Does this program meet state standards?
Yes. See standards met for the states of NH, MA, and CT.

Is anything dangerous?
No more dangerous than playing a game of baseball. All activities are supervised at all times.

How much class time is needed?
The program is totally flexible to fit your needs. A minimum of 2 class periods per class group is needed; but, of course, the longer the exposure, the better. Class period are minimum 30 minutes, maximum 40 minutes, with 40-45 minutes being ideal.

What class size is optimal?
20 or less is optimal. 20-30 is acceptable, but the effectiveness is reduced. 30 or more is not acceptable.

Do you have programming for pre-schoolers?
No. But they are welcome to watch.

What should the students wear for the show?
Blue jeans and a white shirt. If this is not possible, the student should wear something dark on bottom and light on top. Refrain from logos, lettering, or inappropriate images on clothing. Each student will be given colorful sashes to wear in their own creative way, such as a headband, belt, or neckerchief.

What about physically challenged students?
There is something for everyone in the circus, regardless of skill level.

What about kindergarten and first grade students?
Performing solo at this age can be stressful, so K-1 students participate in the performance as a group, not as individuals. They are taught group acts to perform.

What other activities can enhance this program?
Study circus history and lore (see Ringling Brothers site for more). Make circus posters. Draw tickets. Create a side show. Make circus wagons out of shoeboxes and organize a circus parade. Your school band can play circus music.

How can you foster an ongoing circus culture that outlasts the residency?
In three ways…
1) During the residency, a workshop can be arranged with your PE teacher and other teachers. This can take place during or after school hours. If your school acquires circus equipment of its own (see below), these teachers can continue providing students with training.
2) Students can access my website (www.schoolshows.com/circus) which will have instructions for learning more circus skills.
3) The 3-day residency is deliberately structured so that not ALL students learn ALL skills. This is done so that, even after the residency is over, students can continue to learn by teaching skills to each other.

How can our school acquire its own circus equipment?
Circus Friday provides all equipment for the residency, but if you would like to purchase your own equipment, Circus Friday can advise you.(Go to http://schoolshows.com/circus/package.htm)  We also can supply you with detailed plans for making your own circus equipment using low-cost materials. A great school project!

Is there any way to reduce the cost of a circus residency?
50% of program cost can be underwritten by a grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Click here for more information. You also can sell tickets and refreshments to the performance.

Approved by...



...Funding available...

603-654-5875   ---   rick@schoolshows.com