Circus wagons will join the festivities.
To mark Overture's 10th anniversary, many of the resident companies will host special programs throughout the 2014-15 season. There will also be a special Kaleidoscope performance featuring all the resident companies in September. To kick off the celebration, Overture has planned a variety of free public events, including a circus, a local performance showcase and a photography exhibition.
On Sept. 27, downtown Madison will transform into a circus called 10fest. There will be a dozen wagons from Circus World Museum, an outdoor trapeze show by Cycropia Aerial Dance, and roving performers and kids' activities from Madison Public Library and the Madison Children's Museum. Inside Overture will be free presentations of music, magic, opera, theater and silent film.
Six community centers hosted auditions to find local bands, dancers and other performers for Overture's Rising Stars: Discovering the Talent Next Door. The finalists will take the Capitol Theater stage on Sept. 28. Winners of this competition get to perform at Overture events throughout the year.
There's also a visual arts component to the celebration, Overture's Portrait Project: You Are the Face of Overture. A photo booth will be placed in the building, and photos of community members will be collected for the entire season. These pictures will be used in a mosaic that will eventually be on permanent display.