Cirque Mechanics: Tilt

ACROBAT | CRADLE

Scott began life on the tiny Nordic Island of Iceland. Many adventures later, he accidentally stumbled into the circus around 2010. At the time, he held three engineering degrees and a lucrative future in tech—but decided to toss it all aside for the glamorous life of a starving circus artist.Over the years, Scott slowly traded desks and suits for training halls and bruises. For two years, he studied and performed with AcroSanct under the legendary Chinese acrobat Lu-Yi, later joining AcroArmy under the guidance of sports acro champion Arthur Davis III. His specialties lean toward disciplines involving other “ridiculous humans,” including Russian Cradle, Russian Bar, Hand-to-Hand, Banquine, Perch, Duo Trapeze, and ensemble acrobatics.Stage credits include Awakening! at the Wynn, Cirque Dreams, Pippin: The Broadway Musical, The Emmy Awards, and A Magical Cirque Christmas.On the side, Scott is also the guy who’s been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty. Oh—and he’s forklift certified. #suckitjoel

ACROBAT | TEETERBOAD

Will is one flipping cool guy—literally. He loves to swim, dive, and, of course, flip. An expert diver, he also enjoys coaching and bringing his fun, motivating energy to anyone eager to learn.Hailing from Myrtle Beach—the putt-putt capital of the world—Will grew up with a love for both water and thrills. That passion eventually carried him into the circus world, where he became part of the original cast of Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal. Audiences saw him soaring through crisp arena air, flying off poles, and pushing his acrobatic skills to the limit.Despite having vision in only one eye, Will is a true thrill-seeker. For him, the challenge makes every daring move even more exhilarating. Offstage, you’ll likely find him chasing rollercoasters with his buddies, slushy in hand, until the amusement park lights flicker out.Laid-back by nature but fueled by adventure, Will brings both chill vibes and jaw-dropping talent to the stage. Whether he’s coaching, flipping, or laughing with friends, he reminds us all to keep life in balance—ride the highs, embrace the thrills, and never forget that #mensmentalhealthisimportant.

ACROBAT | TEETERBOARD

Jeremy, a Chicago native, discovered circus at just nine years old when he began training at The Actors Gymnasium. What started as an after-school activity quickly grew into a passion, expanding from aerial arts to juggling and beyond. Over the years, his curiosity and dedication shaped him into a true generalist, equally at home in a wide variety of circus disciplines. At eighteen, Jeremy took his training abroad, enrolling at the National Centre for Circus Arts in London, England. Today, he continues to hone his craft while living in Montreal, Canada, a global hub for contemporary circus. Jeremy is no stranger to the world of amusement parks. His high-flying teeter board skills have taken him to stages across North America, including Cedar Point, SeaWorld, and Silver Dollar City. Performing in these unique environments deepened his appreciation for blending live entertainment with the thrill of rides and attractions. When he’s not performing, Jeremy seeks out rollercoasters of his own. His favorite is The Monster at Montreal’s La Ronde—a ride he jokingly describes as “like getting a chiropractic adjustment every time.” Jeremy is thrilled to be making his Cirque Mechanics debut in Tilt!

ACROBAT | CRADLE

Growing up, Aubrey exhibited monkey tendencies early on and was steered toward dance and gymnastics as alternatives to kitchen counter parkour. She quickly fell in love with the athleticism of acrobatics and the artistry of dance, a fusion that eventually led her to aerial arts. Ironically, her first taste of circus was at the iconic amusement park Disney World, where she was captivated by Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba - a magic she deemed far beyond Mickey's. That experience fueled her dreams for years, and a decade later she went from adoring fan to first-time aerialist. Since then, Aubrey's been fortunate enough to tour the US, travel internationally, and appear on TV with Diavolo. She has also soared on Cirque de la Symphonie stages and vanquished evil as a “super spider” in a Marvel/Disney Jr. production. At home in Las Vegas, she brought an adagio act to A Lady Like Show and enjoys flying high on sway pole. She is totally stoked to join the cast of Tilt! performing cradle. After many childhood years living near Cedar Point and dreading the phrase “too short to ride,” Aubrey now relishes any chance to have a rollercoaster carry her away with that special brand of adrenaline.

