PERFORMANCE
BOOT CAMP PROGRAM

Live out your passion all day, every day in one of NECCA’s most intensive performance-centered programs. You’ll spend your days pushing your technical skills, artistry, and stage presence to the edge as you create your own individual act as well as through the collaborative development of a full ensemble show. The program is overseen by an internationally recognized artistic team of directors and coaches thrilled to challenge you to new heights in our amazing, custom-built facility as you’re surrounded by the picturesque Vermont summer.

More Info

Program Details

Each day includes group training, private focus time with a coach in your skill area, and open training times for you to practice and rehearse. You’ll be pushing to gain the specific skills you’ve been reaching for and building a performance-ready act at a higher level. Skill areas include German wheel, cyr wheel, trampoline/tramp wall, solo and duo trapeze, dance trapeze, lyra/aerial hoop, cloud swing, hand balancing, tumbling, partner acrobatics, and more. If you don’t see your focus area listed, please ask!

Who is it for?

This program is for pre-professional circus students aged 14 and up who want to strengthen their performance skills and make an act that will be performed at the end of the program.

What is included?

Group classes will focus on movement qualities and research, stage presence, act composition, ensemble work, career guidance classes, flexibility and conditioning, dance choreography and technique, and gyrokinesis exercise sessions to refine movement patterns and create clean lines. Each student will also have four hours of one-on-one coaching time per week to train skills and act creation in their chosen discipline. There will also be open training time included every day. The program culminates in a performance that showcases individual acts as well as the fully devised vignettes and transitions. This show will be photographed, with a link to the photos sent to you shortly after the end of the program.

Circus activities include:

Hand Balancing
Partner Acrobatics
Trampoline, Mini Tramp & Tramp Wall
Trapeze (single point, double point, duo, swinging)
Fabric
Rope
Chinese Pole
Straps
Lyra & Tippy Lyra
German & Cyr wheels
Wire
Juggling & Manipulation
Sling or Hammock
Cloud Swing
Bungee
Invented Apparatus

When is the Program?

Dates: 7/20/20–8/8/20

Daily schedule: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Wednesday classes end at noon. There will be open training ending at 5:00 PM that day.

Who are my coaches?

Aimée Hancock directs the program. Other coaches include Zeb Galipeau, Molly Graves, Leah Benson Leor, Megan Mallouk, Ariele Ebacher, and Marlon Archer.

How Much is the Program?

$1700. A deposit of $850 will secure your spot, and we can set up flexible installments with the final payment being due July 6th.

Are there scholarships?

Through a generous grant from the NEA, NECCA is able to offer scholarships for our Performance Boot Camp. The scholarship is for applicants who are at the start of their professional careers and are finalizing their work for professional exposure such as auditions and performing, or for mid-career artists creating new work. Scholarships will be awarded for up to 50% of the program tuition. Special consideration will be given to applicants who were in their final year at circus school and were not able to complete their graduation performance due to the global pandemic situation.

To apply, please complete the Performance Boot Camp application form and send a cover letter to esmith@necenterforcircusasrts.org no later than May 31, 2020. Please explain why you would be a good candidate for the scholarship opportunity, including information about your career goals and artistic impulses.

How do I apply?

Fill out the application form below (or here) and include a video of your most recent work or performance on the discipline that you will use in Boot Camp. Some exceptions can be made for experienced performers wishing to use Boot Camp as a place to create on a new discipline.

About Brattleboro

Get the best out of your circus training while enjoying the fun and beauty that a summer in Vermont can offer. Enjoy swimming, hiking, biking and kayaking practically from NECCA’s front door. The West River is steps away and includes a miles-long riverfront trail, access for boats and swimmers, and a waterfront restaurant to end your day with good food and company. Just one mile away is the vibrant downtown with cafes, restaurants, galleries, movie theaters and performance venues for music and entertainment.

There are many summer sublets and homestay options in Brattleboro. Check here for general information.