The Most Inclusive and Diverse Circus In The World Far Exceeds Federal Disabled Employment Standards For World Premiere Engagement In
Tysons Corner, VA Beginning November 18
TYSONS CORNER, VA (October 7, 2021) – October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)and few American companies are celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities as emphatically as Omnium Circus (www.omniumcircus.org). Omnium announces that a minimum of 26% of its cast, crew, front of house staff, executive team and vendors come directly from the disability community. That far exceeds the standard set by the federal government requiring that 7% of the federal workforce be qualified individuals with disabilities. And for Omnium, that number is expected to increase as the show gets closer to its inaugural engagement coming to Tysons III in Tysons Corner, Virginia from November 18 – January 9.
This “bold new circus” is able to be a standard bearer in disability employment because its entire ethos is not only to promote inclusivity and diversity but actually showcase it in a way unmatched by almost any other live entertainment company. Exceptional individuals with disabilities abound at Omnium. Many of the front of house staff are being hired through partnerships with Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia, Best Buddies, National Federation for the Blind and similar organizations, giving many people with disabilities an opportunity to find meaningful work around the upcoming holiday season.
In addition to front of house staff, stage and tech crew, vendors, and the executive team, the circus ring itself features an incredibly diverse multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-abled cast of circus superstars, several from the disability community themselves, who push the limits of what is possible. Aerialist Jen Bricker-Bauer, who was born without legs, soars above the ring, defying gravity and stigma while on the ground, D.C. local Deaf dancer and Cystic Fibrosis Advocate Bailey Ann Vincent shines under the spotlight. Omnium Circus is smashing barriers to ensure Disability Visibility becomes the standard in all entertainment.
“From the boardroom to the box office to center ring, Omnium is leading the way in inclusivity and we are proud to announce we have such a high percentage of disabled employees in the Omnium family, especially during National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Omnium’s Founder and Executive Director, Lisa B. Lewis. “The circus has traditionally always been a place of diversity and acceptance and all are certainly welcome under our big top.”
Omnium has also been created to welcome multi-abled audiences. It is the first circus to feature comprehensive accommodations at all shows including an innovative relaxed seating area allowing people to enjoy the circus however they choose. Thoughtfully extensive accessibility accommodations include: ASL; Audio Description; ADA seating for service animals and mobility challenges; Assisted Listening Devices; designated Calming Areas; Braille programs, Social Story and STEAM Study Guides at every performance.
Omnium Circus debuts at Lerner’s Tysons III, 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons Corner, VA from November 18 through January 9. Tickets are $35.00, $65.00 and $95.00. VIP packages and group sales are also available.
For show times and other information, please visit www.omniumcircus.org/tickets. Follow Omnium Circus on social media to meet the performers and watch exclusive behind the scenes sneak peeks of this brand-new show.
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About Omnium Circus:
Omnium: A Bold New Circus is a unique, visionary not-for-profit, breaking new ground as the world’s first fully inclusive circus company. Comprised of a multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-abled world-class artistic and management team, our mission is to unite diverse communities through shared joy, laughter and inspiration. Founded during the 2020 pandemic, Omnium Circus launched with the critically acclaimed virtual production, “A Celebration of Diversity,” and now makes its live world premiere under the big top tent in November 2021 at Tysons Corner, Virginia. All performances feature unprecedented access accommodations allowing for seamless enjoyment by all including ASL, Audio Description, Social Story and with the live show, introduces relaxed seating, “Chill Zone,” braille programs and more. www.omniumcircus.org Social Media: @OmniumCircus
About Lerner:
Founded by Theodore N. Lerner in 1952, Lerner Enterprises is a respected leader in Washington, D.C. area real estate development, investment and management. For more on the company fo to: Lerner.com or follow Lerner on Twitter @LernerDC.
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