Circus Arts

The Perry - Mansfield Circus Arts Intensive: Creating the Complete Artist

Transform Your Technique. Command the Stage. Launch Your Professional Circus Career.

June 28-July 17, 2027

Ages 12–18 | Pre Professional Circus Artists | Audition Required

Pre-Professional Circus Intensive

Designed for aspiring circus artists, aerialists, and movement performers, this three-week intensive provides advanced training in aerial arts, acrobatics, balance disciplines, flexibility, strength, movement, and contemporary circus creation.

Students refine their technical skills while exploring artistry, innovation, and performance through a curriculum that blends physical excellence with creative expression. Interdisciplinary training with theatre and musical theatre students offers opportunities to develop character, storytelling, stage presence, and collaborative performance, reflecting the increasingly theatrical direction of contemporary circus.

Evening rehearsals and performance opportunities prepare students for collegiate circus programs, professional companies, and the rapidly expanding world of contemporary circus performance.

The "Whole Artist" Advantage

Perry-Mansfield is world-renowned for its interdisciplinary approach. Moving beyond the isolation of traditional circus training, our students thrive in a multi-disciplinary ecosystem where elite acrobatics, professional dance and theatrical stagecraft converge. You will forge a well-rounded professional identity through unrivaled access to our legacy departments:

Elite Circus Technique: Individualized rigorous training in Aerial Arts (silk, hoop, straps, pole, dynamic sequencing), Floor Acrobatics (tumbling, partner acrobatics, physical conditioning) and Balance Arts (hand balancing, flexibility, apparatus fundamentals).
The Dance Connection: Refine your lines, transitions and spatial awareness with instruction from our world - class dance faculty to build movement vocabulary with a focus on dance technique and physical expression.
Theatrical Command: Master act development and stage presence through the exploration of clowning and physical theatre techniques (character creation, comedic timing, and ensemble play).
Equestrian Synergy: Unique to our campus, students will have the opportunity to engage with our equestrian program, developing the rhythm, core stability, and animal - human connection that has defined circus tradition for centuries.

Industry - Leading Mentorship

This is not a traditional summer camp; it is a professional incubator. Our faculty is comprised of THE leaders in the modern industry—artists and choreographers who have graced national and international stages with Cirque du Soleil, Dragone and the world’s most prestigious circus festivals. You will not just learn their moves; you will learn their discipline, their work ethic, and their vision.

Program Details & Logistics

Circus Program Audition Information

Please submit the following:

Audition Materials

Current photo
Current résumé
2 minutes of ground skills — tumbling, acrobatics, hand balancing, flexibility, juggling, clowning, or other circus disciplines
2 minutes of aerial skills — demonstrating technique, strength, control, and vocabulary on your primary apparatus
One recently recorded circus act or solo — no more than 2 minutes in length

All videos must show the applicant’s full body throughout the recording. Videos should be filmed specifically for the audition whenever possible. Production/performance videos may not be submitted.

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Short Essay

In 100 words or fewer, tell us:

Why do you want to come to Perry-Mansfield?

Circus Training Background

Please provide:

Current circus school or training program
Main circus teacher(s)
Primary circus discipline(s)/apparatus
Current training level
Number of years training in circus arts
Number of circus classes per week
Approximate circus training hours per week

Additional Performing Arts Training

Dance training and current level, if applicable
Theatre/acting training, if applicable
Other movement or performing arts training
Number of additional classes per week
Total training hours per week across all disciplines

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How to Apply

Admissions are highly selective to ensure a high-caliber cohort. To receive full audition requirements and submission instructions, please contact: admin@perry-mansfield.org

Join us under the pines to transform your technique into your legacy. Space is strictly limited to ensure individualized professional attention.