Circus Studies Program

The Circus Studies program (CSP) at High Mowing School is for aspiring young circus artists, providing a residential circus program coupled with a premier Waldorf high school education.

As a student in our Circus Studies Program, you graduate from High Mowing prepared for acceptance at traditional liberal arts and science colleges as well as positioned with the skills and training necessary to apply to a circus college or pursue other performing arts careers.

Building on our rich academic and social framework, you train throughout the school year with circus professionals to develop the well-rounded physical and artistic skills needed to succeed in today’s national and international circus market.

Through our partnership with New Hampshire's longest existing youth circus company, the on-site Flying Gravity Circus, you are also a member of FGC's advanced performance troupe — engaging in show creation and performances locally and regionally.

HMS Circus Studies in the News

Circus Studies Program Elements

The Circus Studies Program curriculum builds on our hands-on, project-based approach and consists of academic classes, specific academic learning tailored to each student's passion, and extensive opportunities for training in each student's selected circus disciplines.

These are the central elements of the program:

Academic Classes

Circus Curriculum

Core Disciplines

CSP students work with coaches who provide broad training in circus skills as well as specialized training in the student’s preferred discipline:

Flexibility (all CSP students)
Strength/Physical Conditioning (all CSP students)
Handstands
Tumbling
Trampoline
Juggling
Balance
Aerials
Dance
Performance/Acting

Additional or specific disciplines are available, and guest coaches bring their expertise to CSP students individually or as a group.

A Growing Network of Circus Performers

High Mowing School and Flying Gravity Circus alumni who chose circus as their career path have performed with Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize, Les Sept Doigts de la Main, Nimble Arts, Midnight Circus, the Street Performance World Championships, Compagnie Pepper-Choc, and more.

Our graduates have been accepted to the Montreal National Circus School, the Quebec Circus School, Circadium School of Contemporary Circus, the New England Center for Circus Arts, and the Ecole Supérieure des Arts du Cirque in Brussels.

In addition, dozens of our young performers have been accepted into the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour — the only traveling youth circus in the United States.

General Studies Trimester Option

Students with an interest in circus who do not want to pursue our full Circus Studies Program can opt to immerse themselves in the program for a trimester.

Meet Our Program Coordinator

Jon Roitman

“Using circus arts as a tool to improve fitness, build self confidence, and unlock potential."

Connect

Complete this inquiry form to connect with us and learn more about the Circus Studies program at High Mowing.

School Renewal Magazine

The Fall 2022 issue of School Renewal magazine focused on performing arts and featured High Mowing’s circus curriculum.

“We particularly liked how well you connected circus arts to the curriculum, the focus on ‘Head, Heart and Hands,’ and the specific quotes from students and the teachers,” wrote the Renewal editorial committee.

Published by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, School Renewal “features sought after articles on ‘hot topic’ themes, book reviews, member highlights, and interviews with alums — modern design elements and highly relevant content for Waldorf school parents and others that are interested in learning more about Waldorf education.”

Read the Article
Provided courtesy of AWSNA and School Renewal

We hope you're as excited about this program as we are! Take the next step and plan your audition using this handy audition guide.

All High Mowing students are welcome to take part in any of the on-campus circus activities that are open to all students.