Afterschool Programs

Circus Minimus Afterschool Programs are based on creativity, collaboration, and FUN. Children learn new skills in a supportive environment, working along side peers and artist/educators. Kevin’s 15 years of experience in afterschool education and graduate-level studies at Bank Street School of Education support 20 talented teachers. Circus Minimus offers all teachers monthly trainings and supervision. Circus Minimus’ unique Afterschool Program was recently profiled in The New Yorker’s Talk of the Town. The International Jugglers Association recognized Circus Minimus with the 2001 Excellence in Education Award. Thousands of students have runaway to join the following Circus Minimus Afterschool Programs:

The Circus Kids Create™  This is the chance to runaway and join the circus, and still be home for dinner. Safe and expert instruction includes: clowning, juggling, tumbling, diabolo, devil sticks, partner acrobatics, plate spinning, make-up, human pyramids and much more. A collaborative approach is used that stresses teamwork and creativity. The class culminates in a unique and joyous show for families and friends!! Ages 6 and up.

Wizardry 101  An Introduction to Magic Children will learn how to turn and/or make everyday objects into magical props. Using active imagination techniques we may incorporate themes from Harry Potter or Grimm Brothers into our class. Techniques from classical magic such as misdirection, suggestion, and manipulation will be also explored. The class will conclude with the most amazing magical display in the Muggles’ world. Ages 6 and up.

CircusYoga™ for Kids  CircusYoga is an imaginative, fun-filled and safe workout designed to strengthen self-confidence, focus, trust, and teamwork. The class includes:

  • Basic Hatha yoga poses are taught through a unique story-like structure.
  • Partner yoga teaches children how to take care of their bodies and work with a buddy.
  • Clowning and basic partner acrobatics are also taught.

The final CircusYoga class is an open presentation for the whole school community. Ages 7 and up.

Comedy and Improvisation  What makes something funny? Children will answer this question and find out how funny they are. Theater games and structured improvisations will be employed in an approach that focuses on spontaneity, trust, teamwork, creative risk-taking, and cooperation. Collaboratively, we will develop characters and construct scenes into a final presentation for friends and families. This curriculum has been developed with the assistance of members of the Upright Citizens Brigade, Chicago City Limits, and Second City Improv troupes. Ages 7 and up.

Creating Theater  This class will introduce students to playmaking and performance from their original ideas. We will start with readings, games and improvisation in order to build a vocabulary of ideas and movements. Students can expect to understand character, impulse, conflict, and dramatic situations. We will create an original performance for an invited audience of friends and families at the end of the semester. Ages 6 and up.

The Magic Forest™  This class focuses on the unique imagination inherent each child. In a fun and safe setting children create their own world of imaginary creatures and mythical landscapes. Drawing upon tales of wizards, fairies, gnomes, unicorns, and dragons we will create our own magical story. With a touch of theatre, a dash of art and lots of imaginative storytelling children refine such basic skills as telling a story, listening, group problem solving and collaboration. Ages 6 and up.

Tumbling Tumbling 101  is an introductory class emphasizing good technique and body alignment. We will focus on skill building in acrobatics, group tumbling routines, and pyramid building. Kids will also build their very own tumbling obstacle course. The semester will end with The Big Tumbling Show. Ages 6 and up.

Theatre Dance  This is the chance for your child to star on Broadway! Classes will begin with a stretch warm-up followed by “across the floor” movements. All classes finish with a short dance number set to various contemporary tunes. Children will present a musical dance medley as their final presentation for families and friends. Ages 7 and up.