CREDO:
The Circus Project believes in art as a powerful vehicle for transformation, which cuts across social barriers to inspire new perspectives and creative solutions to conflict. Given the tools to express themselves and a safe space in which to experiment, we believe that marginalized youth will demonstrate profound insight and genuine ability, while contributing significantly to their communities.
PROGRAMS
- Drop-In Classes for Homeless and At-risk Youth:
Free weekly classes offer participants enrolled with our partner organizations (including: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Friendly House Community Center,
Native American Youth Family Center, New Avenues for Youth, Outside-In, P:ear, and the Sexual Minority Resource Center), the opportunity to develop circus & life skills in a safe, collaborative environment. We strive to expand the definition of art beyond that of the various disciplines to encompass a way of looking at the world,
appreciating diversity, and approaching conflict. Training informs the identity of participants on stage, how they relate to others, and how they contribute to the society in which they live. For information, please contact Jenn Cohen: jenncohen@thecircusproject.org
- Intensive Training Company for Youth in Need:
Youth able to commit to a more intensive program are eligible to audition for our Intensive Training Company, which rehearses a minimum of 10 hours a week for the duration of a year. Training encompasses a wide range of circus and theatrical skills with a therapeutic approach. Classes focus on artistic, skill, and personal development. Circus, theater, dance, 
music, and creativity are integrated with life skills such as communication, teamwork, responsibility, and respect. Issues that arise in group discussions are used to inform choreography. Improvisation serves as a springboard for personal sharing. While instructors provide the skill base and process facilitation, the material with which they work comes from the youth themselves: the struggles they face, their dreams, and their relationships. Their work over the course of a year culminates in performances which engage the larger Portland community. In addition, we provide internships and career opportunities in performance and coaching. Youth who complete the initial year-long training period have the opportunity to continue with The Circus Project as interns, and later as paid faculty responsible for recruiting and mentoring other street, at-risk, and community youth.
- Performance Troupe:
The highly acclaimed Circus Project Performance Troupe offers world-class performances for special events, corporate, civic, and private engagements. The Troupe provides professional performing jobs to graduates of our Intensive 
Training Company for Youth in Need, as well as nationally and internationally renowned circus artists who support our mission. We offer something for every type of event, from private parties to full-length shows and corporate team-building workshops. Our performers specialize in Cirque du Soleil style aerial arts, acrobatics, stilts, fire, juggling, unicyling, hoops, and animation. Proceeds from the Circus Project Performance Troupe support our free programming for homeless and at-risk youth. For booking information, please visit: booking.
- Public Classes:
We offer beginning through professional level aerial instruction to both children and adults. 
Our classes are unique in that we offer elite aerial instruction in a supportive environment, a small teacher/student ratio (1/5), and performance opportunities for students at all levels. Proceeds from our public classes support our free programming for homeless and at-risk youth. For class information and registration, please visit: classes.
