We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassandre Joseph-Donnelly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassandre below.

Cassandre, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

At STREB, the creative process begins with Elizabeth Streb’s visionary concepts—what she calls “action architecture.” She imagines the impossible: defying gravity, rethinking the laws of motion, and challenging the body’s limits. My role as “action engineer” is to translate that radical vision into reality. I take the big, bold idea and reverse-engineer how we can actually do it—safely, powerfully, and with integrity. It’s a deeply collaborative relationship built on trust, experimentation, and shared risk. Together, we ask: What if? And then I figure out: How? That’s how our partnership pushes boundaries and creates work that’s not just visually arresting, but also viscerally felt by audiences. It’s the interplay between Elizabeth’s conceptual daring and my technical precision that makes the work live in real time, with real stakes.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Cassandre Joseph, Co-Artistic Director at STREB. I work in close collaboration with Elizabeth Streb to bring her creative vision to life—translating bold, conceptual ideas into real-world performance. As STREB’s “action engineer,” I guide the process from imagination to execution and train our company members to meet the intense physical demands of the work.

I began gymnastics at the age of four, shortly after immigrating to the U.S. At a time when I didn’t yet speak English, the gym became a place of belonging and purpose. That foundation led to a competitive career, including state and regional titles and collegiate competition at Cornell University. After college, I trained in circus arts, which ultimately led me to STREB—a home where physical rigor, risk, and artistry come together.

Beyond my work with the company, I teach students and adults, creating spaces where movement becomes a path to connection and discovery. I live in Queens with my daughter and partner.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I come from a family of doctors and always assumed I’d follow that path. I went to Cornell as a pre-med student but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. I later pursued graduate studies in journalism at Temple, still trying to find my professional direction. Throughout it all, I maintained a rigorous practice in gymnastics and circus arts—something I had always done out of love and discipline. Eventually, I recognized that what I was most passionate about—and most skilled at—wasn’t what I was studying, but what I was doing every day. I took a leap of faith and committed fully to a life in movement and performance. It was the moment I stopped doing what I thought I should do and started doing what I was truly meant to do.

Any advice for managing a team?

As a team leader, I take the responsibility of building a strong, connected ensemble very seriously—because in our work, the stakes are incredibly high. The physical nature of STREB’s performances means that collaboration isn’t just a value, it’s a necessity. The team isn’t only responsible for the dynamic and inspiring execution of the work—they’re also responsible for each other’s safety under extreme conditions.

I focus on building trust at every level. I lead team-building and trust-building exercises regularly, and I prioritize consistent check-ins that create space for open communication. I make it a point to highlight each performer’s strengths and contributions, while also being direct and clear when offering constructive feedback. My goal is to create a culture where everyone feels accountable to the work and to one another—and where they know they are supported as both artists and human beings.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://streb.org
• Instagram: strebslam
• Facebook: Streb