PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

Circus Juventas is expanding our Professional Program to offer world-class, laser-focused training for young adults preparing for a career as working circus professionals. The two-year training program with our world-renowned coaching staff will allow students to develop professional skills, prepare for auditions and festivals, and network with professional organizations such as Cirque du Soleil and other notable professional circus companies. 

In CJ’s 28-year history, many alumni of the advanced youth program have gone on to professional careers with Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, The Wallenda Family, Bello Nock, The Royal Hanneford Circus, Cirque Mechanics, Cirque Eloize, and many other professional circus organizations. Internationally recognized Director Sun Yanhong will assume official leadership of the professional program along with Rob Dawson. They will build on the comprehensive foundations of CJ to create a custom-tailored experience with a singular goal: get our students out into the professional world of circus.

The two-year training program with our world-renowned coaching staff will allow students to develop professional skills, prepare for auditions and festivals, build dynamic act routines, and network with professional organizations such as Cirque du Soleil and other notable professional circus companies. Classes will run September to July. 

Professional Program students will focus in chosen disciplines and integrated cross-training  within the five genres offered at CJ; Aerial, Acrobatics, Balance, Dance and Theater. Solo or partner acts will have one-on-one coach training, participation in ensemble and team acts is available in conjunction with our advanced youth program. 

Students will undergo an evaluation period with program professionals in which a custom program will be created for each student to find the right fit for their talents. Students will train within their program plan, Mon-Fri from 12:00-4:00 P.M. Participants are able to sign up for 5 general fee classes within our advanced youth program, and perform in Circus Juventas productions when applicable.

Included in the custom program plan is daily one-on-one training in their disciplines, instructor-led training in professional/career preparation, group classes in theater, dance, conditioning, flexibility, and injury prevention, and the opportunities to work with guest artists each session. Circus Juventas is partnering with TRIA to offer unparalleled access to injury prevention and movement pattern research, to teach our professional students to maintain their health and well-being while working as a professional circus performer.

On top of the program plan training with our staff, students will have access to the expansive CJ arena for individual training on selected weekday mornings.  The big top is climate controlled with 40+ foot ceilings, 12,000 SF arena matted floor, 6 points on track and center winch access, and private studio access for creative exploration. The arena also offers a kitchen and a weight training area.

Our goal in the extensive curriculum is to prepare our artists with high-level skills not just as an athlete, but as a performer.

Annual performance showcase for our professional program students to perform their act for an audience.

Year one students may be featured in a specialized focus or ensemble act of their choice in the spectacular summer production and/or holiday show which draw an annual audience of over 20,000.

Year two students will have exciting professional performance opportunities with a variety of our partner circus organizations during the summer.

Tuition is $7,450 for one year of the professional program. Billing is split into 3 payment dates in Fall, Winter, and Spring. Billing goes through ActiveNetwork, if you need to make a payment, please access your account HERE.

We do offer work study opportunities to reduce tuition for those who qualify. These work study hours could include: assistant coaching, rigging, costuming assistance, and/or building maintenance. Please indicate your desire to participate in work-study for tuition reduction to your bill in your interview with the directors.

• Applicants who are between ages 17-25 who have trained extensively in circus programs and are committed to making a career of their craft.
• Applicants who have mastered training under their current instruction and would prefer a full-time, one-on-one approach to accelerate the level of their training.

Applications for the 2023/2024 season are live now!

Click HERE to apply!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  The application process will include a video uploaded to YouTube (if not current CJ student), a short written portion for you to detail your level of experience, past training programs, and what you hope to gain through our program, as well as an in-person audition. We will require written recommendations from coaches, and an interview with the directors. This is an application-only training program, all applicants may not be accepted into the program. 

Videos may be uploaded to Vimeo or YouTube titled- Your Name, 2023/2024 Circus Juventas Professional Program Audition Tape. There will be a tab within the application page for you to submit a link to your audition tape for our directors to view.

Auditions will be held in person pending first round application approvals. Once your application has been approved we will reach out to schedule a meeting with the directors. After the meeting with the directors, we will schedule an audition time for you to join us at Circus Juventas for the final round of approval.

View our Professional Program coaches HERE.

Is participation in the summer show mandatory?

Applicants who have not performed in the Circus Juventas Summer Productions previously are required to perform their first year of enrollment in the professional program.