WHO WE ARE
A NEW KIND OF CIRCUS
New York Circus Project is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to producing contemporary circus in New York City and the United States founded by Sam Landa and Emma Owens.
We view circus as an art form with the power to tell profound stories in visually captivating ways. Adapting classic texts and timeless narratives, our productions blend dramaturgical techniques with circus spectacle, immersing audiences in compelling theatrical journeys. Inspired by New York City's rich theater and dance industries, we aim to redefine circus in the United States—as a dynamic medium for powerful storytelling. Additionally, New York Circus Project produces free-to-the-public, family friendly circus cabaret performances on the streets of New York City.
New York Circus Project’s debut production, HAMLET, toured nationally in 2024 to critical and audience acclaim. Developed with a cast and a creative team comprised of alumni of Cirque du Soleil, Broadway, the 7 fingers, American Idol, and Disney Theatrical, HAMLET brings American circus into a new, theatrical age.
New York Circus Project is developing a new production set to premiere in the Fall of 2025. HAMLET will return to stages in 2026.
HISTORY
After meeting at Columbia University, Sam and Emma founded the Columbia Circus Collective, the first newly accredited performing arts group at the university in over a decade. Securing over $20,000 in grants, they directed and produced three sold-out circus productions. Their work, including their acrobatic adaptation of HAMLET earned high praise—“utterly creative and original…masterful work” (Columbia Bwog)—and won them the highest leadership awards from their respective colleges. Recognizing the power of circus to tell larger-than-life stories and encouraged by industry veterans to produce a professional rendition of HAMLET, they founded New York Circus Project, a non-profit producing organization dedicated to theatrical circus.
OUR TEAM
Sam Landa
Co-founder, Artistic Director
Sam is a New York City-based director and choreographer with over a decade of experience in the performing arts, working across circus, dance, and theater. As a circus and movement consultant, his credits include Moulin Rouge! on Broadway, Disney Theatrical, and 7 Fingers. His diverse background as a dancer, circus performer, theater director, and consultant inspired him to establish the New York Circus Project—a place to explore the intersection of circus and theatrical storytelling. He is a proud alumni of École Nationale de Cirque (National Circus School), where he specialized in trapeze, and Columbia University, where he studied Computer Science and Math, focusing on technology's role in arts and media and was President of the Columbia University Performing Arts League.
Emma Owens
Co-founder
Emma is an alumna of Barnard College of Columbia University where she studied Art History with a focus on the circus’s place in the canon. Her professional background includes corporate fine art consulting, digital marketing, and performing arts administration. Her experience in the worlds of visual arts, performing arts, and business led her to co-found the New York Circus Project.
Carolyn Friedman
Artistic Associate and Dramaturg
Carolyn is a director and multi-disciplinary performer. An alumna of Columbia University, she recently finished a Fulbright in Bogotá, Colombia, where she worked at the intersection of circus, theater, and social impact. Based between New York City and Bogotá, she is currently the Artistic Project Coordinator for the award-winning company Circo Para Todos.
Lola Picayo
Marketing Manager
Lola is an alumna of Yale University and has been involved in circus arts for over a decade as a performer, coach, and organizer. Her circus experience includes touring with the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour for five years and leading Yale Aerial & Circus Arts for four years. She is passionate about the educational potential of movement-based arts.
Thomas Doyle
Producing Associate
Tommy is a military veteran, theater producer, and investment banker with Solomon Partners’ Global Media Group. Currently, he is a co-producer for the Broadway hit Oh, Mary!, which has garnered critical acclaim, including a New York Times Critics Pick, and the new Broadway comedy All In. A Columbia University graduate with a degree in economics, Tommy served as president of the Columbia University Performing Arts League.
Nate Files
Production Design Coordinator
Nate is a proud alumnus of the California Institute of the Arts with a BFA in Theater. Nate's expertise has illuminated projects like the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, MTV VMAs, and exclusive events for Louis Vuitton and Refinery 29. His lighting work has garnered four Prime Time Emmy nominations for his roles in American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.