by Geoff Sobelle

Jecca Barry, Creative Producer

A portrait of America as a falling-apart clown show

WATCH OUR ISPA 2026 PITCH HERE! - (International Society of Performing Ars)

WATCH OUR WORKSHOP TRAILER HERE!

An ancient threadbare red curtain opens on a circus that’s seen a million audiences or more. The acrobats and jugglers have long since walked off the job, and the only ones left are the clowns trying to keep it together. We know from the start that they won’t succeed. There is a live band, playing homemade instruments falling apart as the acts themselves scramble to stay intact. As we watch the clowns struggle to keep the boat afloat, both on and off the stage - the failing infrastructure of the tent, its outdated mechanics and the ineptitude of the troupe prove too much and the entire show literally falls apart in front of our very eyes, in a spectacle of total catastrophe.

CLOWN SHOW is a new large-scale theatre work by creator Geoff Sobelle in collaboration with a large group of performers, designers, and technicians. We will premiere the show over July 4th weekend, 2026 (details coming soon!). After losing a previously planned world premiere due to fears of political backlash, we are raising a final $75,000 to close the budget gap caused by the loss of those funds.

Any donations of $20,000+ will be considered commissions, with naming opportunities for the life of the production

All donations are fully tax deductible through our Fiscal Sponsor, Producer Hub

The Team:

Creator/Director: Geoff Sobelle; Performers: Sophie Bortolussi, Nikki Calonge, Mike Dobson, Domenica Fossati , Leo Gurevich, Gideon Irving, Jenn Kidwell, Elvis Perkins, Geoff Sobelle; Scenic & Lighting: Maruti Evans; Sound: Tei Blow; Costumes: Suzanne Bocanegra; Props: Thomas Jenkeleit; Music Director: Mike Dobson; Technical Director: Chris Swetcky; Stage Manager: Lisa McGinn & Kelsey Vivian

Commissioned by Edinburgh International Festival. Additional commissioning support provided by Stanford University, PS21 Chatham, Arizona State University -- Gammage, Stanley Kim, Diane Max, Laurie Oki, and Garth Patil. Developmental support provided by Brooklyn Academy of Music, Monira Foundation/MANA Contemporary, and PS21 Chatham.