Kyle Cragle’s hopes of performing on stage will come true as he debuts with the Cirque Dreams Illumination National Tour at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby in Houston.

Cragle, a 14-year-old Missouri City acrobatic performance artist, will appear in 16 performances until March 7.

He auditioned at an open casting call that was held on Feb. 6 at the Galleria.

Cirque Dreams creator and Broadway producer Neil Goldberg said Cragle will perform in the company of 30 other troupe members that were selected from around the world.

"Kyle’s skills have enabled us to create a unique role for him in the show. He will captivate audiences as he did with our creative team when he auditioned. It’s just passing the dream forward," said Goldberg.

Circus show gave him inspiration

Cragle began his acrobatic skills, juggling and diabolo training at the age of 7 after he saw a circus show.

He trained in gymnastics at the Houston Gymnastics Academy at 5804 South Rice Ave. until only a year ago when he transferred to the Gymnast Factory at 2520 Albans Road.

Tom Brewer, coach and owner of Gymnast Factory, has seen Cragle progress as a gymnast.

In 2009, Cragle received gold medals in tumbling and double mini trampoline and a silver medal in trampoline at the U.S. Junior Olympic Trampoline and Tumbling National Championships.

He said Cragle is a gymnast with a "flair for the dramatic."

"He’s always excited about learning the next thing. He takes instruction quite well and works through things. He has a passion for this kind of thing. He likes to perform in front of people and has the skills. It’s definitely a dream come true for him," said Brewer.

Cragle, the son of Laura and David Cragle, grew up in Bellaire and moved to Missouri City a year ago.

He attended school at Veritas Christian Academy of Houston at 7000 Ferris until second grade when he transferred to Westbury Christian School at 10424 Hillcroft.

Entertaining classmates

He often entertained classmates during school talent shows at Westbury Christian School with his circus diabolo, body contortions, Hula Hoop and hand balance feats.

"When I started juggling and doing the diabolo at 7 years old, it was kind of hard at first. It’s gotten a lot easier. I like doing gymnastics because I have fun doing it. I like the variety," said Cragle, who also played soccer and baseball.

Cragle auditioned for Cirque Dreams Illumination because he said his skills have improved. In 2008 and 2009, Cragle attended the National Circus School in Montreal for two-week sessions to improve his all-around performance.

"I do the contortions and juggling around the house. I look up new tricks on the Internet. At the Circus School, I worked on power track, tight wire, silks and aerial hoops. It was awesome," Cragle said.

He said he’s most excited about the entire experience.

"This is the first time ever I will be actually performing on one of the biggest stages with people of my own kind. I’m so excited to learn, have fun and perform. After this I’m going to get ready for anything that comes my way" Cragle said.

For details about the show, go to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or call 800-982-ARTS (2787).

WANT TO GO?

What: Cirque Drams Illumination National Tour

Where: Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. in Houston

When: 8 p.m. March 5, 2 and 8 p.m. March 6, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 7

Details: www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or call 800-982-ARTS (2787).