Feature: CIRCUS COUTURE at Brooklyn Bowl

This year, Circus Couture will combine immersive theater emphasizing the importance of space and design in an environment focusing on a personal experience for each guest. The artistic explosion Encompass will be held at the Brooklyn Bowl on Oct. 12.

The circus symbolizes children and this event will benefit the Cure 4 the Kids Foundation. Support is provided for children and their families affected by cancer.

The event encompasses a rock-n-roll vibe with acts performing in the space instead of on stage. The flow encourages everyone to move around while engaging with all of the sensory phenomenon occurring. The word compass represents travel, and the word encompass is a verb meaning to surround and have or hold. There is no specific date or time designated, but the storyline is about a man who has gone on a journey to find and then loses the love of his life. A party is thrown in hopes she will show up again. In this atmosphere, there are no names. Guests "travel around" through the different, shadowy worlds to explore his voyage.

The inspiration came from the Broadway show Sleep No More to create an immersive experience this year. Chairman of the Board of Directors for Circus Couture, Dawn Marie Bernhard, comes from a background of Broadway and touring.

"We wanted to take the philanthropy model of Circus Couture and make it as immersive as possible," Bernhard explained. "We incorporated what we did in the past with the stage performances and begin the story as soon as the guests enter the venue."

Her experience on Broadway includes Avenue Q and Rent along with regional productions of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. She opened and closed the Las Vegas run of Avenue Q.

Its volunteers wanting to make a difference make up the core of Circus Couture. The annual circus, fashion, and art event creates a collaborative night of an inspiring spectacle. The eclectic group comes together to celebrate and continue the fight with a goal of victory.

Circus Couture Encompass will be presented at the Brooklyn Bowl on Oct. 12. Visit circus-couture.com for tickets and information.