About the Troupe

Cirrus Circus, founded in 2006, is known throughout Seattle as one of the most accomplished circus troupes in the region. It is a year-round comprehensive circus program that gives experienced students aged 12 – 18 an opportunity to train intensively multiple times a week in a supportive, group-oriented environment.

Cirrus Circus offers students many diverse opportunities to showcase their performance skills. The troupe performs year-round in SANCA circus shows such as SANCA’s Annual Showcase Spectacular (SASS), SANCAfest, our annual “Up, with a Twist!” gala. They also perform around the city at events such as Seattle’s Moisture Festival, Georgetown Carnival, the Pride Parade, and other community events. Additionally, Cirrus Circus develops their own annual full-length production.

Performers in this group utilize a variety of disciplines, including acrobatics, aerial, juggling, tightwire, unicycle, and more. At this level, the performers are given as many opportunities as possible to enhance their creative autonomy through developing their own choreography and shows with guidance from their coaches.

How to Apply

Who can evaluate and how do you apply?
Students ages 12-18 with intermediate to advanced circus skills who have a passion for performing are encouraged to attend.

Interested students should ask their coach and/or the front office. Families will be put in touch with the Youth Company Manager for the next steps.

When will evaluations be held?
Evaluations for Cirrus Circus are held once per year in late Spring (May/June), usually after the completion of their full length production.

What do you need for the evaluation?
Evaluation week allows prospective students to get the chance to attend class to see if it is a good fit in skill and commitment level. Students should arrive for evaluations in circus-ready attire and a circus-ready attitude!

While not required to participate in evaluations, most students who successfully evaluate into Cirrus have a SANCA level 2 placement in at least 2 circus or other performance related disciplines, with a general knowledge of at least 2 other disciplines.

What should I expect during the evaluation?
Prospective students are invited to attend class with current members and coaches for a full week of rehearsals. This is 3 days a week for 2 – 2.5 hours each day for a total of 6.5 hours in the week.

During the evaluation period, students will be asked to perform a series of skills in tumbling, aerial fabric and trapeze, rolling globe, tightwire, unicycle, juggling, strength and flexibility. They will also be able to show their performance aptitude through playing theatre games, learning and performing a dance combination, and displaying a small sequence on the apparatus of their choice.

What will the coaches look for during the evaluation?

– A willingness to try all circus skills presented throughout the week
– Ability to work with others to achieve a goal
– A willingness to receive and incorporate coach feedback
– Ability to maintain focus and discipline throughout the entire week
– A willingness to overcome challenges presented throughout the week
– Shows an aptitude for performance and theatre

Tumbling

– Forward roll position jump
– Backward roll
– Cartwheel on both sides
– Kick to handstand
– Handstand forward roll
– Round-off
– Dive roll
– Front handspring
– Back handspring
– Front tuck
– Back tuck

Aerial

– Max number of uninterrupted climbs on the fabric
– 30 second straight-arm hang on rope or fabric
– 3 straddle-ups on fabric
– Catchers wrap
– Hip-key
– Footlock
– Knee hang to sitting to standing on trapeze
– Beat to pullover to front balance on trapeze

Rolling Globe

– Standing
– Walking in all directions
– Jumping

Tightwire

– Balancing on 1 foot
– Balancing on 2 feet
– Walking forward and backward
– Lunging
– Saluting

Unicycle

– Mounting
– Riding forward and backward

Juggling

Strength

– Jump rope for endurance
– Handstand against the wall
– Pull-ups
– Push-ups
– Squats
– Hollow hold
– Arch hold
– Plank hold
– Flexibility
– Bridge
– Front splits on both sides
– Middle splits
– Straddle pancake
– Pike pancake

**Note: These skills will be performed throughout the week, but no student is required to have all of these skills perfected while participating in evaluation.