Circus Metropolus emerged in 2005 after Monopoly-monied federal funding for a DARPA-derived kovert klown program was diverted to theoretically more important directives. Whatever. As the klowns moved into freezer boxes and took up sporadic work hither and thither in the Bay Area and beyond, the opportunity serendipitously arose with like-minded entity, the Vau de Vire Society, to conjure up an ongoing, monthly circus variety show, Bohemian Carnival, that ran for 6+ years. That combo cahootsed with a few others to create the Red Nose District circus supercamp out at Burning Man that continues to this very dingdong day.

Founded by Boenobo The Klown, Circus Metropolus absorbed the all-klown electrofunkrock band Gooferman (founded by Boenobo in 2001), birthed the Klown Korps kollective and the TrashKan Marchink Band, and has served as the biz vehicle for The Klown for nearly 18 years. Along with the performance entities under the CM umbrella, we’ve also produced or co-produced countless events and shows in addition to Bohemian Carnival and Red Nose District, including Trapeze Worldwide, the HONK Klown-a-Rownd touring show, the Roccopura rock opera, LoveFest’s VIP experience, New Bohemia NYE VIP, and SF’s Sea of Dreams and Masquerotica super-parties, and contributed talent and production expertise to countless festivals across the US.