ACROBAT | WIREWALKER

Having never followed a traditional path in education, running away with the circus felt like a natural progression in Joel’s life. Drawn to the combination of acrobatic movement, music, acting, and the camaraderie of a tight-knit ensemble working toward a common goal, the circus became a home for his many passions. Originally from Indiana and now living in Montreal Quebec, Joel is a self-proclaimed “hobby economist” who loves political discussion, comedy sketches, traveling, and dreaming up new ideas that connect people. His curiosity and creativity extend well beyond the stage, making him as engaged in conversation as he is in performance. Having just finished working for the summer performing at Cedar Point his new favorite roller coaster is the infamousSteel Vengeance. Joel also grew up visiting Holiday World every summer and one of his fondest childhood memories is laughing with his cousins while drifting down the lazy river, a reminder of the joy and playfulness that still fuels his work today. Joel’s current “side quests” include releasing his first album, writing and producing his first full-length circus show, and even becoming forklift certified (#mensmentalhealth). He’s also taken on the noble mission of helping Celeste find a boyfriend—because in circus life, supporting your friends is part of the act.

ACROBAT | CHINESE POLE

Celeste is ready to take you on the ride of a lifetime. A proud Cleveland, Ohio original (#goBrowns), she’s been climbing poles since the age of four. While some worried she might take her talents in another direction, circus proved the safest—and most thrilling—track. A true wild card of an acrobat, Celeste never fails to surprise. In 2023, she graduated from École de cirque de Québec, where she specialized in double Chinese pole, a discipline that instantly felt like home. She thrives on the adrenaline rush of leaping, flipping, and flying from one pole to the next. With a wide repertoire of skills, Celeste brings both versatility and edge, keeping audiences on their toes. For her, amusement parks capture the same sense of magic and wonder that circus delivers. She gets to live that thrill every day and loves sharing it with audiences, inviting them to buckle up for the ride. She has landed unimaginable flips and tricks and hopes to one day land her dream hunk. Though she has already landed flips, tricks, and the unimaginable, Celeste still dreams of landing her perfect partner. Until then, please keep your hands, arms, and legs inside the ride at all times—and enjoy the show.

AERIALIST | SWING

Lexi Powell is a contemporary circus artist, aerialist, and movement storyteller who believes art thrives in the space between strength and play. Specializing in aerial hoop, hula hoops, and fire performance, she blends technical precision with heartfelt expression to create work that is both powerful and delightfully human. A lifelong entertainer, Lexi explored everything from sports to music to art and dance before earning a degree in Kinesiology—only to joyfully run away with the circus. Since then, her career has taken her around the globe, from large-scale productions like Marvel Universe Live to projects with MTV and Missy Elliott, as well as cruise ships, festivals, amusement parks, and international stages. Beyond performance, Lexi is a passionate coach and multidisciplinary creative. She believes movement has the power to change lives and expresses herself through painting, music, and writing—always seeking new ways to explore human connection through creativity. Inspired by astrology, crystals, and other witchy practices, she infuses her work with intention and a touch of magic. At heart, Lexi is still a Disney kid, carrying the wonder and joy of childhood park days into every performance, hoping to spark light and connection with each audience she meets.

JUGGLER
Ossy is a fifth-generation circus performer from Mexico City, Mexico, now calling Las Vegas home. He’s been bouncing, tumbling, and juggling his way through life since age 11, with favorite acts including trampoline, gauchos, Russian swing—and of course, juggling! Inspired by his dad, Ossy dreams of becoming a master juggler one day… if he doesn’t get distracted by the popcorn and funnel cakes first. He’s performed around the world, from circus rings to theaters, including Rouge at the STRAT Hotel and Casino and Cirque Mechanics’ Zephyr: A Whirlwind of Circus. Ossy feels happiest when at the circus and is thrilled to return to Cirque Mechanics in Tilt! When it comes to amusement parks, he’s all about the classic wooden roller coasters—because some things never go out of style, just like his juggling tricks.

