Contemporary sideshow performers discuss the ways they reinterpret and interrogate historical sideshow traditions for today, and share stories of how they came to be performers. Dick Zigun, founder and Artistic Director of Coney Island USA and known as the Mayor of Coney Island, hosts a conversation with Coney Island sideshow performers across disciplines and generations. Participants include:

• Fred Kahl, former MC and sword swallower at Coney Island Circus Sideshow and developer of the Scan-A-Rama 3D photo portrait studio
• Jennifer Miller, playwright, bearded lady, founder and director of Circus Amok, and professor in the department of Humanities and Media Studies, Pratt Institute
• Todd Robbins, magician, lecturer, actor, glass eater, and host of the television series True Nightmares (as seen in the film Play Dead and the off-Broadway show Carnival Knowledge)
• Ray Valenz, MC at Coney Island Circus Sideshow, first prominent Chicano sideshow performer, and nephew of Richie Valenz

Tickets are free with Museum admission, but space is limited.

Members receive free admission; to reserve Member tickets, call the Membership Hotline at (718) 501-6326 or email us.