2025 Judges

2025 Judges:

Aurelia has performed and worked with top circus companies and festivals worldwide and won multiple awards along the way. Aurelia has judged at prestigious festivals such as Monte Carlo and Festival mondial du cirque de demain in Paris. As a mentor and judge, she helps Artists refine their skills and grow professionally. Known for her expertise in Circus and her commitment to artistic excellence, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her workshops, offering participants an opportunity to grow technically, creatively, and professionally.

Jamie Pannucci is a casting advisor for Cirque du Soleil’s resident shows. She is a former swinging trapeze, duo straps, and house troupe artist for CDS, performing in O and then KÀ from 2008 -2020. A graduate of the University of Florida, Jamie’s background is in gymnastics as a child and then circus, having trained at Circus Center in San Francisco and with world-renowned coach, Victor Fomine, in Montreal. With over 20 years of experience spanning performance, coaching, coordinating, and advising in the circus world, Jamie embraces the beauty of circus as a universal language that connects and inspires us all.

Stuart McKenzie was a former GB Sports Acrobat, his team ranked No.1 in the world from 2001-2005. He has performed for several Cirque Du Soleil shows like Kooza on teeterboard, and aerial straps act for Kurios & Mystere. Stuart has recently been in the position as Head Coach for Cirque Du Soleil touring show Songblazers. Stuart is the founder of the online aerial fitness business ‘Aerial Fitness Bodies’ where he has developed a home & travel friendly hand loop fitness strap for the cirque community & fitness demographics. Stuart’s vision is to share his sporting, artist & coaching experiences & knowledge by giving back to the cirque & fitness world; providing an opportunity to achieve personal fitness, performance & life goals through trust, belief, & confidence in oneself.

Amy Gale‘s entertainment background comes from years of performing as a professional dancer in LA and around the world, show directing and choreographing for television, videos and live stage shows.  Amy grew up in Palos Verdes and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from UCLA and is thrilled to now be the co-owner of Imagination Entertainment with her husband Steve.

Amy has been with Imagination Entertainment for almost 20 years. She started as the Co-Creator, Show Manager and Choreographer for Cirque de la Mer, which premiered at SeaWorld in 2001.  She then moved into producing the company’s theatrical show productions, special event entertainment and international tours. 

Jason Myhre is a graduate of the Chicago Academy for the Arts High School. His dance training also includes scholarships from Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Chicago City Ballet, and LADA/EDGE Performing Arts Center.

Jason has performed in numerous industrials for Disney, Kraft, Six Flags, and showcase around the Los Angeles area. He is a noted choreographer as well. Highlights include; Rihanna, Paula Abdul, Willow Smith, Melody Thornton, Robin Thicke, Paulina Rubio, Ciara, Amerie, Shakira, Mariah Carey, The Pussycat Dolls, Babyface, Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Bleona, Neko Case, Debi Nova, Stacie Orrico, SmittenBLU, Lil’ Kim, Shoshana Bean, Anastacia, Clipper Girls, Rock The Rink, Kristi Yamaguchi, Rory Flack- Burghart, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Old Navy Commercials, and the Wayans Brothers hit movie “White Chicks.”

Jason has worked with such artists on World Tours, Music Videos, the MTV Superbowl half-time show, and music award television specials. Jason has also choreographed the Emmy and Oscar Governors Balls, NBCC benefits and created shows for Imagination Entertainment.

He also has judged and choreographed for such competitions/conventions as; AMP, Encore Performing Arts, Spotlight Dance Cup, Broadway Bound, Dance Masters, LADF Nationals, HDE, and LADM’s Final Cut.

As a teacher Jason has taught master classes across the nation, at EDGE & Millennium LA professional studios. He was also the Director of Jazz Dance at Loyola Marymount University for almost 20 years.