San Francisco Circus Center’s Professional Training Program (PTP) is designed for students wanting to pursue a professional career. The goal of our program - which is based on serious study, respect, and discipline - is to prepare artists to compete in the international circus market. Circus Center’s international faculty brings a diversity of styles, traditions, and aesthetic philosophies which we see as an asset.

The PTP offers specialized training in four circus arts disciplines:  

• Acrobatics – Lu Yi, Program Director
• Aerial Arts – Elena Panova, Program Director
• Clown Conservatory (First year and Advanced) – Jeff Raz, Program Director
• Contortion – Serchmaa Byamba, Program Director

Program Description

First-Year Study

The Professional Training Program includes a mix of group classes in a variety of topics, and focused, specialized training in your chosen circus arts discipline. Specializations are usually determined after the initial four-month Trial Training Period, during which students receive introductory training in a number of different specializations/apparatuses. In addition to 20-25 class-hours per week, students are expected to train at least 10 hours per-week outside of class. The PTP starts in early September and runs through mid-June, with occasional breaks for holidays.

Second-Year Study

Aerial, Acro, and Contortion Students wishing to continue on to a second or third year may be required to train during the summer months (on a program determined by the student and program director). An Advanced Program is offered to Clown Conservatory graduates and qualified non-graduates in one of three specialized tracks: Clown Ensemble Performing Track, Social Service Track, and Independent Study Track. (Acceptance by audition only – additional information available on request).

Evaluation and Performance

Our program directors and faculty evaluate students on a regular basis. Students are offered an opportunity to perform in front of an audience at the end of the first and last terms (December and June), and possibly at other times (every five weeks for clown students) in order to gain performing experience. When they have completed their course of study and are considered ready for professional work, students are given resources and assistance to help them get started in the circus business.

Foreign Students

San Francisco Circus Center is authorized to receive foreign students, who must obtain a U.S. M-1 Student Visa from their local American Consulate upon acceptance to the Professional Training Program. They will receive the necessary instructions regarding their visa application upon acceptance to the program.

Tuition and Payments:

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS:
Trial Training Period (September – December 2010)…………... $ 3,500 *
January – June 2011…………………………..………………...……$ 4,400

SECOND & THIRD YEAR STUDENTS:
September 2010 – June 2011………………………………………..$ 7,400

Clown Conservatory Advanced Program:
(September 2010 – June 2011)………………………………………$4,000

* Includes a non-refundable $500 processing fee which must be paid upon acceptance to secure your space in the program. Tuition includes all group classes and one-to-one coaching. Tuition does not include lodging and personal health insurance, which is mandatory.

(Limited financial assistance and work-study available to those accepted into the program).

Students accepted into the program automatically enter a fourteen-week Trial Training Period (September through December). Students who qualify for the rigors of the PTP are invited to complete the program, which can range from 1-3 years, depending on the student’s professional interests and goals.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2010-11 School Year. For priority consideration please submit your application package by May 15, 2010. We will notify applicants of acceptance by June 15, 2010. Qualified applicants who submit application materials after May 15, 2010 may be considered for acceptance into the Professional Training Program as space allows.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Resume
  
  
• Full-body photograph
  
  
• Three letters of recommendation
  
  
• Letter of intent (please indicate chosen circus arts discipline in your letter)
  
  
• A medical certificate indicating that your health and physical condition allow for intense physical activity
  
  
• A financial statement explaining how you will support yourself and cover the cost of tuition
  
  
• A single Audition DVD which includes the following:
  
  
• A brief, spoken version of your letter of intent in which you answer the questions below:
  
• Which discipline (acrobatics, aerial arts, clown, or contortion) are you applying for?
• Why are you interested in the Professional Training Program?
• What are your career goals? (Be as specific as you can).
• What interests do you have outside of performing?
• What life experiences do you have that that might be valuable to your training?
• Do you speak any languages other than English?
• What is your date of birth?
• What is your medical history?
• What accidents or illnesses have you had?
• Are you currently on any medication?
• Describe a great experience you have had with a teacher or an educational institution.
• Describe a horrible experience you have had with a teacher or an educational institution.


• A presentation of your current circus/performance skills (see below for specific discipline requirements):

Acrobatic, Aerial, and Contortion Applicants

Include your present act, if you have one, and samples of your artistic and physical skills (acrobatics, gymnastics, sports, ballet, dance, etc.). Also include a demonstration of your flexibility (splits, backbends, etc.) and a demonstration of strength (10-20 pull-ups, push-ups, leg-lifts, etc.).

For an example of what we want to see in your flexibility and strength display, please see Circus Center Instructor Chris Johnston’s Youtube demonstration -

Clown Conservatory Applicants

Include a 2-3 minute piece that you have performed for a live audience. This piece should include at least some physical movement. Also, include a skills review in which you spend 15 seconds (each) demonstrating any skills you think might be useful in clowning (music, dance, juggling, stilt-walking, puppetry, etc.)

Peggy Ford, Dean of Students
San Francisco Circus Center
Professional Training Program
(Your chosen circus arts discipline)
755 Frederick Street
San Francisco, California, 94117
USA

Questions
For additional information about any aspect of our Professional Training Program, please contact:

Laura Ricci
Director of Academic Affairs
San Francisco Circus Center
laura@circuscenter.org

(Revised: 03-02-10)