CLINT BOBZIEN - ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Clint has been performing, coaching, and directing for more than 25 years. His journey began in search of a “stable desk job,” but instead he did what came most naturally—he ran away with the circus. Since then, countless adventures have taken him across the globe, to Broadway, and on multiple tours with Cirque Mechanics. His performance repertoire spans partner hand-to-hand, aerial straps, Chinese pole, and trampoline. A lifelong fan of theme park rides—especially those with a vertical drop—Clint is thrilled to serve as Artistic Director of Tilt! and can’t wait to take audiences along for the ride.

ALICIA DONZE - COMPANY | PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

Alicia Donze has been working as a professional Stage Manager for more than 13 years, bringing precision, organization, and a love of live performance to every project she joins. Originally from Missouri, she now calls Las Vegas home—a fitting base for someone who always dreamed of running away with the circus. With Tilt!, she’s thrilled to make that dream a reality. Her career has taken her across the country with touring productions such as That Golden Girls Show: A Puppet Parody and iLuminate. Alicia also served as Stage Manager for iLuminate during its residency at The Strat Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, gaining invaluable experience in managing technically complex shows and keeping productions running seamlessly. Beyond her professional expertise, Alicia brings humor and heart to the road. A lifelong amusement park fan, she admits that her favorite attractions aren’t just the rides but the fried desserts that make every park visit complete. Her personal tour goal? To keep the magic alive while avoiding too much funnel cake along the way. With her sharp skills, steady leadership, and sense of fun, Alicia ensures Tilt! runs smoothly both onstage and behind the scenes.

KERRY KAYE - STAGEHAND | TRUCK DRIVER

Kerry Kaye has been operating self-propelled and motored wheeled vehicles from a young age. Starting with a Big Wheel; progressing up to a bicycle; branching off to scooters, roller blades, skateboards, and wheelbarrows. At the age of 9, Kerry was shifting the transmission on his Dad’s Geo Metro from the passenger seat. At 16 he attained his first driver’s license. Growing up in the Midwest, Kerry was accustomed to long drives and has driven across the country numerous times. In 2015 Kerry started learning how to drive trailers while on tour with Circus Smirkus. In 2023 Kerry attained his Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Kerry has also been a rigger, technician, administrator, and performer for circus, theatre, and dance since 2007. His favorite amusement park rides are the rollercoasters with a big splash at the end. When not on tour, Kerry lives in Northeastern Vermont and likes to spend time on his porch watching the hummingbirds.

MAX ROSENFELD - LIGHTING DIRECTOR

Max Rosenfeld is a New York–based Lighting Designer and Programmer whose work spans theater, musical productions, and live performance. They have designed and programmed for a range of productions, including serving as Assistant Lighting Designer for The Garbologists at Shadowland Stages and Lighting Designer for Shrek: The Musical at SUNY New Paltz, among many others. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for shaping atmosphere through light, Max continues to build a diverse portfolio that blends artistry with technical precision. Max fondly recalls their very first rollercoaster ride during a summer camp trip. At first, rollercoasters felt too intimidating—but thanks to a favorite counselor who encouraged them onto just the right set of rides at Six Flags, the fear turned into exhilaration. That breakthrough sparked a lifelong love of rollercoasters, and today Max still seeks out the thrill, both in theme parks and in the excitement of live production.

BRENDAN MULLENIX - LIGHTING DIRECTOR

Brendan is a freelancing stage manager, designer, technician, and choreographer whose work focuses on lighting and dance production. Originally from Las Vegas and now based in New Orleans, he serves as Assistant Lighting Supervisor and Programmer for the New Orleans Ballet Association, Assistant Lighting Designer for the New Orleans Opera Association, and is a proud member of IATSE Local 39. With Cirque Mechanics, he works as both stage manager and designer. Through Local 39, he also works as an electrician for Broadway tours visiting New Orleans and recently led a team for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. Brendan has spent three seasons at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (2023–25) as the TST Light Board Operator and Programmer, and most recently Lighting Supervised Camille A. Brown & Dancers’ I AM engagement in Los Angeles. His favorite amusement park ride is Space Mountain. He holds an MFA in Lighting Design from Tulane University (2024), and dual BAs in Theatre Design/Technology (Stage Management focus) and Dance from the University of Nevada, Reno (2020). He also completed the SILV 8-Week Program in 2018.

