2026 Program
ABOUT
CIRCUS EVO
Circus EVO is a Contemporary Circus Company based in the Triad in North Carolina. Our Mission is to EVOke Emotions and EVOlve Circus Arts. Our unique creative process empowers and brings together artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.
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Circus EVO was founded in October of 2020 with a bold vision to transform urban spaces into vibrant stages, bridging the gap between art and the community. Over the past few years, we have emerged as a dynamic force, dedicated to delivering high-quality, multi-disciplinary performances to the streets and beyond.
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Five years later and Circus EVO has performed more than 100 times for thousands of people across The United States, Canada, and El Salvador, supporting more than 70 Artists and Creatives in the process.
Meet the Team
Chinese Pole, Clown, Group Acrobatics
Cheya Potter
Cheya Potter, originally from Seattle, WA, is a professional circus artist with a specialty in Chinese Pole. She started her circus journey at the age of twelve in the world of youth circus. By the time she was in high school Cheya had dived head over heels into her love for circus and eventually found her way to Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour (2015-2017). Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in circus arts, Cheya attended Necca’s Protrack Program graduating in 2019. Since graduating she has performed all over the world and worked with companies including Cirque du Soleil, Circa, and Seven Fingers. Beyond Chinese Pole, Cheya has extensive performance experience in acrobatic and aerial disciplines. She also loves creating new things and working with other people.
'The Kids' - Banquine, Juggling, Acrobatics
Oliver Layher
Hailing from St Louis, MO, Oliver Layher is a multidisciplinary circus artist specializing in hand to hand. He began his circus journey at the age of 9, performing hundreds of shows in St. Louis and around the United States. After graduating high school, he continued his circus education at the
National Circus School in Montreal, Canada, where he graduated in 2022. He also participated in the International Circus Festival Young Stage in 2022, winning 3 prizes. His performing journey has brought him all over the US, Europe, Australia and even international waters. In addition
to his circus artistry, Oliver enjoys playing music, particularly piano and violin, and also sings in a choir.
'Red' - Handbalancing on Canes, Hoops
Clara Scudder-Davis
Originally from Seattle, Clara is an acrobat specializing in hand balancing and hula hoops. She found her way to circus after studying dance and theatre, and fell in love with its playful rigor, creative community, and space for curiosity. After completing the professional formation at the Quebec Circus School in Canada, she worked with companies including Acting for Climate Montreal, Machine de Cirque, and Circa. Alongside her circus career, Clara has concurrently earned her BA in psychology from Concordia University in Montreal. Clara is excited to join Circus Evo for this season of Solstice!
'The Kids' - Banquine, Juggling, Unicycle
Cora Williams
Cora Williams is a circus artist from Ithaca, Ny. She grew up playing sports and transitioned into circus in her early teens. She trained unicycle, juggling, arial silks and acrobatics in Ithaca under her coach Amy Cohen then moved and continued training in Montreal, Wilton, San Diego and Las Vegas . During that time she had completed 3 tours with Circus Smirkus and created a show with her acro trio in Louisiana. When not flipping and flying around Cora enjoys, baking, journaling, watching food networks and working on her ever growing list of hobby’s.
'Mr. Biz' - Clown, German Wheel
Jeremy Cifonie
JEREMY CIFONIE is an American circus artist who specializes in aerial rope, German wheel, and clown. Most recently, Jeremy has performed with the Flynn Creek Circus, Cirque Mechanics, Cirque Us, and Cirque Dreams Holidaze, among other productions. He is well known for bringing a rather intentional sense of play to all his work, be it performing or coaching, and takes pride in maintaining a well-developed technical sense in each of his disciplines. Outside of the circus, he enjoys making coffee, mailing vintage postcards, and playing his gameboy. @jermichaelcircus
Show Director
Houston Odum
Houston Odum is a Circus Director from North Carolina, U.S. He founded the Activate Entertainment Project (Now 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, Circus EVO 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.
