What is a Smirkus Residency?
Smirkus Residencies bring our veteran circus educators into your school or after-school program, or even online, to provide expert instruction in the circus arts. Students receive instruction in juggling, diabolo, devil sticks, rolla bolla, balance, plate spinning and more. Based in a curriculum approach that is aligned with the principles of social-emotional learning, students develop powers of concentration, focus, and persistence. Our residencies are classroom-ready and can be easily integrated into a larger learning unit in the classroom.
What Kids Learn
Circus is an activity that requires the same dedication, discipline and hard work of any sport, only it stresses collaboration rather than competition. Kids set and achieve goals together, learning cooperation and camaraderie. Students transfer their newfound excitement for circus directly into theme related art, music, science, history, math and language studies.
According to a study conducted by the Weikart Center and funded by Cirque Du Soleil, integrating the circus arts into K-12 education can improve student performance. After observing residency programs offered by Circus Smirkus and seven other circus arts providers across the country, the Center reported that circus residencies improved social and emotional learning skills in all areas measured – and delivered results better than all other supplemental arts and sports activities studied. Read the published study report here.
Types Of Residencies
In-school (on site or online)
In-school Residencies consist of instruction throughout the school day, customized to your school’s schedule and number of classes participating. They are typically one or two weeks in duration, which can also be tailored to meet your specific needs.
- Our popular in-school residencies are great for schools that are back to face-to-face learning. Our classic residency program is perfect for many Vermont schools!
- One-day classroom residencies add some variety to your classroom routine. Our residency artists can schedule several classroom visits during a week to give each kid a chance to try circus.
- Get moving through circus in our physical education alternative. In this program, students are active and moving while working on balance, coordination, and more.
After-school
After school circus classes can be presented in person or online for your students. They’ll learn circus skills including juggling, clowning, plate spinning, and more. This option is open to after school programs at schools, recreation facilities and community organizations.
Please contact us for cost and availability and to discuss how a Circus Smirkus residency can be customized to meet your school’s needs: residencies@smirkus.org