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.
Will joined CircEsteem in the Fall of 2006. He learned to juggle in the Spring of 2006 because he was really bored. In 2008 he spent time training at Circus Smirkus in Vermont learning all sorts of awesomeness. His favorite skills are juggling, diablo and gym wheel. He hopes some day to juggle professionally.