1980s-inspired, high-flying cirque amusement park adventure to come to the Center for the Arts

Susan Bland

15 Jan 2026

An acrobat from Cirque Mechanics leaps high above the stage during a performance of “Tilt,” while fellow performers sit and stand on a large, wheel-inspired structure beneath warm orange lighting. — A midair moment from Cirque Mechanics’ “Tilt! A Circus Thrill Ride,” where movement and mechanics collide onstage. Photo courtesy of Kirk Marsh.

Cirque Mechanics returns to Blacksburg with its newest adventure, “Tilt! A Circus Thrill Ride.” Journey back to the 1980s for this high-flying homage to America’s iconic amusement parks.

Bursting with acrobatics, aerial feats, juggling, and a dose of nostalgic charm, this theatrical circus adventure brings the sights, sounds, and spirit of the era to the Center for the Arts stage for two performances on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Audiences are transported to the backlot of an inventive theme park, where in the shadow of the roller coaster and under the lights of the Ferris wheel, they meet the operators, carnies, and characters that keep the rides running and the thrills coming.

The story follows a weary amusement park worker, worn down by the grind and long disconnected from the joy around him. When he confiscates a guest’s boom box, a playful chase erupts — an exhilarating whirlwind of stunts, surprises, and laughter.

At the heart of the spectacle is a marvel of man-powered engineering: a giant Ferris wheel, surrounded by incredible mechanical creations that reimagine classic rides and games of the time.

Cirque Mechanics finds its heart in the stories of American ingenuity. The stories are wrapped in circus acrobatics, mechanical wonders, and a bit of clowning around, and include the spectacular flipping, soaring, and balancing everyone loves.

Founded in 2004 by Chris Lashua, Las Vegas-based Cirque Mechanics masterfully blends American storytelling with inventive staging. Inspired by traditional circus and grounded in realism, Cirque Mechanics creates unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide. Its touring repertoire features acclaimed productions (several of which have appeared at the Center for the Arts), including “Birdhouse Factory,” “Boom Town,” “Pedal Punk,” “42ft: A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels,” “Zephyr: A Whirlwind of Circus,” “Yuletide Factory,” and “Winter Wonder Shoppe.”

This performance is supported in part by a gift from Mark and Connie Froggatt.

Related events

Cirque Mechanics will deliver a free matinee performance for 1,000 students and educators from Botetourt, Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Wythe counties as well as the cities of Radford, Roanoke, and Salem.

Invited local community members will enjoy a pre-show meal and receive complimentary tickets to a performance of “Tilt!” through the community VIP ticket program. Offered in partnership with New River Community Action, the program helps provide greater access to Center for the Arts programs for under-resourced individuals and families.

Tickets

Tickets are $25-$65 for general audience and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Center for the Arts box office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.

Venue and parking information

The performance will be held in the center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall. Convenient parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street and in downtown Blacksburg. Find more parking details online.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jonathan Boulter at least 10 days prior to the event at 540-231-5300 or email jboulter@vt.edu during regular business hours.