Midnight Circus, a beloved Chicago company that promotes a unique combination of theater and circus arts, announced Thursday it would not be able to produce a full-scale, citywide tour for the 2023 season.

       In a statement posted to its website, the nonprofit arts organization said it was halting operations due to a “post-pandemic shift in how Midnight Circus is supported, funded and allowed to operate in Chicago.”

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       “Regretfully, our ability to defy gravity while battling bureaucracy has proved to be our toughest challenge yet,” the statement read. “Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that we announce we will not be able to produce a full-scale, citywide Midnight Circus in the Parks Tour for the 2023 season.”

       For nearly two decades, it has offered an affordable, accessible platform for performers across Chicago, and raised money for parks and community groups. It was founded by Jeff Jenkins and Julie Greenberg, a couple with backgrounds in theater.

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       Midnight Circus was the first American company ever invited to the esteemed Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival. Their 2022 season brought over 15,000 Chicagoans to celebrate circus arts.

       “We are forever grateful to the talented artists who have graced our little circus ring over the years, and the committed community partners that have believed in our mission and have partnered with us to strengthen Chicago communities,” the statement said.

       The company said they will remain determined and hopeful. They will announce their 2023 program next week.

       nsalzman@chicagotribune.com