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.
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 their [...]
HomeWork & CircusWork is a free 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. Students spend an hour developing their circus skills with our highly- trained circus instructors and an hour working on their homework or other academic enrichment activities with our tutors.
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 of [...]
The CircusTeens job program was developed in 2004 to give our older more responsible students the opportunity to make money doing something they enjoy all the while teaching valuable life and finance skills. CircusTeens learn how to enter the workforce with a positive attitude, be responsible, and proactive. They also learn about budgeting, credit cards, [...]
CircEsteem makes an incredible investment of time, energy, and financial support in its youth participants. For many, they will be the first in their families to go to college. CircEsteem invests in participants’ futures, providing instruction in performance and teaching skills, supporting personal development, and cultivating success. In 2004, CircEsteem started a college savings program encouraging them to [...]
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 [...]