About Us
Our Mission
The Mission of Circus EVO is to EVOke Emotion and EVOlve Circus Arts.
Each project of Circus EVO aims to provide a meaningful, live experience, accessible to the public. Our creative process empowers and brings together artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.
A Circus For Everyone!
Circus EVO is an International Contemporary Circus Company based in North Carolina. Founded in October 2020, our initial goal was to transform public spaces into vibrant stages through accessible street performance. In the years since, we've grown into a dynamic force dedicated to touring shows and custom experiences that combine theatrical design, logistics, and operations.
Since our founding, Circus EVO has performed more than 50 times for thousands of people across the U.S., Central America, and Canada, and we've supported more than 75 artists and creatives along the way.
Our Core Pillars
1. Human Authenticity
We prioritize real moments onstage. By focusing on human energy and spirit of our
performers intrinsic personalities, we create authentic connections with the audience that transcends traditional spectacle and keep our work in the present.
2. TRUE Collaboration
Our process dissolves the boundaries between performer, technician, and designer. By integrating every discipline in real-time, we produce cohesive work that is greater than the sum of its parts.
3. Operational Excellence
We match creative ambition with professional reliability. From elite acrobatics to the logistics of scheduling and communication, we maintain the highest standards in every facet of our productions.
4. Uncompromising Innovation
We intentionally pursue a harder path if it allows us to achieve a more innovative and impactful outcome.
Our Team
Houston Odum
Founder & Artistic Director
Houston Odum is a Circus Director from North Carolina, U.S. He founded the Circus EVO amidst the Pandemic in October of 2020 in order to provide meaningful, live experiences which are accessible to the public in North Carolina and beyond. Since its founding, Activate has produced popup performances, large outdoor productions, and full-length theatrical shows. Houston’s creative process empowers and brings together artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.
Amanda Fisk
Creative Director & Light Designer
Amanda Fisk is a Denver-based lighting designer and theater consultant who has been shaping live entertainment since 2014. A graduate of the UNC School of the Arts, she is in her third year with Circus EVO, bringing a passion for the specialized demands of circus arts. Notable credits include Assistant Lighting Design for Franco Dragone’s ‘Amystika and first national tour of “& Juliet”, as well as Lighting Designer for ‘The Wiz’ at Town Hall Arts Center. Currently, she also lends her technical expertise to Charcoalblue as a theater consultant.
Gisela Estrada
Set Designer & Creative Producer
Gisela Estrada is a Helen Hayes Award-winning scenic designer and architecture graduate based in Washington, DC. Originally from El Salvador, she holds an MFA in Scenic Design from UNCSA and was honored as a 2023 Kenan Fellow at the Kennedy Center. With a background spanning architecture, ballet, and photography, Gisela blends technical precision with artistic storytelling to create evocative environments for theater, opera, and dance across the U.S. and Central America.
Bella Nona
Music Director & Composer
Bella Nona is a North Carolina based composer and musician with over a decade of experience performing original work. Her newest album, ‘Beautiful Fish’, reflects Nona’s ability to combine complex orchestral arrangements with emotional chords and lyrics, she has been the principle composer for Circus EVO since 2024, revealing a whimsical side to her creative identity. A storyteller at heart, Nona has created music for puppeteers, dancers, and artists of all kinds. Her music can be heard on all streaming platforms.
PAST PROJECTS
"Cirque Immersif"
(February 2026)
An Immersive Dinner Show in Collaboration with the Carolina Theatre of Durham and Snap Pea Creative Dining. This project served as a commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Carolina Theatre of Durham. A unique project where the audience sits in a 360 degree configuration. The show followed a time travel adventure to 1920's Vaudeville.
This first-of-its-kind experience for North Carolina premiered in February of 2026 with an additional show added due to popular demand.
"AWAKEN"
(October 2025)
"Awaken" is an original Creation by Circus EVO made in collaboration with Macholah Ballet. The first large project of Circus EVO outside of the U.S. This show created a world of dreams onstage, where we find what it means to really 'Wake Up'.
The Live Music was composed by Bella Nona (U.S). Ale Pinto (El Salvador) served as the Assistant Composer/Musician.
"Awaken" performed 3 times at Teatro Presidente in the Capitol of San Salvador. Stay tuned for the future of "Awaken"!
"Solstice"
(2022-Present)
Premiering in 2022, "Solstice" marks the first Theatrical Show by Circus EVO. We started with the phrase, "How can we make the audience feel like kids again?"
Since it's premiere, "Solstice" has performed over 20 times in 8 Cities in North Carolina and Tennessee.
"Solstice" was a sponsored project of Arts Council of Winston-Salem and funded through ARPA as supported by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.
"Lost to Me"
(September 2024)
"Lost to Me" was a commissioned performance for the Charlotte International Arts Festival. Incorporating original music from NC Artist Bella Nona and a Dynamic Chinese Pole Duo. The piece drew inspiration from letters written during World War 2.
"Lost to Me" performed Six times between September 13-15, 2024. Photos Courtesy of Cooper Hoffman.
"IGNITE"
(May 2024)
"Ignite" brought color and life to Downtown Winston-Salem, NC. In May of 2022, we created this 45-minute piece with 4 Circus Artists, 3 Dancers, and 4 Live Musicians featuring Original Compositions.
"Ignite" was a sponsored project of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County and funded through ARPA supported by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.
"ROOTED"
(April 2024)
"ROOTED" is the second Theatrical Creation by Circus EVO. A celebration of the human spirit. Inspired by the history and resiliency of the American South, this piece intertwines Dance, Circus, Music, and Theatre to create a surreal world influenced by the greatest Artists and Creatives from the South.
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
"ROOTED"
(September 2023)
Invited as a part of the St. John's International Circus Festival in September 2023, "Rooted" was a 20-minute piece with Two Artists onstage. BBoy Dance, Clowning, and Cyr Wheel mix in a piece which outlines nuance of the American South.
"Passages"
(Summer 2022)
In residence with Greensboro Downton Parks Inc. "Passages" involved pop-up performances in public space along with two full length shows performed at the end of the residency.
Incorporating Dance, Circus, Live Music, and more, this project serves as a pivotal moment in Circus EVO's growth.