CircusTeens is CircEsteem’s youth employment program created in 2004. It provides opportunities for older students to become more involved with CircEsteem. It is an opportunity for them to gain work experience and save money for college while doing something they love. The CircusTeens are paid to mentor younger students, teach circus skills, perform and assist at HomeWork & CircusWork, Summer and Winter Camp, and on Saturdays with the Chicago Youth Circus. In order to be a CircusTeen, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, demonstrate a level of maturity and responsibility, be able to show mastery of specific circus skills, have a passion for performing and model positive behavior and leadership skills.
Mario was born in Germany and has been a member of CircEsteem’s sister circus, Circus Pimparello, since 2007. Mario joined CircEsteem in 2009 as part of a student exchange program. He is going to school, practicing and teaching for one year in Chicago. Mario enjoys juggling and acrobatics.