Composer/Singer
Bella Nona
NC-based singer and composer Bella Nona has over a decade of deep roots performing in the Triangle area. Her performances can be heard busked in the streets of downtown Durham or on the stages of the Cat’s Cradle and the Haw River Ballroom. She is currently part of the artist collective OnlyUs and performs her original material around the triangle. A songbird of many different genres, her sound spans neo-soul, bossa nova, indie rock, and dark folk. Her new album 'Beautiful Fish' can be heard on all major streaming platforms.
'The Kids' - Banquine, Juggling, Unicycle
Reid Williams
Brimming with titillated fervor, Reid is ecstatic to debut with Circus Evo! A New Orleans born and raised actor, For their life, Reid cannot seem to sit still; studying classical acting technique in England, and Italy. Reid has performed nationally in Film, television, theater, and circus. He is a graduate of The Hartt School BFA program, San Diego Circus Center, and currently oscillates between Las Vegas, and his home in New Orleans. Reid continues to combine his passions for elevating theatrical narrative with circus in his work, and is proud to call this ensemble home for the spring! As we Cajuns say: "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."
'Elly' - Dance Backup
Adrienne Powell
Adrienne Powell (Fayetteville, NC) studied ballet/ pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, winning awards for groups and solos. She attended the Comprehensive Dance Summer Intensive and Choreographic Institute at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for five summers. There, she got the opportunity to learn from distinguished dance trainers. She was selected to perform in the Martha Graham University Showcase at the Joyce Theater in New York City in
February 2017. While studying abroad in Corciano, Italy, she collaborated with dance artists and musicians, including the pope's voice. She was a lead teacher for Dancers Connect at UNCG, teaching ballet, jazz, hip-hop, creative movement, and parent-child dance. There, she used
interdisciplinary techniques to incorporate grade-level science lessons into collaborative choreography with young dancers. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she received a BFA in Choreography and Performance. She is growing her skills as a performer and dance educator while performing and collaborating with various professional
artists across multiple disciplines in North Carolina, including NC Underground, Rogue Artistry, and
Made in NC.
'The Kids' - Banquine, Juggling
Owen Lawson-Spratley
Owen Lawson-Spratley is from the small town of Wilton New Hampshire and lived there most of his childhood. He grew up training Diablo, juggling, and acrobatics at The Flying Gravity Circus. He has completed three summer tours with Circus Smirkus and attended school in Massachusetts and San Diego. Now Owen lives and trains in Las Vegas NV with his trio Cora and Reid. When not on stage Owen enjoys hiking, camping, skiing and eating good food.
Light Designer & Co-Creator
Amanda Fisk
With a love for the live entertainment industry, Amanda has been in the world of lighting design and technology since 2014. Her journey has taken her across the states, and she is currently based in Denver, Colorado. She graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Lighting Design and Technology from UNC School of the Arts.
This is her third year with Circus EVO and she is thrilled to continue lighting circus arts. Notable credits include Assistant Lighting Designer for Franco Dragone and Criss Angel’s ‘Amystika’, Assistant Lighting Designer for the first national tour of ‘& Juliet’, and Lighting Designer for “Dance Nation” for Phamaly Theater Group. She
additionally works as a theater consultant for Charcoalblue.
'Elly' - Cyr Wheel
Elly Craig
Elly Craig is a circus artist, storyteller, and human connection enthusiast who thrives on the weird, the funny, and the unexpected. Whatever they’re up to, they bring a mix of humor, heart, and a fearless willingness to be foolish. Their work invites audiences to slip out of reality and into the present—laughing, feeling, and seeing the world from a fresh perspective. A natural organizer and advocate, Elly is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and free to be themselves. Follow the antics at @ellylouisecraig!
Not Pictured
Sarah Garrett
Production Manager
Evan Hausthor
Production Manager
Eli Thomas
Assistant Lighting Designer
Liz Shekhterman
Production Electrician & Light Director
Kiley Mullins
Stage Management Intern
Emma Thomas
Props Artisan
Majestic Scenic Company
Painted Drop Artisan
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