One of only a handful of U.S.-based circus artists specializing in German wheel, Carly Schuna is a five-time competitive wheel gymnastics national champion as well as a highly acclaimed, certified coach of multiple award-winning wheel athletes. With over a decade of training, coaching, and performance experience, Carly also performs professionally in static trapeze, juggling, and tricks with her dog, Piper.
With a style characterized by high-level technique and dynamic, momentum-based skills, Carly enjoys creating senses of tension and wonder in her work and lives for the moments when her audiences gasp.
Carly is based in Madison, Wisconsin, where she is a founder and executive board member of the Madison Circus Space. When not working in circus, Carly works for her three very demanding doggos, who do not appreciate respectfully defying death.
Photographer: Tona Williams
Amanda Gatewood
Amanda is a clown, living statue, and instructor of handstands and German wheel. She spreads her enthusiasm for circus through teaching and performing with Head Over Wheels, and by hosting free, weekly community clubs to spread enthusiasm at the Madison Circus Space. Amanda has also taught at Wild Rumpus Circus, Madison Circus Space, the Peanut Butter Clown Jam, and Sokol Baltimore.
As an artist, Amanda brings joy and wonder to audiences through story-based, Vaudeville-inspired performances as a clown and acrobat. She has appeared onstage at the Madison Circus Space, the Barrymore Theater, MyArts, and Broom Street Theater, as well as in community spaces in Madison and beyond. In addition to performing, Amanda is a dedicated producer, having created more than a dozen workshops and shows at the Madison Circus Space that showcase local talent and build community through circus arts.
Becky Krueger
Becky trained as a German wheel coach through the USA Wheel Gymnastics Federation. She also completed aerial teacher training through the Born to Fly curriculum. She has worked for Head Over Wheels Circus teaching and performing German wheel for several years, and she is an instructor with Flying Trapeze Madison. Becky has performed and competed in various shows and events, including Cirque du Sylvee in 2019, the 2019 MadFest Juggling Extravaganza, and the 2018 Wheel Gymnastics World Championship in Switzerland. Becky is a member of the Madison Circus Space, where she teaches youth and adult classes, produces and performs in shows, and trains in a variety of disciplines including German wheel, trapeze, partner acrobatics, and juggling. Becky co-created Novel Motion Circus in 2024.