COLUMBUS, Ohio — Central Ohio is home to many performers who specialize in circus arts, but the opportunities for these entertainers to safely share their talents locally and for a profit aren't always in abundance.
That dearth of gigs has led some of these acrobatic artists to create their own opportunities to perform. One such event, promoted as a pop-up "circus cabaret" called Potion Parlor Speakeasy, debuts this week in Columbus.
Held in the downstairs Sotto Terra space of The Sanctuary on Neil, the event will feature four local performing circus artists engaging in up-close exhibitions of talents such as ballet, chair dancing and glass balancing with aerial acrobatics as the centerpiece of the experience.
"What I hope people take away from this event is that there is an alternate form of entertainment that they can see," explained SK Kim, the event's producer as well as one of the performers. "You can enjoy a drink; you can watch really talented artists perform."
Like any good speakeasy, Kim explained that partygoers will need to know a special password to get the full experience. No secret knowledge is necessary to gain entry into the event where all are welcome, but there is a password hidden around the city on promotional materials for the production that will grant attendees access to secret drinks and special prizes.
If you don't have the password locked down by the time you head into the event, Kim encouraged guests to talk with any of the performers to capture the code.
"The biggest point of this is to socialize," they explained.
The Potion Parlor Speakeasy will be on Sept. 7 at The Sanctuary on Neil in Columbus's Victorian Village. For more information, visit: https://www.instagram.com/potionparlorspeakeasy/.