Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
"It was truly a day where the power of the circus and variety arts lifted the spirits of and created moments of joy for the entire community."
— Ruth Anderson, Director of Youth and Family Programs, James A. Michener Art Museum
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus harkens back to the heyday of the traditional American Circus that toured the country by caravan. With its own artistic twist, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus celebrates American popular entertainment, including sideshow, vaudeville, and variety arts. It is circus that you can touch.
Led by co-founders Stephanie Monseu and Keith Nelson, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus’ mission is to bring joy and wonder into the world and prides itself on being the heir to New York’s outstanding traditions of circus. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus premiered with its Winter Cabaret in Brooklyn in 1995. Since then, more than 1,000 artists--musicians, comedians, actors, clowns, dancers, acrobats, dancers, novelty acts, circus performers, and sideshow acts—have performed with the company.
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has produced in off-Broadway and off-off Broadway venues, created site specific spectacles, and entertained tens of thousands of folks on tour across the globe. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has performed on cruise ships, in theme parks, at festivals, in tents, in clubs, at parks, at schools, and at colleges and universities, theaters, performing arts and municipalities across the country—just about everywhere and anywhere you can imagine.
Aerial and non-aerial versions of the shows are based on the venue’s technical specifications. Performances are available with recorded or live music (keyboard/accordion, drums and violin or tuba). In addition to its touring productions, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus provides inspiring educational and interactive engagement programs that instill a love and appreciation for circus and variety arts.
Mr. Bindlestiff’s Cirkus Sideshow Spectacular, performed by co-founder Keith Nelson aka “Mr. Bindlestiff”, is a laugh-out-loud solo variety show that blends classic vaudeville charm with modern physical comedy. Enjoy a delightfully chaotic ride powered by impeccable timing, quick wit, spinning tops, spinning ropes, sword swallowing, and a showcase of amazing stunts and circus skills.
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus (cast size: 2-7) is a theatrical circus experience that celebrates the heart, history, and excitement of American circus arts. Designed for theaters and performance venues of all sizes, this production combines breathtaking physical skill with storytelling, a strong sense of ensemble and the option to add live music (keyboard/accordion, drums and either violin or tuba). The show features a diverse cast of artists and disciplines honoring historic circus traditions such as sword swallowing, plate spinning, juggling, contortion, acrobatics, hand balancing, and aerial while embracing modern sensibilities and fresh creative voices. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus offers flexible performance formats—duo, trio, and full cast.
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cabaret (cast size: 5+) is a bold, adults-forward celebration of circus, variety, and vintage-inspired spectacle—served with a wink and a splash of mischief. The Cabaret format blends high-level circus artistry with flair, sideshow thrills, and razor-sharp comedic timing.
Cirkus Arts in the Park brings big-top magic out into the open air, transforming neighborhood greenspaces into vibrant hubs of laughter, skill, and shared delight. Designed especially for families and community audiences, these outdoor shows blend classic American circus tradition with contemporary flair in an accessible, high-energy format. Set against the backdrop of trees, sunshine, and city skylines, performers tumble, juggle, balance, and soar in a colorful celebration of human talent. Variety arts can include dazzling aerialists rigged from portable apparatus. The atmosphere is equal parts old-fashioned circus charm and modern street-fair joy.