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April 28, 2026
For immediate release
Contact:
Andrew Wood: 415-399-9554 (o) 415-305-1102 (c) [email protected]
Lucho Ramirez: 415-425-0445 [email protected]
Alyssa Morales: 916-838-4236 [email protected]
Global Sensation SANTÉ! by Cirque Kikasse finally reaches the California stage
Quebec's High Energy Acrobats balance 35 feet in the Air on Amazing Transformed Food Truck
Calendar Editors Please Note
Who: Cirque Kikasse
What: SANTÉ!
Where: Cesar Chavez Elementary School Playground, 2616 Folsom St, SF, CA 94110
Dates: Wednesday April 29 – Friday May 1, 7:00pm
Tickets: Advance $25, Door $30
Box Office and Information: https://www.sfiaf.org/sfiaf2026_cirque_kikasse or 415-399-9554.
Photos Available on Request
April 28, 2026, San Francisco: San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF) is pleased to announce the California debut of the wonderful Cirque Kikasse from Quebec City, Canada with an uproarious truck show titled SANTÉ! Their festival debut marks the first time they will have performed in the Golden State.
Festival director, Andrew Wood said of Cirque Kikasse and SANTÉ!, "I saw the company perform this show in Montreal in July 2022 along with about 200 other North American presenters. Usually when this many presenters see a particular work, some are interested in presenting it and others aren't. This was the first time in my 30 years as an arts presenter that almost, to a person, we all wanted to book SANTÉ! and Kikasse. It has taken them three years to get to the west coast of the United States, but we are very proud that their California debut will be in San Francisco at our festival."
SANTÉ!
SANTÉ! by Cirque Kikasse is a high-energy circus show where world-class acrobatics, breathtaking balances, and contagious energy collide — all aboard an extraordinary food truck. The troupe prepares their rooftop terrace for service through a series of playful transformations, from arranging furniture that becomes a balancing tower 35 feet off the ground, to the deliberately inefficient cleaning of the truck and trampoline, to the joyful overflow of the popcorn machine. A bold, fun and visually striking concept that delivers jaw-dropping virtuosity and thrills, for all ages and even the most seasoned circus lovers.
Cirque Kikasse
Launched in 2021 by circus artists and directors Hugo Ouellet-Côté and William Poliquin-Simms, Cirque Kikasse emerged from a shared desire to create bold, high-energy circus that blends virtuosity with infectious playfulness. Drawing on decades of international performing and directing experience with leading contemporary circus companies, the co-founders shaped a project known for its precision, physicality, and strong audience connection. Cirque Kikasse quickly established itself on the touring circuit with Santé!, a signature production presented over 250 times for more than 100,000 spectators across Canada and the United States. Designed to meet audiences where they are, the work resonates in festivals, universities, and public spaces alike.
Artist Biographies
William Poliquin-Simms
William Poliquin-Simms, co-founder and commercial strategist, is a leading figure in the circus world, boasting over 17 years of experience and thousands of international performances. Having been introduced to circus arts in his childhood, he has built an impressive dual career as both an artist and a manager, collaborating with renowned companies such as Cirque du Soleil and Machine de Cirque. Known for his leadership, creativity, and innate showmanship, William has contributed to award-winning productions at numerous prestigious festivals. Since 2015, he has co-directed the company PS² alongside his brother, driving innovative projects like Look-Up aerial arts and the iconic Cirque Kikasse—a unique "circus food/beer truck" concept that is gaining acclaim across North America. Passionate, rigorous, and a natural unifier, William is a trusted collaborator for clients, presenters, and artists alike.
Hugo Ouellet-Côté
Hugo Ouellet-Côté is an exceptional circus artist specializing in aerial straps and trampo-wall, trained at the prestigious National Circus School of Montreal. As a co-founder and operational pillar of Cirque Kikasse, he brings over 20 years of professional experience and widely recognized expertise to the performing arts industry. Co-creator of the world-renowned troupe FLIP Fabrique, Hugo has performed thousands of times across the globe, collaborating with industry leaders such as Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Éloize. A true craftsman at heart, he now seamlessly combines his artistic mastery with solid expertise in international tour management.
Antoine Morin
Born in Toulouse, circus artist Antoine Morin completed his professional training at the École de cirque de Québec in 2012. He is the co-founder and co-creator of 4Stomp, a project that has captivated hundreds of thousands of spectators worldwide since 2008. Antoine’s extensive career includes collaborations with Machine de Cirque (La Galerie), Cirque du Soleil (Wintuk, Le Royaume de Tôle), FLIP Fabrique (Attrape-moi, Flip, Crépuscule), and GOP Varieté-Theater (Plufolï). His talent has also been showcased on international television, notably on Italy’s Tu si que vales and France’s Le plus grand cabaret du monde. Beyond his performance career, he is an experienced coach and acrobatic designer, working with the École de cirque de Québec and various other Quebecois companies. Known for his analytical mind and reliability, Antoine is a trusted collaborator who never hesitates to get his hands dirty to repair, refine, and optimize his creative environment.
Jérémy Saint-Jean
A 2012 graduate of the École de cirque de Québec, Jérémie Saint-Jean is a versatile artist with over 15 years of experience as a porter, juggler, and acrobat. Known for his diverse skill set and unwavering reliability, he fully immerses himself in every creative project. His career has led him to collaborate with world-renowned companies as Cirque du Soleil, Les 7 Doigts de la Main (Duel Reality, Pub Royal), Cirque Kikasse (SANTÉ!), FLIP Fabrique (Blizzard, Crépuscule), and Théâtre A Tempo (Action!). Beyond the stage, he shares his passion as a juggling and lasso coach and also works in front of the camera as an actor and extra. His professional rigor, open-mindedness, and artistic agility make him an essential pillar of any production.
Adèle Saint-Martin
Adèle Saint-Martin is a multidisciplinary circus artist- curious, passionate, and vibrant—specializing as a generalist flyer and in hand-to-hand acrobatics. She is also a hand balancer and a passing juggler. After training at the École nationale de cirque de Châtellerault, she graduated from the École de cirque de Québec in 2020. Her career quickly led her to work with renowned institutions: she notably performed in the show SLAM (Ex Machina & FLIP Fabrique), directed by Robert Lepage, as well as in the productions Changes at GOP in Germany and Les 3 Géants with Machine de Cirque. Her talent also contributed to the success of Zéphyr (FLIP Fabrique), which won the "Prix Opus" for Best Show in 2022. Always seeking new challenges, Adèle continues her artistic evolution by joining the Cirque Kikasse team in 2024.
Funding Credits: San Francisco International Arts Festival is made possible in part by the support of Americans for the Arts, Creative West (formerly WESTAF with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts), California Arts Council, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, Sam Mazza Foundation, Culture Ireland, Conseil des Artistes Quebecois and generous individual donors.
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