"If you haven't gone to see Cirque Berserk, do it now!"
"Cirque Berzerk is what Broadway would be, if it got high on danger."
"A feast for the eyes"
"The sort of phantasmagoric spectacle Tim Burton would dream up, if he quit filmmaking to join the circus."
ABOUT US
Zehner Berrent Creative
At Zehner Berrent Creative, we believe storytelling goes beyond words – it’s a fusion of movement, emotion, and captivating performance. Founded by Joshua Zehner and Jason Berrent, our work spans Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Berzerk, live theater, film productions. With decades of experience in performing, directing, and coaching, we specialize in physical storytelling, movement-driven performance, and theatrical innovation.
Joshua and Jason first crossed paths while creating on Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, where they were handpicked by Tony Award-winning director David Shiner. Jason created and originated the role of The Trickster, bringing an electrifying presence to the stage, while Joshua originated the role of The Handyman and co-wrote the show’s clown acts, helping shape the humor and movement that made KOOZA one of Cirque du Soleil’s most beloved productions.
Their creative partnership grew while co-directing Cirque Berzerk’s Beneath, a sold-out production in Los Angeles that fused circus arts, theatrical storytelling, and dark fantasy into a mesmerizing spectacle. The show earned critical acclaim and was featured in the LA Times’ Summer Must-See List for its bold storytelling and innovative performance style.
Beyond the stage, Joshua and Jason are dedicated educators, sharing their expertise through workshops around the world in Montreal, Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Oslo, Stockholm, and London. Their training merges circus arts, physical theater, improvisation, and movement direction, helping performers refine their craft and deepen their connection with audiences. Many of their students have gone on to perform in Cirque du Soleil productions such as Zumanity, Corteo, KOOZA, Wintuk, LOVE and Alegría.
With a shared passion for pushing creative boundaries, Zehner Berrent Creative continues to shape innovative productions for stage and immersive entertainment, bringing stories to life through movement, artistry, and unforgettable performances.
MEET JOSHUA ZEHNER
Master of Physical Acting & Storytelling Through Movement
With over 10,000 performances worldwide, Joshua Zehner has built a career blending movement, comedy, and storytelling to create unforgettable performances. A master of physical acting and improvisation, he has worked on some of the biggest stages, including Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, The Second City, and The Amazing Johnathan. Whether performing, directing, or coaching, his expertise lies in helping artists turn emotions into dynamic, physical storytelling that captivates audiences.
His diverse career spans live theater, circus, and comedy, including time with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, serving as a Command Performer for NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and working as an Artist-in-Residence for the City of Las Vegas. He was an original cast member of The Second City: Scriptless! and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman. As a writer and performer, he collaborated with The Amazing Johnathan, bringing his signature blend of comedy and movement to live audiences in Las Vegas nightly.
Beyond the stage, Joshua is a visionary director and writer. He wrote and directed a Local Emmy Award-winning commercial series for the Las Vegas Fox affiliate, showcasing his ability to create compelling visual storytelling. He was also a creator and writer for Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA and Cirque Berzerk’s Beneath, blending circus arts with immersive narratives. His expertise has also led him to consult for Disney, shaping performances that engage audiences on a grand scale.
Passionate about education, Joshua has taught at circus arts schools, acting schools, and colleges around the globe, mentoring performers who have gone on to star in productions like Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, Corteo, KOOZA, and Alegría.
From high-flying circus acts to cutting-edge improvisation, Joshua continues to push creative boundaries across stage and live entertainment. Whether coaching, directing, or performing, his mission remains the same: to make every performance unforgettable.
MEET JASON BERRENT
From Cirque Star to Entertainment Powerhouse
Originally from Washington, D.C., Jason’s journey has taken him from the world of athletics to the global stage. Before stepping into the world of entertainment, he was a member of the U.S. National Team and a World Champion in tumbling, flipping his way into the global spotlight.
His big break came when he joined Cirque du Soleil, touring the world with Alegría (2003-2006), and later being hand-picked by Tony Award-winning director David Shiner to create the lead role of The Trickster in KOOZA (2007). His electrifying performance made The Trickster one of Cirque’s most iconic characters. His performance was featured in the live DVD recording of the show, cementing his place in Cirque history.
While dazzling audiences, Jason also made moves behind the scenes – co-directing the sold-out Cirque Berzerk’s Beneath (2009) in Los Angeles, a show so hot it landed on the LA Times’ Summer Must-See List. He even took home a New York Choreographer’s Ball win (2010) for an unforgettable fusion of contortion, dance, and acrobatics featuring artists from Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity and LOVE.
After a decade with Cirque, Jason’s career took a stylish turn – becoming the cover model for Image Magazine in Southeast Asia and starring in campaigns for Dior Homme, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Toyota. His passion for storytelling led him to executive produce the award-winning short film STRAIN, tackling bullying awareness and sparking important conversations in schools around the country.
Today, Jason is a producer and director shaping stage and media projects. His work in podcasting has been a hit, producing live shows like Spilling Tea Live with Zack and Adam (2022) and Scheana Shay’s Scheananigans and podcasts for Cloud10 in Los Angeles including Up And Adam!
And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also a business owner, running the luxury CBD brand, The Blow Company, which is redefining the market with premium, high-end products.
From Cirque to cinema, podcasts to production, Jason continues to push creative boundaries – because for him, the show never stops.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Zehner Berrent Creative
At Zehner Berrent Creative, we believe that great performances don’t just happen in the mind – they come alive through the body. To truly captivate an audience, artists must externalize their emotions, reactions, and stories, using movement as a vessel to bring feelings to life. When performers step beyond their own thoughts and fully inhabit their physical presence, their artistry reaches new heights.
We seek to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, uncovering the raw, real emotions of everyday life and translating them into powerful stage moments. Every story has been told before – but what makes it unforgettable is the execution, the performer, and the energy they bring to it. That’s why we encourage artists to embrace contrast, to live boldly in dark blacks and brilliant whites, because anything in the gray lacks definition, impact, and purpose.
At the end of the day, the act is simply the excuse to showcase the artist. A moment that lives on long after the curtain falls.
CONTACT
Zehner Berrent Creative
Thank you for your interest in Zehner Berrent Creative.
For all inquiries, please contact us directly via email.
We look forward to hearing from you.