Ground-Level Perspective

Shana Carroll, a former trapeze artist with metastatic breast cancer, created a theater piece from hospital experiences.

“I've had so many procedures where you're inside machines, and you just feel like: What science fiction weird thing is going on here?”

The Attic Show

Carroll's show 'The Attic: Things I've Seen While Lying On My Back' premiered at The Goodman Theatre in September 2026.

Cancer and Circus

Carroll, a 20-year circus veteran, has been nominated for a Tony award for her work on 'Water for Elephants'.

Attic Memories

The show features memories of childhood, middle school, and childbirth from Carroll's perspective.

Acrobatic Moments

The 7 Fingers acrobats perform three-story human towers and a 20-foot pole drop.

“Melvin Diggs plummets head-first down a 20-foot steel pole, stopping inches from the stage floor.”

Hospital Bed Scene

A hospital bed rises from horizontal to vertical, illustrating Carroll's ambivalence toward hospitals.

“When you're alone in a hospital bed, it both feels like they won't stop fussing with me, and the creepiness of it, but it also feels like you have accompaniment and comfort even though you're so alone”

Cancer and Trapeze

Carroll uses trapeze skills to navigate cancer pain and fear of death.

“There is a lot of pain. You burn your skin. You get bruises everywhere.”

Circus Roots

Carroll trained at Montreal's National Circus School and performed with Cirque du Soleil.

“I spent the night at the Playboy mansion when I was 2 years old”

Theatrical Approach

Carroll focuses on universal themes rather than sensational moments from her life.

“I can tell stories about my life, but what you want is that it's actually connecting people to certain themes or understandings or realizations or just connecting to humanity in general in a lifetime”

Musical Choice

Erik Satie's Gnossienne No. 1 plays throughout the show, evoking a sense of quiet sadness.

“It was a piece I listened to a lot in my attic, so I wanted it to be a touchstone through the show”

Theater Impact

The show has been praised for its emotional depth and physical storytelling.

Cancer Journey

Carroll's metastatic breast cancer has shaped her perspective on life and death.

“With cancer, you don't choose it, but it feels familiar: Oh I've been here, I know how to navigate fear”

Theater Production

The show runs through October 4, 2026 at The Goodman Theatre with tickets starting at $34.

Personal Connection

Carroll's character lies on a trapeze-like bed, connecting her physical experience to the audience.