CLASSES + PROGRAMS

The 24th Children's Circus of Middletown
Ages 8–14

DATES: Monday–Friday, July 2–Aug. 3
TIME: 9–11:30am or 12:30–3pm
PLACE: Macdonough School
PERFORMANCE: Friday, Aug. 3 at 5pm
(Rain date: Saturday, Aug. 4 at 5pm)
TUITION: $125 Resident / $250 Non-Resident
CLASS LIMIT: 90 participants per session (am/pm)

The Children’s Circus of Middletown is a 5-week, half-day program. Over the last 23 years, it has become a national model of nonprofit and civic partnership. The program culminates in a spectacular outdoor circus performance before a crowd of over 1,000.

WEEK ONE: Participants train in acrobatics, dance, juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, clowning and visual arts.

WEEK TWO AND THREE: Participants choose two areas of specialization from the above disciplines, train daily in these areas, and perform at the end of each week.

WEEK FOUR AND FIVE: Each participant will be cast into a featured role in a circus act. Students create and rehearse acts in preparation for dress rehearsals and performance.

Kids Art Applications for the Children’s Circus of Middletown are available at the Middletown Commission on the Arts Office, the Russell Library, and at Oddfellows Playhouse.

Click here for the Children’s Circus application

Oddfellows Playhouse Children's Circus of Meriden
Ages 8–14

DATES: Monday–Friday, Aug. 6–Aug. 17
TIME: 9am –3:30pm
PLACE:Cuno Camp
PERFORMANCE: Friday, Aug. 17 at 5pm
TUITION: $400
CLASS LIMIT: 45 students

The Oddfellows Playhouse Children’s Circus is a 2-week program. Participants learn and train in acrobatics, juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, and clowning. After exposure in all skill areas, participants will choose specializations and be cast into featured roles in a circus act. Students create and rehearse acts in preparation for dress rehearsals and a performance in front of a large camp crowd.

The Children’s Circus of Middletown is a national model for nonprofit and civic partnership. Oddfellows Playhouse has run the 5-week Children’s Circus of Middletown for 24 years.

REGISTRATION: Boys and Girls Club of Meriden, register online at www.bgcmeriden.org

Advanced Circus Program
The 24th Children’s Circus of Middletown
Part of the Children’s Circus of Middletown
Ages 12–15

DATES: Monday–Friday, July 2–Aug. 3
TIME: 9am–3pm
PLACE: Macdonough School
PERFORMANCE: Friday, Aug. 3 at 5pm
INSTRUCTOR: Joel Melendez
TUITION: $350
QUALIFICATIONS: A strong interest in actively developing circus and leadership skills,
a positive attitude and willingness to work hard.
Interested students/parents should contact
Oddfellows Playhouse to register at 860-347-6143.

The Advanced Circus Program (ACP) is a five-week, full day program of circus training designed for young people who have mastered the basic skills. Working under the direction of a professional circus performer and instructor, students will develop the physical and mental discipline required to excel creatively at advanced circus practice. Students will develop a core set of performance skills as a group, while also having the opportunity to strengthen individual skills in clowning, stilting, unicycling, acrobatics, mini-tramp, dance and juggling. Students will also develop leadership and mentoring skills while working with the children in our core circus program.