ESMERALDA ONOFRE - COSTUME MANAGER

Esmeralda Onofre, a fifth-generation circus performer from Mexico, grew up immersed in the vibrant world of circus arts. She began training at age 10 with the hula hoop and discovered the challenging art of slack wire at 15. By 21, Esmeralda moved to the United States, performing with prestigious circus shows across the country. Alongside her performing career, Esmeralda developed a passion for costume design. Mentored by her mother, a seasoned costume maker, she became a skilled wardrobe technician and designer for numerous circus productions, including Do Portugal Circus and Cirque Mechanics. Now based in Las Vegas, Esmeralda continues to perform while contributing her costume expertise to the circus world. A true artist, she blends performance and craftsmanship, leaving a lasting mark on every stage and wardrobe she touches.

TOBY STANLEY - PROPS MASTER | MASTER CARPENTER

CHRIS LASHUA - FOUNDER | CREATIVE DIRECTOR | PRODUCER | MACHINE DESIGNER
Chris Lashua, founder of Cirque Mechanics, grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, where his passion for movement began on a BMX bike. Discovered by Cirque du Soleil, he created and performed a groundbreaking BMX act before being commissioned to design a “German Wheel” number for Quidam, a role he performed for several years, and which established his reputation as a pioneer of circus gadgetry. His engineering ingenuity and creative vision eventually inspired him to “run away” and launch his own company, Cirque Mechanics.At the heart of Chris’s work is a belief that the interaction between performer and machine defines Cirque Mechanics’ unique voice. His theatrical productions showcase this vision: acrobats, jugglers, dancers, and contortionists perform on and around extraordinary machines—from a 1920s factory floor in Birdhouse Factory, to a gold rush town in Boom Town, a bicycle shop in Pedal Punk, a classic circus ring in 42ft: A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels, a countryside windmill in Zephyr: A Whirlwind of Circus, and most recently, the rides of an amusement park in Tilt!.During the pandemic, Chris reimagined live performance by creating Drive-n-Dine, an outdoor, socially distanced show staged on a Las Vegas golf course, and Cirque Mechanics Under Canvas, a spectacle presented inside the company’s custom orange-and-gray big top.Beyond the stage, Chris continues to invent playful, pedal-powered creations like the Paddle Ship—a floating stage propelled by human-powered paddle wheels—the Wine Trike, and the Buffet Train, which double as whimsical hospitality devices and performance platforms.Chris also invests in the broader circus community as a producing partner of the Vegas International Variety Arts Festival (VIVA Fest), Founding Board Member of the American Circus Alliance (ACA), Founding Member of the Producers Alliance of Southern Nevada (PALS), Board Member of the Circus Historical Society, charter member of Black Box Collective, and guest lecturer for the Association for Theater in Higher Education.

AIDA LASHUA - PRODUCER | COLLABORATOR
For more than 30 years, Aida Lashua has been Chris Lashua’s creative partner in life and in work, helping to shape Cirque Mechanics into one of America’s most innovative circus companies. Her professional journey began with Cirque du Soleil (CDS), where she spent a decade both on tour and behind the scenes. While with CDS, she worked for sponsor AT&T, managing the implementation of a multi-million-dollar sponsorship that included product placement, sales promotions, and staff training. She also served as Box Office Supervisor and House Manager, where she trained and managed a team of 60 and helped refine customer service policies, training manuals, and VIP programs.Those experiences gave Aida a deep appreciation for the business of circus and a lasting passion for its artistry. Today, she manages the day-to-day operations of Cirque Mechanics, balancing the demands of touring productions, marketing, and family life with poise. With a background in direct marketing, she has guided the company’s website and social media development with a targeted, strategic approach. She has also written the company’s study guides, created educational materials, and designed workshop programs that bring circus arts into classrooms and communities.A native of Puerto Rico and mother of three boys, Aida is both a stabilizing force and a creative driver within Cirque Mechanics. Beyond circus, she contributes as a writer for CityLife Publications and dreams of one day finishing her novel, ideally near the ocean, where she feels most at home. A true amusement park enthusiast, Aida never skips the souvenir shops, and she proudly admits to being an unabashed Diet Coke fanatic.

