There’s something really special about events that don’t quite fit into a box—and Big Top Brawl was exactly that.

Three people stand outside of a building while the sunsets. One individual is clown wrestler Burt Simmons, in their cop uniform.

Hosted at Tangent Gallery & Hastings Street Ballroom, this clown wrestling event brought together an incredible group of performers who spent the last nine months training, rehearsing, and building something completely unique. What unfolded felt equal parts performance art, athleticism, and pure comedic chaos.

Three wrestlers in clown makeup battle in a wresting ring. The one on the center falls to the ground while the other two team up against her.

Wrestler Ron Dozer yells into a microphone while in a wrestling ring with referee standing next to him. Red and orange lighting cover the stage.

A clown wrestler, known as Generous James, runs around the outside of a wrestling ring, while high-fiving audience members.

Shoes in a wrestling ring, illuminated by green stage lighting, with dollar bills sticking out of the tops of the shoes.

The exciting energy that night was so contagious and very character’s match was such a creative explosion of comedy and athleticism. It’s hard to find the right words to describe just how fun it was to attend! It was very clear that every single wrestler involved was one hundred percent invested in making the experience unforgettable for the audience. This made documenting the event that much more meaningful.

A clown wrestler, known as Rusty Busches, rolls into a wrestling ring on her back while holding a cigarette in her mouth. The stage is lit with purple stage lighting.

A clown wrestler, known as Rusty Busches, stares at her opponent, framed between the legs of her opponent.

Clown wrestler, Generous James, is punched by his opponent, Rusty Busches, in a wrestling ring.

From a photography standpoint, it was an opportunity of a lifetime. And it was slightly different than my more recent photoshoots. It was really fast-paced. My goal was to capture the fun, the reactions of the audience and peak wrestling moments through out the evening.

One clown wrestler, known as Pam Hatchett, gnaws at the ankle of Bella Benevolence, another clown wrestler, inside of a wrestling ring.

Clown wrestler Cut Throat Gretchen Simmons yells into a microphone on stage, illuminated by green light, while pointing out at the audience.

Clown wresting promoter Perry Sunrise yells into a microphone while being "attacked" with a bubble gun in a wrestling ring.

A wrestler known as the Red Witch, stands at the edge of a wrestling ring while yellow out at the audience.

A crowd of people attend the Dumpy Dicker Ypsitucky Travelin' Carnival before the start of the CLOWN Wrestling Big Top Brawl.

Another highlight of the event was the Dumpy Dicker Ypsitucky Travelin’ Carnival, which put an amazing carnival games for participants to play prior to the start of the show. It was the perfect compliment to the wrestling show, especially with all of the wonderfully funny characters putting on the games and interacting with people.

A Dumpy Dicker Ypsitucky Travelin' Carnival member, dressed as a fisherman, interacts with a patron.

Clown wrestler, known as the Loan Shark, walks around the ring before battling their opponent.

Clown wrestler Julia Guilia, one of the members of the Knights of Seaside Heights, holds the championship belt after winning the Prat Fall Pals Clown Car Match.

Clown wrestler, Bert Simmons, cries in pain while wrestling their daughter, Cut Throat Gretchen Simmons in a wrestling ring.

Clown wrestler Don Bozo hold a microphone in a wrestling ring.

A referee in clown make-up looks into a prop with the words "Box Science" on the outside of it, while standing in a wrestling ring.

Clown therapist, Terry Piss, holds a microphone while standing in a wrestling ring.

Clown wrestler Tom-E Forklifts looks at his opponent while standing in a wrestling ring.

Clown wrestler, known as Bison, sits in a chair while holding a microphone in a wrestling ring.

group of people holding drinks laugh while looking up at a wrestling ring.

This was absolutely a sort of bucket-list style of event to document. It was unique, creative, fun and so colorful! The audience and wrestlers were all so sweet and kind while documenting the event and behind the scenes. It was the first event for Big Top Brawl/CLOWN Wrestling Network - so I hope that my photos provide an accurate look at the atmosphere, the personality, and the feeling of being there that night.

Clown wrestler Bert Simmons holds a large pencil over their head while standing next to a large notepad that reads "violation".

Clown wrestler Bella Benevolence walks out during her entrance, holding her hands over her head, wearing angel wings, on-stage.

Gold converse shoes and pantyhose with sparkles in a wrestling ring, illuminated by blue light.

A group of people in the audience stand behind barriers and smile while clapping and holding drinks.

I’m always excited to photograph events like this in Detroit and Ann Arbor—especially ones that are a little unconventional, collaborative, and full of character. Big Top Brawl was all of that and more.

A wrestling ring is illuminated while wrestlers stand in a ring with silhouetted heads from the audience.

Huge thanks to all the Clown Wrestlers for allowing me to hang out and document the experience, Eric and Phil, for the massive undertaking of creating and putting together all the logistics for an event like this and allowing me to photograph it. Also, thank you to the Tangent Gallery in Detroit for hosting, and the Dumpy Dicker Ypsitucky Travelin’ Carnival for being on-site as well!

I cannot wait to see what this becomes. I know this first show is going to be a hard one to top!