A new kind of circus is coming to North Texas. It's designed so more people can experience the spectacle.
The Omnium Circus, an inclusive and sensory-friendly performance featuring artists of all abilities, is making its Texas debut in Garland on Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17. The touring show blends traditional circus acts like acrobatics, aerial performances and comedy with accessibility features like American Sign Language interpretations, captions and audio description.
For founder and executive director Lisa B. Lewis, the goal is to make the joy of the circus accessible to everyone.
鈥淐ircus is the most wonderful, joyful thing in the world,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a huge population that couldn鈥檛 access that joy. We want to build bridges, not barriers, and welcome everybody to the fun.鈥�
Lewis has worked in the circus industry for more than 30 years. She said the idea for Omnium Circus grew out of years spent advocating for accessibility in live entertainment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team experimented with a fully accessible virtual circus and realized the concept could also work on stage in person.
The circus is delivered in both spoken English and American Sign Language and includes captions and audio description for blind or low-vision audience members. Sound levels are also moderated to help make the performance sensory-friendly.
鈥淚t鈥檚 intended for everybody to be able to enjoy it,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to have a disability to come. It鈥檚 just that everyone will have access.鈥�
The show still includes many of the thrills audiences expect from a circus. Performers include a singer who received a Golden Buzzer on America鈥檚 Got Talent, world-record-holding jugglers, and elite athletes including a Special Olympian performing aerial silks.
Lewis describes the production as a reflection of the entire world.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a microcosm of the world that is around us on stage at its absolute best,鈥� she said.
Garland cultural arts officials said hosting the show is especially meaningful for the city.
Amy Rosenthal, Garland鈥檚 cultural arts director, said the city recently formed an 鈥渁ll abilities committee鈥� focused on making programs and facilities more accessible to residents and visitors.
鈥淲e want to make sure that everyone knows they belong in Garland,鈥� Rosenthal said.
The timing also aligns with a major renovation planned for the city鈥檚 Granville Arts Center. Voters approved a $25 million bond package to update the 43-year-old performing arts venue and improve accessibility features.
While the circus will take place in the arts center鈥檚 atrium, a fully accessible, single-level space, Rosenthal said the city hopes to host similar events once renovations are complete.
鈥淥ur dream is that once we open up our Granville Arts Center after the renovations,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e can fully have this show in our theater, in an audience setting that accommodates everyone.鈥�
The circus will also include pre-show entertainment featuring local performers, along with classic circus treats like popcorn and cotton candy.
And for Lewis, the biggest hope is that audiences walk away feeling included 鈥� and inspired.
鈥淭his is the world I want to see,鈥� she said. 鈥淎 world where everybody is welcome to be their best self.鈥�
DETAILS: Omnium Circus, March 16-17, The Atrium, 300 N 5th St. Garland . $27.19
