Afton Benson

Executive Director

Afton Benson (she/they) holds a Masters in Organizational Behavior and Business Management (Benedictine University, 2013) and specializes in the structure and function of arts nonprofits. They have worked with a number of circus, variety, and arts organizations over the last ten years, including; Circus Harmony, St. Paul Arts Collective, Jon Ferguson’s WLDRNSS, The Moving Company and Prepare + Prosper.

They currently work as the Managing Director & CEO of St. Paul’s CLIMB Theatre, as an Accountant for Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, and Treasurer for the International Jugglers’ Association (IJA).They volunteer their time as a Board Member for TURBO418 and Fairstate Brewing Co-Op; and are the annual Show Producer for the MONDO Variety Spectacular part of the MONDO Juggling & Unicycle Festival. 

Afton’s diverse background in nonprofit leadership, artist management, and community development has allowed them to build relationship driven partnerships. They work with individual artists throughout the world including: Benjamin Domask-Ruh, Florence Schroeder, Leah Orleans, Thom Wall, Noel Yee and Taylor Glenn. 

Their love for juggling has not slowed down, Afton is currently focused on solidifying five balls and learning hoop juggling! They reside in St. Paul, MN and enjoy hiking, traveling, and attending music, circus, and variety festivals.