Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Big Apple Circus is a pioneering contemporary circus that helped redefine the American circus experience with its intimate one-ring format. Founded in 1977 by Paul Binder and Michael Christensen, the company became known for blending acrobatics, comedy, canine acts, martial-arts choreography, and live music into a cohesive, high-energy show. Over the years, Big Apple Circus has earned recognition including an Obie Award and a silver medal at the Monte Carlo International Circus School competition. After a temporary Chapter 11 period in 2016, the company re-emerged under Compass Partners and began a renewal for a 40th anniversary season in 2017. Today, they continue to bring family-friendly performances to major venues with a focus on community engagement like Clown Care and ongoing collaborations with Lincoln Center and Damrosch Park in New York City.