Mission Statement
Controlled Burn Fire Performance is a semi-professional, non-profit, volunteer performance group whose purpose is to provide multi-faceted quality entertainment for all ages, within the venue of local large and small group performances. We are committed to performance, education, and training of interested individuals in our performance arts. In the pursuit of these goals, we seek to recruit motivated, responsible, hard working, dedicated people to our team, and seek to empower them as performance artists.
Keepers of the Flame
As Controlled Burn has evolved, so, too, has the need for increased organization and protection for its performers. There is now an all-volunteer board of directors that attempts to protect and unify Controlled Burn’s public face and voice, as well as its members while allowing us to keep the edgy and individualistic style that has served us well and defined us. They organize and maintain the entity that has become Controlled Burn. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about Controlled Burn, the current list of Directors and their job titles are:
- Brenda Ashworth (Chief Financial Officer)
- Carlyn Perona (Education Director)
- Cindi Cramer (Artistic Director)
- Matty Pockets (IT Director)
- Mac Kaul (Marketing and PR Director)
- Dave King (Burning Man Shin)
- Bill Schultz (Safety Director)
- Roger Stimson (Member-at-Large)
- Erika Wesnousky (Community Member-at-Large)
They can be reached here.
How It All Began
Since the grassroots years, Controlled Burn has been a collection of extremely talented performers, fire artists and dancers. Our passion is fire and entertaining audiences with large displays of fire blazing across the stage. We come from many different walks of life representing a diverse community. Yet, we are very connected by our love of fire and sharing our talents.
Controlled Burn was notified of being granted 501(c)3 status on 7-18-08. We are also a 509(a)2 public charity. We do not hold auditions per se, and if you are interested in becoming involved with Controlled Burn, begin by showing up at either the weekly classes/lessons or the Community Burns at Horseman’s Park. If it’s Winter, start coming to North Valleys and learning our stuff! Introduce yourself and make some friends while you’re at it.
We accept and encourage people from all walks of life to join and play with us. We pride ourselves in being a very diverse and open fire performance group. Controlled Burn is the “Every person’s fire troupe”. Controlled Burn is fast becoming a huge favorite of audiences throughout the region. Whether we are performing for a large group of thousands or in a backyard for a birthday party, Controlled Burn will definitely add an element of excitement to any occasion or special event.
Photo by Geoffrey Nelson
