Aerial • Dance • Acro
We are a group of emerging professional performing artists interested in developing ensemble works on our own terms. We want to tap into Portlands rich artistic community to skill-share, collaborate and create with a focus on technical precision in Acro, Aerial and Dance.
What We Do
We are a collective that serves as a bridge between training companies and professional companies, offering a platform where emerging artists can train, create, and perform, in ways that build their skills, resumes, and artistic voice. Our work is collaborative, physically demanding, and rooted in skill-sharing and innovation.All company members participate in a collaborative skill share model. Members mentor others in their area of expertise–whether aerial, acrobatics, or dance–while actively cross-training in the other core disciplines. This structure fosters well-rounded, versatile performers through peer mentorship and interdisciplinary growth.We are passionate about our community impact, supporting the future careers of emerging artists,supporting gig performers who crave a chance to work in an ensemble, and cultivating work that is built on technical excellency and vulnerable, complex storytelling.
Who We Are
Evelyn Shapshak
Artistic Director
Evelyn is a multidisciplinary movement artist, choreographer, and co-founder of ShapeScape. With a foundation in classical ballet and over 12 years of training, her practice has expanded to include contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and global styles like whacking, Bollywood, and African dance. In 2021, she began training in aerial and acrobatics, which transformed her approach to movement, deepening her focus on physical storytelling. She now creates and performs work that blends floor and aerial movement to craft emotionally resonant narratives.
Kenzie Mitzner
Creative Producer
Kenzie is a multidisciplinary performing artist and coach using prop manipulation, aerial dance, partner acro, character work and ensemble creation. Her favorite things to perform with are aerial silks, LED hoops, fire fans, and other people. She has studied with the talented folks at NECCA, Paper Doll Militia, and AWOL Dance Collective. Between coaching, performances, and character appearances, she manages to find time to argue with health insurance companies-her true calling. With a passion for education, injury prevention, and labor justice she hopes ShapeScape will be the first project in a long career of creating more equitable opportunities for artistic athletes.
Maxine Cadman
Social Media Manager
Maxine was a gymnast for almost a decade before pivoting to circus arts and aerial. She is both proficient and prolific in her dance trapeze performances including choregraphed and improvised acts, and while minoring in dance at Lewis & Clark, she hopes to branch out into other performance disciplines. Maxine can really light a stage up with her combination of staff spinning, acro and handbalancing! She's at a malleable point in her life where she is eager to see how far a career as a circus artist can go.
Clare Finessy
Marketing Manager
Clare has been training circus arts for over a decade in a wide range of aerial and ground disciplines. While considering herself an acrobatic generalist, she is currently infatuated with aerial fabric, dance trapeze, partner acro, hand-balancing and contortion. Her talent has been showcased on stage with Echo Theater Company and Tempos' Toss Collective and she coaches students of all ages and abilities at Echo Theater.
We’re looking for dancers, acrobats, flow artists, and interdisciplinary movers interested in collaborative creation and performance in a community-centered setting. This is a chance to showcase your work, connect with other artists, and be part of something new and exciting.
Upcoming Events
Contact Us
We are so excited to start this project, but an ensemble needs its people, YA KNOW? Shoot us an email or come to a free rehearsal!