Few experiences are more nostalgic than our childhood visits to the carnival, fair or circus. On Saturday, March 14, 2026, lose yourself in 1980s nostalgia when the acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and gems from Cirque Mechanics bring their newest show Tilt! to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia.
The Circus Comes to Downtown Olympia when Tilt! Takes the Washington Center Stage
Tilt! is the newest show from the circus professionals at Cirque Mechanics. These madcap geniuses think of themselves as inspired by today’s modern circus, but seen through the lens of American industrial ingenuity. Co-founder Aida Lashua explains that Tilt! premiered October 4, 2025, and has toured with dozens of stops since autumn.
Lashua describes the high-flying show as “stepping into a neon-soaked 1980s amusement park packed with high-flying acrobatics, big laughs and nonstop energy.” The retro costumes by Caroline Rogers and the original soundtrack by Michael Picton make it feel like an ’80’s blockbuster come to life onstage. Lashua says, “And at its heart, Tilt! is a love letter to summer fun and a little bit of mischievous magic.”
The troupe, combines the acrobatics of the human body with innovative mechanical creations. Earlier shows have toured extensively, globally and resulted in the creation of other human powered devices and apparatuses.
Come Gasp, Applaud and Perch on the Edge of Your Seat for a True Live Circus Experience
No circus experience is complete without a dash of thrilling excitement. And this adrenaline fuels the performers as much as it does the audience. “Live audiences are the spark,” says Lashua. “Every cheer, gasp and laugh fuels the performers in real time. Circus is electric because the crowd becomes part of the thrill ride.”
March’s visit to Olympia is part of the show’s kick-off tour and Lashua says they’re excited to stop in Washington. “We’re thrilled to bring this brand-new show to audiences in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its vibrant, passionate arts communities. This will be Tilt!’s first time touring the Northwest but we’ve brought other productions through the area before so it’s especially exciting to return and share something completely new with audiences who have supported us in the past.”
Cirque Mechanics is Looking Ahead to Big Tops and Thrill Rides from Coast to Coast
As 2026 rolls merrily along, Cirque Mechanics hopes to share Tilt! with even more audiences. Lashua can’t wait to show off their showstopper: a massive Ferris Wheel machine designed and built by members Chris Lashua and Sean Riley. She says this one-of-a-kind, performer-powered centerpiece brings thrills, laughs and jaw-dropping responses.
For other rollicking good times (that don’t require running away to join the circus) check out “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience” on March 7, the “Ladies of Laughter” comedy extravaganza on March 20, “The Naked Magicians” on April 2 and “Wizard of Oz on Ice” on April 17.
Updated 2025-20026 subscription information is available now and subscribers get discounted tickets, early access presales, same seat privileges and an invitation to the season preview.
Tickets to Tilt! at 7 p.m. on Saturday March 14 are available online, by calling 360.753.8586 or at the Center Box Office. The Box Office is open from noon until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from noon until 4 p.m. on Saturday and two hours before any ticketed event. Email boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org with questions.
It’s been said that time is a circus, always packing up and moving away. Don’t let the opportunity to enjoy childhood wonders, childlike delight and the magic of the big top disappear. Don’t just shake up your frumpy schedule, get tickets today and give it a good Tilt! of festive nostalgia instead.
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