The Imperial Opa Circus is a theatrical entertainment company based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Circus was founded October of 2009 with the motto: Inspire, Create and do Good. OPA!
Described as "Astounding and Sensational", The Imperial Opa is unlike the traditional circus. With a combination of narrative story telling, stage and street performances, busking and a menagerie of over-sized puppet animals, creatures and costumes, every show is unique and features live original music from The Imperial Opa Band. With a contemporary circus approach, The Imperial Opa presents itself as a family of “Gypsy” performers and musicians with cabaret influences and Vaudevillian style acts. These acts include (but aren’t limited to):
Aerialist including Spanish Web, Silks and Trapeze artists.
Giant Animal Puppets and other Creatures.
Contortionists and Body Stacking routines (3 to 8 person combinations).
Fire Performers including Fire Poi, Rope Dart, Torch Juggling and Fire Eating.
Belly Dancers and various Hip Hop and Break Dancing routines.
Jugglers and an endless supply of Comedic acts.
The Imperial Opa’s costumes are “act specific” but keep to an overall color theme of bright Red, Black and White, with all performers in face makeup as well.
Like all circuses, The Opa is on a constant search for new performers and groups to join their ever evolving family. The Imperial Opa presents shows that include both “Company” and "Guest" acts, giving new performers a chance to practice and refine their acts, while maintaining a high level of performance quality from our full-time cast members, many of which are involved in several routines.
The Opa’s Production/Creation crew is comprised of several of Atlanta’s most talented artists, sculptors, puppet makers and puppeteers. Always striving for visually unique and approachable puppets and props, The Opa Production crew takes pride in producing innovative and exciting stage designs, creatures and magic.
They are also blessed to have their own Imperial Opa Band. With as many as ten musicians, The Opa Band provides one of the most characteristic elements to the circus. Filling the stage with the sounds of accordions, violins, banjos, sousaphones and saxophones. The Bands exciting melodies and dynamic rhythms complete The Imperial Opa’s theatrical experience. Audiences are truly swept away and encouraged to clap, laugh and be awed.
Appealing to both adults and children, The Imperial Opa Circus works with many local organizations, schools, festivals, parades and non-profits. One of their proudest collaborations was for St Jude’s Children's Hospital, in association with Jyl Craven Hair Salon, producing a fundraising event for the hospital. Other productions and collaborations include:
WonderRoot Art Center - Fund Raiser
The Hambidge Art Center - Fund Raiser
“Luminosity” - A Major Public Art show in the heart of Atlanta - Guest Company
“The Art of Such and Such” - Eye Drum Gallery - Performance
Chomp and Stomp Chili Festival - Performance
Little Five Points Halloween Parade and Performance
“Vampire Diaries” - National TV series - Featured Performance
East Atlanta Strut 2010 - Parade and Performance
High Museum of Art - Performance with Band “The Back Pockets”
Atlanta Streets Alive - 2009 & 2010 - Performance
El Fantasma Circus - Push Push Theater - Guest Company
“Night of the Living Circus” - Opa Fund Raiser - Goat Farm Production
Blue Tower Galleries - Performance
Castleberry Hills Art Walk - 2009 & 2010 - Parade and Performance
Ninja Puppet Theatre - Eye Drum Gallery - Performance
Hunger walk 2011 - The Atlanta food bank - Performance
Hoop for Hope - The Atlanta Woman's shelter - Performance
The Imperial Opa is seeking to grow into an Atlanta “Darling”, a nationwide touring company and would like to become one of America's most valued circuses. The Opa also seeks to expand into a larger facility for offices and studios, where the troupe would offer classes and workshops in addition to entertaining the community for good causes.
Exciting and approachable performance styles, combined with unique and artistic puppetry and musical wonderment... The Imperial Opa Circus is one of Atlanta’s most diverse and entertaining circus troupes. Excitement, entertainment and uncommon people doing wondrous things! This is The Imperial Opa Circus—creative entertainment to enchant, dazzle, and amaze.