Numerous circus schools train aspiring performers in circus arts.
Audiences have enjoyed circuses since ancient Roman times, and the popularity of the various shows mounted by Cirque du Soleil has caused a resurgence in interest for both fans and aspiring performers. In fact, circus training is available throughout the world, with a variety of options available for both professional performers and amateur hobbyists.
National Circus School
Based in Montreal, Canada's National Circus School blends standard post-secondary academics with circus training. Graduates of the school's three-year program earn a college diploma, certified by the Quebec Ministry of Education, and gain an array of training in a variety of circus techniques. The school also offers programs for elementary and high school students, a program for foreign students and numerous recreational circus programs for hobbyists. Training takes place at the school's 7,200-square-foot facility, which opened in 2003. Unlike many other circus schools, the National Circus School isn't affiliated with any particular circus.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College
Aspiring circus performers who want to specialize in clowning can attend the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. Although the college's Florida headquarters shut down in 1997, the college still trains clowns in various areas throughout the U.S. Anyone interested in applying must send an audition DVD that will allow the talent scouts to get a sense of the aspirant's "physical appearance, ability to display exaggerated facial expressions, display of your athleticism or any unique physical skills." Only a select few applicants are selected each year; however, according to the college's website, it's statistically more likely to be accepted into Harvard than it is to be accepted into Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
Other Options
Depending upon your location and the type of training you're looking for, there are a variety of options worldwide. In London, England, for example, the Circus Space (thecircusspace.co.uk) offers training for both amateur and professional performers. Training in various aspects of circus arts can be found throughout North America, including Circus Center (circuscenter.org) in San Francisco, the Circus Arts Institute (circusartsinstitute.com) in Atlanta, Circus West (circuswest.com) in Vancouver, the Kinetic Theory Theatre's circus school (kinetictheorytheatre.com) in Los Angeles and the New York Circus Arts Academy (newyorkcircusarts.com) in New York City.
International Network for Social Circus Training
With numerous shows traveling the world and several long-running hits in Las Vegas, Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil revolutionized the concept of the modern-day circus by combining state-of-the art stagecraft with circus arts, street entertainment, music and drama. Although Cirque du Soleil doesn't offer training itself, in 2000 the company set up the International Network for Social Circus Training, an international training program that coordinates 10 organizations from different countries to provide circus training to at-risk youth.
