First Light

First Light is a curated performance series that brings contemporary circus into direct dialogue with its audience. Across a weeklong residency, the ensemble develops and refines material together, culminating in an evening that blends crafted repertoire with live improvisation. Designed as an artistic laboratory, the series champions experimental voices and expands access to circus as a living, evolving form.

In 2025, 3AM Theatre hosted four one-week First Light residencies, each inviting a new group of performers to explore original concepts, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and audience engagement. The series ultimately culminated in the creation of First Light (the show)—a full-scale touring production that reframes circus through narrative, movement, kinetic sculpture, and immersive design.