circularyoke

Circularyoke is a participatory performing format that merges karaoke with a circular arrangement of participants. In a circularyoke event, singers perform in turn as the group forms a circle around a central screen or a shared stage area. The circle emphasizes equal participation and collective attention, while a rotating cue system ensures that every participant can sing within a single cycle.

Origin and spread: The term circularyoke emerged in online discussion forums and community event calendars in the late 2010s, with early implementations described by local arts collectives. It has since appeared at schools, neighborhood venues, and virtual gatherings, often as a way to run inclusive, low-pressure performances.

Format and rules: A facilitator sets the circle and selects a repertoire—usually popular covers or crowd-sourced requests. Each participant takes one turn to perform a short song (often 1–3 minutes). The circle rotates after each performance, sometimes moving clockwise, sometimes randomly, to maximize exposure. Lyrics are projected for the singer or visible to all; non-singing participants engage as audience or backup chorus. Some variants permit group verses or harmonies and require restarts if a ring is broken.

Variations and accessibility: Virtual circularyoke uses video conferencing with a timed rotation or chat queue, while in-person versions may use a portable screen or shared projector. The format is valued for inclusivity, social bonding, and reducing stage fright by distributing attention and visibility across many participants.

See also: karaoke, open mic nights.