ALOYSIA GAVRE - DIRECTOR | CHOREOGRAPHER
Aloysia Gavre is a Circus Creator, Director, Educator and founding board member of the American Circus Alliance. She co-founded both Troupe Vertigo and Cirque School in Los Angeles in 2009 with a vision to contribute and grow a wider appreciation for the Circus Arts. She began her own performance career with the Pickle Family Circus in her hometown of San Francisco and then went on to perform with Cirque du Soleil, Monte Carlo Circus Festival, Teatro Zinzanni and numerous international symphonies. Her expertise has been used in the films “Water for Elephants” and “Pitch Perfect 2.” She was featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine for her expertise in circus-arts. Speaking engagements include TEDx, Center Theater Group, Directors Lab, Chicago Circus Festival, AYCO and VIVA Fest Las Vegas. Aloysia’s creative journey with Cirque Mechanics began at its inception with its premier show, Birdhouse Factory, in 2004. Her expertise of integrating CM trademark architectural machines with circus bodies in motion remains an integral part of the company. A vintage fun memory: in 1999 Aloysia & Chris rode their bikes through Amsterdam after their performance in Quidam to see Lauryn Hill in concert.

LEONARDO HIDALGO - LIGHTING DESIGNER

Leonardo Hidalgo is a New York–based Lighting Designer, Production Manager, and educator specializing in theatre, circus, and dance. He has collaborated with a wide range of companies and productions, bringing technical precision and artistic vision to every project. Recent credits include serving as Lighting Designer for Zephyr: A Whirlwind of Circus with Cirque Mechanics, Lighting Designer/Production Manager for Circus Juventas, and Lighting Designer/Production Manager for Battery Dance Company. He also contributes to the internationally recognized Battery Dance Festival, a weeklong outdoor event showcasing artists from around the globe. In addition to his professional work, Leo is currently pursuing a master’s degree in city and Regional Planning at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School, where he explores how the arts intersect with community development and urban design. His dual interests in performance and planning reflect a commitment to creating spaces—both theatrical and civic—that inspire connection, creativity, and shared experiences. When he’s not behind the console or drafting a production plan, Leo can often be found at the Dutchess County Fair in the Hudson Valley. For the past six years, he and his friends have made it a tradition to watch the pig races, a favorite amusement park memory that never fails to bring joy.

JANEEN JOHNSON - PRODUCTION DIRECTOR | ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER

Janeen Johnson is a visionary arts administrator, stagecraft specialist, and cultural strategist with more than 20 years of experience driving excellence in arts management, event operations, and theatrical production. With a foundation as a professional dancer, she brings a rare artistic lens to her production leadership, earning recognition as a dynamic force across dance, theatre, and live performance. For the past 13 years, Janeen has been at the helm of Cirque Mechanics’ touring operations as Principal Production Stage Manager, directing logistics, administration, and tour leadership for six original productions — Birdhouse Factory, Boomtown, Pedal Punk, 42FT, Zephyr, and now TILT! — performed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Her progressive leadership extends beyond the stage. Through O.Y.A. Strategies, her cultural consulting and coaching agency, Janeen mentors emerging stage managers and cultural practitioners through The Cultural Powerhouse Model, blending creativity, strategy, and community impact. This season, Janeen expands her creative contribution as Assistant Choreographer and Production Director for TILT!, further weaving her creative insight into Cirque Mechanics’ latest theatrical experience. Janeen also loves to travel and experience new spaces and places, finds joy in dancing wherever Spirit guides, and proudly calls California home.

MICHAEL PICTON - COMPOSER
Michael Picton is an award-winning composer whose eclectic career spans film, television, advertising, theatre, and circus. Michael has scored five Cirque Mechanics productions: Boom Town, the Cirque Mechanics Orchestral Project, Pedal Punk, 42ft and now Zephyr, A Whirlwind of Circus. His circus career began as a performer, touring as keyboardist with Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. He has written songs and score for six editions of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus: Bellobration, Funundrum, Dragons, Built to Amaze, Circus Xtreme, and the final edition Out of this World. Recently his live work has expanded to include superhero arena shows with Feld Entertainment’s Marvel Universe Live and Marvel Universe Live - Age of Heroes.The winner of the Turner Classic Movies Young Film Composers Competition, Michael was chosen from a field of over 600 aspiring composers by a jury chaired by the legendary Elmer Bernstein. For TCM, he scored the silent films The Temptress and The Red Mill. Other film and television work includes Mutt & Stuff for Sid and Marty Krofft on Nickelodeon, the SyFy series Flash Gordon, the independent feature Little Chenier, and main title themes for I Want to Work for Diddy and Bates Motel. Michael has composed network themes for PBS, Amazon Originals, and CNN International among others as well as commercials and promos for a long list of clients.

