SUMMER 2025

SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM

Five weeks of training. One amazing facility. Fantastic coaches. All levels welcome – no matter where you are in your circus journey, from just getting started to polishing your professional skills. We have two Summer intensives options -Summer Intensive A and Summer Intensive B. Read more below for all the important information!

Applications are ongoing until spaces are filled!

Program Details Applications

ABOUT THE SUMMER INTENSIVE

PROGRAM DETAILS

Push yourself physically while diving deep into the world of the circus arts in this five-week immersive training program. This is a great option for folks who want to reach further into their circus dreams, or for those wanting to get back into the swing of things after time away. NECCA’s professional coaches will help you push harder, explore deeper, and fly higher—all to help you see where your circus journey can take you.

Our custom-built facility includes an in-ground foam pit, trampoline, 40′ and 24′ rigging points, and air conditioning. Make circus the focus you want it to be while enjoying the fun and beautiful Vermont summer—with swimming, hiking, biking, and water sports.

Click here to download all the information.

Feel free to contact us with any questions!

Who is Summer Intensive for?

This program is for students ages 18 and up with a current circus arts practice who are looking to intensify and broaden their circus training, and also for those with fitness and sport backgrounds who are interested in exploring the world of circus arts. This can be your circus getaway or the start of your professional circus training journey.

Age 14 to 17, please inquire about participation in this adult-focused program by emailing us.

Summer Intensive Dates

Summer Intensive A: June 9 – July 13 (no class on 7/4 – 5 weeks)

Summer Intensive B: July 14- August 17 (5 weeks)

What is included?

21+ hours per week of training
Group classes three days a week (appx 12 hours/week) in tumbling, partner acrobatics, hand balancing, and flexibility
Two session classes in any area you are interested in, at whatever skill level you are training at.
One private lesson per week to further develop your skills in the focus area of your choice, and one shared lesson with other students with similar focus areas.
Floating coach time on Sundays to work with a coach in any skill area.
A Summer Intensive-specific open practice each week, plus daily open practice options

Classes may include:

Hand Balancing
Partner Acrobatics
Trampoline, Mini Tramp and Tramp Wall
Trapeze (single point, double point, duo, swinging)
Fabric
Rope
Chinese Pole
Aerial Pole
Straps
Aerial Hoop/Lyra and Tippy Lyra
German and Cyr wheels
Wire
Juggling and Manipulation
Aerial Sling or Hammock
Cloud Swing
Bungee Sling
Invented Apparatus
Contortion
Tumbling
Flying Trapeze (see note below)

NOTE: additional session classes can be added at the regular session class rate.

How much does Summer Intensive cost?

Summer Intensive A: $3050
Summer Intensive B: $3150

A deposit of 50% is due 2 weeks after acceptance; the balance is due 3 weeks before each program begins.
- *There is a 10% discount off a second workshop for students joining multiple Intensives, or the Performance Boot Camp, Fly Team, or Open Stage Showcase.
We also have some scholarships available for these programs.
- To apply for financial aid please fill out this form when you apply for the program.
- To set up a payment plan, please fill out this form when you are accepted to the program.
- If you have been a resident of Vermont for 1 year, you may be eligible for student loan and grant assistance through the Vermont Students Assistance Corporation (VSAC) by filling out the form here.

Who are the coaches?

The program is directed by Elsie Smith, with Head Coach Alyk Fuller, plus a variety of other coaches.

How do I apply?

Fill out the application form and include a video of your current skills. Please include any fitness, sports, or circus activities you are currently doing, and demonstrate as many of these core skills as possible:

1. Forward roll and dive roll
2. Cartwheel: (both sides)
3. Handstand: against a wall or free-standing
4. Back bridge: push up from laying on ground
5. Splits: left, to straddle (center), to right
6. Pull-ups: please show that your feet are not on the ground at the start/end

There is no deadline for applying – we have rolling admissions until the program is full. However, we have limited spots for each apparatus so applying early will assure you the spot you are dreaming of and we highly recommend completing your application before these dates:

Summer Intensive A: March 1, 2025
Summer Intensive B: April 1, 2025

Are there performing or act creation opportunities?

While the main focus of the Intensive Program is in building your technical skills and developing your athletic capacity, there are options for folks wanting more creative opportunities. During your one-on-one focus lessons you and your coach can lean into act creation if that is your desire.

Here are a few other options:

Open Stage Showcase (apply January, create Feb – April, perform April 13) 10% discount for Intensive students
Community performances (May, July, September)
Performance Boot Camp (July/Aug) 10% discount for Summer Intensive A students
Winter Circus (part of Fall II Session classes; rehearsals Dec 14-18, performances Dec 19-21)

Learn more about Brattleboro

Get the best out of your circus training while enjoying the fun and beauty that a summer in Vermont can offer. Enjoy swimming, hiking, biking, and kayaking—practically from NECCA’s front door. The West River is just steps away and includes water access for boats and swimmers, miles of trails along the water, and a waterfront restaurant to end your day with good food and company. Just one mile away is the vibrant downtown with cafes, restaurants, galleries, movie theaters, and performance venues for music and entertainment.

There are many summer sublets and homestay options in Brattleboro. Click here for general information. More details will be available before the program begins.

Apply Today

APPLICATIONS

There is no due date for the application, it’s rolling acceptance, but spots for specific apparatus fill up quickly so we recommend applying no later than March 1, 2025 for Summer Intensive A and April 1, 2025 for Summer Intensive B.

Apply Here

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NECCA is a nonprofit that’s committed to the people it serves and the community within which it thrives. We rely on our many generous donors to continue to be a place that’s accessible to everyone, where creativity and artistry soar, and where the seemingly impossible becomes possible—every single day. Please consider joining others in supporting our work.

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