Gamma Phi Performer to Appear in PBS Circus Episode Nov. 17

Illinois State University student and life-long circus performer Christian Stoinev will be featured in the final episode of the PBS documentary Circus, airing Wednesday, Nov. 17.  Stoinev a fifth-generation member of Mexico's oldest circus family is also a performer in Illinois State's Gamma Phi Circus.

At the age of 13, Stoinev joined the Big Apple Circus, the touring company chronicled in the PBS documentary.  He has won a number of awards for his handstand and acrobatic breakdance acts.  His high school graduation from the Big Apple Circus' One-Ring School House will be featured in the Nov. 17 episode. 

After enrolling at Illinois State last year, Stoinev began performing as an acrobat in the Gamma Phi Circus.  He and Scooby, his Chihuahua, performed a human-canine hand balancing act during the Circus' spring show earlier this year.