CAROLINE ROGERS - COSTUME DESIGNER

By age 16, Caroline was a professional aerialist traveling the world, a journey that eventually led her to meet her husband, Kevin, a former Cirque Mechanics cast member. Her dual passions for performance and sewing naturally evolved into a career as a costume designer. Over the past 20 years, she has designed hundreds of costumes for live shows, including Disney, DreamWorks, and, of course, Cirque Mechanics. One of her favorites was designing CM’s 42ft, set in her beloved 1930s era. A lifelong theme park enthusiast, Caroline continues to indulge her love of Disney, visiting Epcot weekly—and occasionally braving Spaceship Earth despite her astraphobia. She has brought stories to life for millions of guests worldwide, both through costume design and performance. Recently, she contributed as Scenic Artist and Lead for the Viking Training Camp at Universal Studios’ Epic Universe. Growing up in the 1980s fueled her excitement for designing Tilt!, where she hopes her costumes transport audiences back to a simpler time, reigniting childhood wonder and the magic of theme parks. Caroline is deeply grateful to Cirque Mechanics for welcoming her creativity into another production and gives glory to God for the talents and opportunities she has been given. Follow her work @DesignsByNine.

STEVEN RAGATZ - CO-DIRECTOR | DRAMATURGE

An original Birdhouse Factory, Boom Town, and Orchestra Project cast member collaborator, plus lead writer for Pedal Punk, Zephyr, A Whirlwind of Circus and currently Yuletide Factory, Steven Ragatz has been entertaining audiences with his juggling, physical comedy, stilt walking and general antics for the past three decades. As a ten-year veteran of Cirque du Soleil, Steven has toured throughout North, South and Central America as well as Asia and Europe performing multiple juggling acts as well as an eclectic array of characters. Steven is on the staff of Bloomington’s Stage Flight Circus Arts, where he teaches juggling and unicycle skills workshops. He recently toured his one-man show “Under the Umbrella, Life is a Circus”- an evening with a juggling virtuoso and stories from world-wide circus adventures.Steven holds a B.A. in Variety Theater and an M.S. in Computer Science from Indian University. He studied mime, stage movement and circus arts with Fred Garbo, Tony Montanaro, George Pinney and Michael Moschen. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Melissa, and Andrew, and currently live in Maine, where they have mastered the art of making the perfect margarita.

SEAN RILEY - CO-DIRECTOR | SET DESIGNER | ARTISTIC RIGGER
Sean Riley creates performances that merge suspension, kinetics, architecture, and narrative sculpture. Working at the intersection of production, rigging, and mechanical design, he develops striking environments and apparatus for time-based art. His work spans a wide range of genres—including theatre, circus, dance, opera, television, and both outdoor and gallery installations. Through his company Gravity Projects, Riley has built a unique arsenal of specialized tools and techniques, expanded the boundaries of live performance while advancing standards of industrial safety. He is a founding member of Cirque Mechanics, host of two television series (World’s Toughest Fixes on National Geographic and Speed on Curiosity Stream), and a lead collaborator on the construction of the Long Now Foundation’s 10,000 Year Clock. He also serves as production designer and producer for the annual Panto in the Presidio holiday show. His design work has earned multiple honors, including six Izzies, TBA Awards, Bay Area Critics Circle Awards, and the Isadora Duncan Sustained Achievement Award in Scenic Design. A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, Riley now lives in British Columbia with his wife, three sons, and an abundance of bears. He is thrilled to still be creating circus with dear friends after 20 years of Cirque Mechanics. More at www.visiblegravity.com.