Midwest Arts XPO 2024: Highlights from Indianapolis for The Colorful Hat Circus & Variety

Midwest Arts XPO 2024 – Indianapolis, Indiana
September 16–19, 2024

This year marked my first time attending the Midwest Arts Expo in Indianapolis, and what a fantastic experience it was! The conference is only in its second year, and it already feels like a vibrant, growing hub for performers, presenters, and everyone working in live entertainment.

The conference opened with an inspiring keynote from Ben Cameron, whose candid and thoughtful talk addressed the realities of working in the performing arts industry today. His perspective resonated deeply and set the tone for a week focused not just on performance, but on sustainability, creativity, and connection.

The Colorful Hat had a booth on the expo floor, which was my home base for meeting theatrical presenters, catching up with colleagues, and networking with fellow artists. I was lucky to be neighbors with magician Zak Mirz and jazz singer Amber Weakes. It was fun to hear about Zak’s experiences performing on Disney Cruise Line and to have a front-row seat for his performing arts showcase performance.

A personal highlight for me was meeting magician Jeki Yoo, a longtime favorite. Not only did I get to see his theatrical showcase, but I also had the chance to chat with him afterward. He was as gracious and kind as could be — truly a thrill to meet someone whose work I’ve admired for years.

Other memorable connections included talking with Illusionist Rick Thomas about his recent move to a new theater for his long-running resident show in Branson, and chatting with Steve Love of Love Productions, who stopped by my booth and even juggled one of my colorful hats — talk about on brand!

Another notable performing arts showcase was Cirque Us, a contemporary circus company presenting their full production Stories, featuring aerial arts, juggling, and comedy. Many of the cast members are graduates of the New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro, VT, which played an instrumental role in the early days of the Colorful Hat Circus & Variety. 

Of course, no trip to Indianapolis would be complete without a visit to Shapiro’s Delicatessen, a longtime city institution serving guests since 1905. I’ve visited many times before and always look forward to returning — especially for their classic rye bread and German potato salad, my favorites!

Throughout the conference, I met presenters from theaters and performing arts centers across the country. While it’s impossible to mention everyone, the overall experience reinforced why performing arts conferences like Midwest Arts XPO are so valuable — they bring together artists, presenters, and producers in one place to share ideas, spark collaborations, and keep live performance thriving. 

I can't wait to for next year! 

— Thomas Seaton, Producer, The Colorful Hat Circus & Variety

Ben Cameron gives the Opening Keynote at the Midwest Arts XPO at the Indianapolis Convention Center in 2024.

Colorful Hat Circus & Variety was proud to exhibit and attend the Midwest Arts XPO in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2024.