The Imperial Opa Circus is a theatrical entertainment company based in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded October of 2009 with the motto: Inspire, Create and do Good.
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.
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 and network. 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 if not more routines.
The Opa’s Production/Creation crew is comprised 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.
One of the greatest joys of The Imperial OPA is 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.
The Snatchave Orchestra – 2011
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 Steets 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
The Imperial Opa is seeking to grow into an Atlanta tresure, 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.
