Omnium Circus and the art of joy

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Omnium Circus® is truly a bold new kind of circus celebrating disability and diversity through the joy and excitement of circus arts. We had a blast hosting them for a week-long residency at the beginning of April where they shared their message and skills at a variety of events and performances.

First, O-pa employees enjoyed a Lunch and Learn where they got to spin plates, juggle, balance feathers, spin ropes, and clown around. Then the public was invited to a full spectrum circus workshop at The Venue at Highlander, where many families attended and the space was full of fun and laughter.

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Left: O-pa staff learn to juggle plates. Top right: Children volunteers join performers onstage at Steelhouse. Bottom right: Voices AMPLIFIED! Full Spectrum Circus Workshop

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Omnium Circus performed their incredible show “I’mPossible” at Steelhouse Omaha in a special sensory inclusive production specifically designed to be as inclusive as possible. With changes to lighting and sound, movement zones, deaf performance, and resources like sensory kits, audio description, and open caption, the event attracted many new patrons, some traveling from as far as Minden and Hastings. One family brought their 14-year-old child with severe autism to their first live arts experience. Their testimonial was so moving because they never thought they’d be able to share a live performance together as a family.

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We never thought we'd be able to do something normal as a family, like go to a show.

– Patron

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Ending the residency, two sold out Student Matinee performances filled Steelhouse Omaha with students in grades K–12. Several special education teachers remarked on the preparation to welcome them to the venue and the unique delight and joy the show gave their students.

Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made these experiences possible — staff, donors, and show sponsors HDR and Teammates Mentoring, and especially the generous and talented Omnium Circus performers!

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