unicycling for the
Children's Circus of Middletown (CT).
Ze also teaches independently for schools, residencies, camps, studios, etc.
and is listed on the
Janoah simplifies variety arts (juggling, diabolo, balancing, unicycle and physical performance) to the essentials: props, bodies and gravity. Their circus classes mix in elements of dance, puppetry and theater; they are open to all kinds of learners. All students need is a willingness to throw things and let them fall! In groups or one-on-one, for kids and adults, classes dabble in: creative experimentation, interactive performance, classic patterns and (most importantly) how to mess up with style!
Circus and performance can feel intimidating — physically, mentally. Thus Janoah's circus environment is supportive, welcoming and safe. Students learn through many forms: humor, play, training, games and sharing.
Teaching
Children's Circus of Middletown (Middletown CT, July 2021-2026 CONFIRMED)
Arts Are Elementary (Brunswick ME, April 2023-2026 CONFIRMED)
Friend's School of Portland (Portland ME, March 2023/2024, 2026 CONFIRMED)
South Portland Middle School (S Portland ME, Feb/March 2026 CONFIRMED)
Gym Dandies Children's Circus of Scarborough (Scarborough ME, School Year 2017 - Present)
Waynflete School for MYC (Portland ME, School Year 2024-2025)
Mayo Street Club Circus (Portland ME, School Year 2021-2025)
Breakwater After-School for Apparatus Arts (Portland ME, School Year 2021-2025)
Dresden Elementary (Dresden ME, March 2024)
Payomet Performing Arts (Wellfleet MA, July-Aug 2016-2017 / Aug 2023)
Cape Elizabeth Community Services (Cape Elizabeth, Aug 2022-2023)
East End Community School (Winter 2023)
ARTFARM (West Springfield MA, June 2023)
New London Barn Playhouse (New London NH, Feb 2023)
Migis Lodge at Sebago Lake (South Casco ME, May 2022)
College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor ME, Apr 2022)
South Bristol Elementary (South Bristol ME, Feb 2022)
Blueberry Fest with NECCA (Wilmington VT, July 2021)
Portland Museum of Art (Portland ME, Nov 2019)
Colby College (Waterville ME, March 2019)
Testimonials
“Janoah is a gentle, kind, encouraging teacher who helps [their] students see how they are making progress. The kids absolutely loved [them]! … Professional, personable and flexible…. I would highly encourage anyone looking to introduce their students to circus arts skills to contact Janoah. …"
- Liz Giles-Brown, South Bristol School, Maine
"[Janoah] immediately connected with the kids with [their] warm, humble and silly personality. … Janoah was definitely a highlight and inspired many of our students to raise their own personal ceiling of what they could achieve. Thank you Janoah!
- Kristen Andersen, Camden Rockport Middle School, Visual Art Educator
"It was magical to watch Janoah captivate participants of all ages—by the end, everyone had discovered hidden talents of their own."
- Sage Tokach, Director of Education, New London Barn Playhouse
“The students were captivated and inspired ... Janoah took the time to give students individualized attention and encouragement. The room was filled with music, laughter and collaboration. We recommend [them] to any school or business ...”
- Kayla DiOrio, Student Service Coordinator, The Birches Academy of Academics and Art