CircEsteem programs give students a chance to shine as center-ring stars in their very own circus, enhancing self-esteem as they overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and proudly exclaim, “Look what I can do!” Fostering confidence and cooperation, our professional circus staff teaches a variety of skills such as clowning, juggling, stilt-walking, ball-walking, unicycling, gym wheel and acrobatics. Students progress at their own pace while working hands-on with instructors in a safe and supportive environment.
Outreach –
CircEsteem’s Outreach Program travels to schools and community centers all over the Chicagoland area bringing the joy of circus to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Each session varies in format and introduces new skills, allowing returning students to advance and beginners to model their peers. This cooperative interaction enables students to progress at [...]
HomeWork & CircusWork is an after-school tutoring program, which addresses the need CircEsteem participants have to keep up on their schoolwork while still being able to spend time learning circus skills. HomeWork & CircusWork meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.. The students spend an hour developing their circus skills [...]
CircusReads is open to all students and was developed to enhance the literacy growth of the kids in CircEsteem, many of whom are non-native English speakers. On Fridays from 3:30-5:30 p.m., students participate in games and projects to help them develop their reading skill, become more confident public speakers and have a better understanding [...]
The CircusTeens job program was developed in 2004 with a generous grant from the Illinois Arts Council, to give our older more responsible students the opportunity to make money doing something they enjoy. CircusTeens learn how to enter the workforce with a positive attitude, be responsible, and proactive. They also learn about [...]
CircEsteem makes an incredible investment of time, energy, love, and dollars into the youth participants. As our youth performers grow, the idea of going to college becomes an obstacle. For many youth, they will be the first in their families to go to college. CircEsteem invests in kids’ futures while giving them incredible skills [...]
Corporate Training with a Social Conscience
We offer half and full-day intensive, experiential workshops by our circus instructors. Participants learn a variety of circus skills, build team dynamics, and challenge their assumed limitations and abilities. Learning circus skills and producing a show develops team creativity, challenges pre-conceived notions and build cohesiveness in a unique and hilarious [...]
CircusTots is an exciting ways for children ages two and up to increase motor skills while having fun and reinforcing good classroom behavior. Classes include fun games to encourage focus and strength as well as basic circus skills to work on coordination and balance. CircusTots classes are taught by CircEsteem’s highly qualified instructors [...]
CircEsteem clowns deliver care through comedy at Children’s, Rush Memorial, UIC and Loyola hospitals. We not only lift the spirits of kids, families, and hospital staff but also give them the opportunity to spin a plate or balance a feather. After all, laughter is the best medicine. For more information about the work Team Kid [...]