CIRCUS IS FOR EVERYBODY
It is an art form that is inclusive and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We love the circus for all the enrichment it has brought to our lives. Our community engagement initiatives allow us to share that love and enrichment with people and places well beyond our facilities walls.
By investing in being actively involved in the communities it broadens the horizons of all involved. Circus is a medium where we do the impossible and push the boundaries of human capabilities. When you learn circus skills it empowers you to believe the impossible is possible within yourself.
OUR MISSION
As our mission states, “We inspire passion for the Circus Arts through training, performance and community engagement.” Our Circus in the City program upholds these values through connecting communities and neighbors far and wide.
schedules
We are currently teaching both in the Tenderloin and in Oakland.
Free Programming
We provide programs free of charge to the people in historically marginalized and under-resourced communities. Your donation today can help us bring circus for free to more underserved youth.
Community Events
Our community events engage thousands while building deep, long-term relationships.
Financial Aid
We have robust financial aid for Circus Summer Camp and Classes at the San Francisco Circus Center support financial equality to our community.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
A key part of community is collaboration and we partner with many partners in the community to make it possible.
JAMARR WOODRUFF
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Jamarr Woodruff, a native of Atlanta, GA. is a husband, father, educator, program director, play director, coach, clown, actor and entertainer. He got his Master’s in Education from Grand Canyon University, Bachelor's of Arts in Theatre Arts from Alabama State University (Cum Laude), alumnae of The Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and alumnae of the Clown Conservatory Conservatory at the San Francisco Circus Center.
Jamarr toured as a Clown with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, known as “JMan” The Clown of Crunk (Crunk is a southern hip-hop genre known for its high energy and hyper fun party vibe). After leaving the touring show Jamarr continued to serve as an Ambassador of Laughter for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s pre-city promotions team. A member of The Big Apple Circus Clowncare Unit (Atlanta Unit), known as “Dr. JMan” doing clown rounds in the Children’s Hospitals of Atlanta, GA.
Jamarr spent 7 years in the classroom as a certified teacher in public, private, and charter schools across America and internationally. He has a Professional Teaching Licence, a Certified Theatre of Being Instructor, and a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator. His hospital clown work in the Children’s Hospitals in Atlanta, GA earned him(and his team) a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition signed by Civil Rights legend John Lewis.
Jamarr has over two decades of youth development experience including leadership roles as Artistic Director of Prescott Circus Theatre (Oakland, CA USA), Circus Camp Director of Future Stars Camp (Purchase, NY USA), Program Director at Camp Winnarainbow (Berkely, CA USA), and Specialties Department Coordinator at Emirates National Schools (Abu Dhabi, UAE). He also worked with youth at the Philadelphia Circus Center. Jamarr is featured in The Uncle Junior Project that highlights, documents, displays, and educates the public on the contributions of African Americans in the Circus Arts.
As a performer, Jamarr has appeared on stage, tv, and screen. Most notably PG & E’s “Silent Wind '' commercial, movie Bessie, and Nextflix’s Insatiable. He wrote and directed his student’s performance that was featured at EXPO 2020 in Dubai. Jamarr has performed as a clown and entertainer for many corporations including: Coca-Cola, Atlanta Hawks, Riverland in Dubai Parks and Resorts.
"I grew up in an underserved community on the Westside of Atlanta. I owe my success in life to the programs that expanded my horizons beyond my surroundings. My life philosophy is to pay it forward to the next generation of youth. Everything I know is because someone told me and I want to impart that same wisdom on those that follow. I am committed to spreading the joy and positive impact the circus has in an equitable way."