PRESENTS
TENS: CIRCUS BERZERKUS
STEP RIGHT UP AND JOIN THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
Part artistic spectacle, part fashion show, part ball—ALTBALL is a unique creative showcase that is both *of* the community and *for* the community.
Last year we had an incredible ballroom showcase as part of the show. This year we’re making it real with an LSS showcase AND a mini-ball with featured categories, dynamic judges and cash prizes. Get ready for TENS: CIRCUS BERZERKUS.
We’re looking for an inspiring set of performers to bring the energy, creativity and drama to the runway under the Big Top. Should that be you? Read on for details.
LSS SHOWCASE
We’ll be taking the ALTBALL stage for an LSS showcase during the runway show. This is a teaser for the ball to come… but for this, we’re looking for folks ready to represent the absolute height of their category—all while serving looks fit for an avant-garde circus runway.
If you’re interested in participating in the LSS showcase you must register below. This helps us plan, provide stipends ($) for looks, and lock folks in.
MINI-BALL CATEGORIES
We’ll be hosting a proper ball after the runway show—still drafting off the theme and energy of the ALTBALL runway. We’re looking for folks ready to put on a spectacle under the Big Top.
Note: the mini-ball is open to all attendees, but you must have a ticket for the show to get in and walk. (And enjoy the rest of the show + party.)
RINGMASTER’S RUNWAY – “I own 51% of this damn circus!” Command the spotlight as you serve executive elegance with a theatrical twist. Bring your most extravagant circus couture—whether vintage ringmaster realness or avant-garde big top fantasy.
CENTER RING PERFORMANCE – Fight for the main stage and transform the runway into a spellbinding spectacle of movement and magic. From acrobatic voguing to high-drama art, bring a performance that would make Barnum & Bailey gasp while keeping it pure ballroom.
SHOWSTOPPER FACE – Serve and stun with a face that stops the show and steals the spotlight. Give us that perfect blend of circus drama and ballroom beauty while highlighting that mug.
DESIGNER’S DELIGHT – Circus fantasy meets fashion innovation. Showcase your original (or accumulated) creations that blend the theatrical grandeur of vintage cirque with the bold experimentation of club kid culture.
For all categories, we’re looking for folks who can represent the category while also infusing their look + walk based on the overall theme of the event. This is an elevated, avant-garde, circus-inspired runway—so get ready to shine in the center ring.
ALTBALL THEME: RINGLEADER
Following a wildly-successful inaugural year, ALTBALL is thrilled to be moving to a bigger stage for our 2025 event: The Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District.
Built in Italy by two of the world’s premier manufacturers, the tent is designed to showcase a real main event—featuring state-of-the-art sound, lights, rigging and video fit for world-class productions.
And we’re leaning all the way in, creating an elevated circus experience for attendees and a theme that will inspire talent to showcase truly surprising and alluring creations.
RINGLEADER will conjure vintage French cirque and inject it with the avant-garde energy of queer Club Kid expression. View the moodboard to catch the vibes.
DETAILS
HOW WILL YOU SELECT LSS PARTICIPANTS?
Given time constraints of an LSS segment within a bigger show, we’re asking those interested to apply—and our team will confirm who will represent each category.
While we’d love to welcome all interested, we’ll accept and review all applications through March 14 and then communicate with everyone the week after.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE MINI-BALL?
Folks interested in participating in the mini-ball (whether or not they were part of the LSS segment) must purchase a ticket to ALTBALL. The ball is open to any ALTBALL attendees—so come, enjoy the party and fashion runway, and then turn it out for the ball.
WILL PARTICIPANTS BE PAID?
Despite being a charitable event, we’re fiercely committed to ensuring that ALTBALL is accessible and recognizes creatives for their work. Selected LSS performers will be offered a stipend to support their time and looks—and everyone (LSS and mini-ball) will be free to utilize photo and video from the event with proper attribution.
WHAT ARE THE CATEGORY PRIZES?
First and foremost, this is a showcase of what our community is capable of… but it is a ball and greatness will indeed be celebrated! All mini-ball categories will award a $500 cash prize and trophy.
KEY DATES
Please review the following dates to ensure they align with your schedule before committing to participate.
FEB 20: LSS Registration Opens
MAR 14: LSS Registration Closes
MAR 21: LSS Participants Announced
MAY 14: Event Run-Through @ The Big Top (Evening, time TBD)
MAY 15: The Main Event — ALTBALL 2025 (Doors @ 6:30p, Runway @ 8p, Ball @ ~9:30p)