July 27 – August 1, 2026

Spotlight Act Creation Workshop

Join us for an act creation workshop designed to help you step on stage with confidence. Bring your work-in-progress act, and we’ll provide the tools to add polish, presence, and that extra something that helps you stand out—whether you’re performing at a local studio showcase, a competition, or a paid engagement.

Learn more below Apply today

About the Workshop

Step on stage with confidence

Your creative journey begins before you arrive with a virtual meeting with the Director, plus feedback on your work-in-progress act. You’ll also receive access to our Going Pro virtual library, featuring guidance on music selection, act structure, and more.

Then you’ll join us at NECCA for a week of in-person classes ranging from one-on-one lessons to group creative activities. We’ll guide you through the full show creation and production process, giving you hands-on experience in everything needed to confidently bring your circus skills to the center ring.

The program culminates with a public performance.  You’ll leave with a polished act you can perform with confidence, along with video and photos from both the dress rehearsal and the final show.

COST

$1250 – includes video and photos of the performance 

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

For ages 16 and up (14 and up are welcome to apply and will meet with the Program Director as part of the application process).

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

  • 2-hour zoom workshop on performance preparation including how to pick music, how to construct an act for maximum impact, and what to expect in rehearsals; date/time the week of June 29 ($50 value)
  • Act-in-progress review by the Director the week of June 21 ($85 value)
  • Access to NECCA’s Going Pro video library ($200 value)  including
    • Constructing Your Act
    • Finding and Using Music
    • Everything that Happens Before you Step into the Ring
    • What’s In Your Rigging Bag?
    • Demo Reels & Act Videos 
  • Perform a production length act (suggested maximum 5  minutes), in a space designed for circus arts
  • Lighting that is customized to your act:  up to 3 cues per act (entrance, 1 act cue,  exit)
  • Professional video ($150 value)
    • Provided as lightly edited act reel
  • Professional photos ($150 value)
    • Lightly edited; you’ll get all the images to use as you wish
  • One comp ticket to the performance
Apply today Contact us with questions

Enrollment is ongoing, but the latest we can accept applications will be Sunday June 14. 
You do not need a full act video for the initial application, only a video of skills and sequences. An ‘act in progress’ video is due at a later date.

  • May 1: Suggested application date.
  • June 14: Final application deadline.
  • June 20: Act in Progress video due.
  • June 29 (date/time TBC): Virtual workshop with the director (exact date/time to be confirmed later this year).
  • July 26 – August 1: In-person workshop at NECCA.
  • August 1: Performance at NECCA.

You will get so much from this workshop! Students receive one-on-one coaching, real-world show experience, and practical tools to take an act from early idea to confident, professional performance.

  • Virtual pre-workshop meeting with the workshop director.
    • This is a two hour zoom workshop on performance preparation including how to pick music, how to construct an act for maximum impact, and what to expect in rehearsals.
  • Pre-workshop feedback on your work-in-progress video.
  • Work one-on-one with professional coaches to develop and polish your act for studio showcases, competitions, or gigs.
  • Learn the ropes of show creation from beginning to end.
  • Develop confidence communicating technical needs for performance such as rigging, lighting and sound cues.
  • Experience performing in a full theatrical setting (black box theater, lighting, audience).
    • Perform a production length act (suggested maximum 5 minutes), in a space designed for circus arts.
    • Lighting that is customized to your act. Up to 3 cues per act (entrance, 1 act cue, exit).
    • Plus one comp ticket to the performance.
  • Receive a professional performance video and photos of your act to share with friends, producers, and more.
    • Videos will be provided as lightly edited act reel.
    • Photos will be lightly edited. You’ll receive all the images to use as you wish.
  • Access to NECCA’s “Going Pro” video library, including:
    • Act Creation: Constructing your act
    • Act Creation: Finding and Using Music
    • Being Prepared: Everything that Happens before you step in the Ring
    • Being Prepared: What’s in your rigging bag?
    • Showing Off: Demo Reels and Act Videos

The Spotlight Act Creation Workshop includes video and photos of your performance.

Total Program Cost: $1,250

  • There is a 5% discount off the Spotlight Act Creation Workshop if folks also sign up for the Summer Intensive Program!
  • We also have some financial aid available for these programs. Please contact us for more info!

Click here for all the details in one place.

About the Workshop

How to Apply

Ready to apply? Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, deadlines, and next steps.

  1. Fill out our application form by June 14, 2026.
    1. Applications are ongoing, but spots fill up quickly! We recommend getting yours in by May 1, 2026.
    2. Applications received by May 1 will be processed by May 5. Later applications will be processed within 1 week or being received.
  2. If accepted, a video of your ‘act in progress’ will be due June 20.

That’s it! 

This workshop is for ages 16 and up. Ages 14 and up are welcome to apply and will meet with the Program Director as part of the application process.

Apply here

Frequently Asked Questions

Then this is the perfect workshop for you! We’ll guide you through the experience from the beginning to when you step on stage with information on how to find music, pick a costume, build an act and be prepared for show day rehearsals.

There will be no refund once you begin the workshop. But you can still benefit from the virtual meeting and guidance of the pre-show act review even if you are not able to be in the final performance.

Great! We have mechanical advantage systems. Performers will work with our puller, or can make arrangements for their puller to be part of the rehearsals.

For basic flooring we have the option of marley over concrete, or a black ‘tatami’ foam bonded mat system that is the size of the stage. Aerialists are required to use the ‘tatami’ mat at a minimum, and are highly encouraged to use thicker mats as well, including panel mats, 8″ landing mats and a 3′ deep ‘pit’ mat.

At the dress rehearsal and performance there will be a videographer and a photographer. You will choose which act run was your best, and will receive a video of your act to download around Aug 15. All the photos will be shared on SmugMug for you to download for free.

“In terms of social media, the feedback from my NECCA act was the best I’ve received in my entire performing career. It also went viral on Instagram and TikTok, with over 10,000 views! This wouldn’t be possible without your critique, focus and determination in re-choreographing my act… especially with the time crunch.”

“I am thankful for your directness, kindness and honesty in the creation process. This allowed me to reach a new part of myself left previously unknown.”

“Watching the other acts was such a welcome dose of inspiration, and the other artists I met as people really made me want to become more involved in the circus world as a whole.”

Apply today! Contact us

Many Thanks To

Our 2026 Sponsors & Funders

Please join us in thanking these companies for their support of NECCA.

Our Funders
Year Round Sponsors
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