Mikhail Matorin

An internationally acclaimed circus artist, creative director, and producer, Mikhail (Misha) Matorin has dedicated his life to circus arts. Born into a circus family in Russia and trained at the Moscow Circus School, he created the celebrated Aerial Cube Act, earning a Silver Medal at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris before becoming the original Aerial Cube artist in Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas production, Mystère.

His career includes performances with Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría and Mystère, followed by decades of creating, directing, and producing original circus productions worldwide.

As President of DreamCast Entertainment, Mikhail continues to bring exceptional circus artistry to international stages while developing opportunities for talented performers. He brings his experience and artistic insight to the Stage Debut jury, guiding the next generation of circus artists.

Anna Stankus

Born in Ukraine, Anna Stankus is an internationally renowned circus artist celebrated for her artistry, flexibility, and mastery of hula hoop manipulation. Trained in rhythmic gymnastics at the Deriugina School in Kyiv, her career has taken her to stages around the world, including Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA and Amaluna, Cirque Éloize, Cirque Le Noir, and productions by Franco Dragone.

Anna brings her extensive international experience and passion for circus artistry to Stage Debut, inspiring the next generation of performers.

Olga Pikhienko

Born in Russia, Olga Pikhienko is an internationally acclaimed circus artist renowned for her extraordinary hand-balancing and contortion artistry. Beginning her career alongside her father at Moscow’s Nikulin Circus, she went on to earn prestigious gold medals at the International Circus Festival in Paris.

Her distinguished career includes nearly two decades with Cirque du Soleil, performing in Quidam, Varekai, and IRIS, as well as an appearance at the 2012 Academy Awards. Her artistry was also featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary series Fire Within.

Now based in Las Vegas, Olga continues to share her extensive experience as a performer and coach, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of circus artists.

Narangua “Nara” Beatty

Born and raised in Mongolia, Narangua Beatty began training in contortion at the age of five. Her career with the Mongolian State Circus led to international recognition, including bronze medals at China’s Wuqiao International Circus Festival in 2001 and 2003, a silver medal in Russia in 2003, and a silver medal at Italy’s International Circus Festival of Latina in 2006.

Since 2007, Nara has performed in Cirque du Soleil’s “O” in Las Vegas, bringing grace, precision, and the rich tradition of Mongolian contortion to its stage. For the past eight years, she has also served as the production’s Contortion Artist-Coach, sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow artists.

Kerren McKeeman

Kerren McKeeman has brought her artistry and athleticism to audiences around the world since 1999, performing as a solo aerialist, acrobat, and character artist in 35 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Her career spans the intimate theaters of BOSCH Dreams with Les 7 Doigts de la Main, the arenas and Big Top of Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai, and the Las Vegas stages of KÀ and “O”.

Drawn to the inclusivity, creativity, and celebration of individuality within circus arts, Kerren continues to perform, coach, and create acts for the international stage.

Joaquín Ayala

Recognized as one of Latin America’s most accomplished illusionists, Joaquín Ayala is an internationally acclaimed magician, illusion designer, creative director, and consultant whose career spans decades of innovation in live entertainment.

Following six years headlining Spellbound in Las Vegas, he was honored as Magician of the Year (2000) by Hollywood’s Academy of Magical Arts. In 2026, he received recognition from the European Magic and Showbusiness Association (EMSA) for his contributions to magic and entertainment.

Through his company, Ayala EFX, he has created and designed illusions and theatrical effects for international productions and renowned artists, including Criss Angel, Shin Lim, Justin Bieber, Franz Harary, and others.

With a legacy of artistic excellence and imagination, Ayala continues to shape the world of illusion while sharing his knowledge and inspiring future generations of performers.