Spring Break Circus Camp

Since 2002 we’ve been offering kids ages 7 and up the chance to explore stilt walking, trapeze, acrobatics, clowning, juggling, tight wire walking, pantomime, physical theater, circus history, visual art and costume design! Our approach to promoting confidence and cooperation is action based: we emphasize focused development of circus skills while having fun together. Whether the skill at hand is balance, coordination, strength, flexibility or creative expression, students gain self-esteem, learn valuable lessons about teamwork and tolerance, and develop their physical and mental agility.

We believe that everyone can benefit from laughter, working together, and turning themselves upside down. And we provide a safe and supportive environment in which to try new things, take risks, and learn to trust one’s self and others.

Cost: $310 per child, per week. Our two-week advanced camp costs $620 and our TOUR program costs $750. Partial Scholarships are available!

Please note that a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit ($100 per child per week) is required at registration; with the balance due 4 weeks prior to the start of the camp you are signed up for.

Spring Break Camp in Mazomanie: Mar. 25-29, 2024 

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SHUTTLE BUS: We are hoping to offer bus service from east Madison and Middleton to Mazo and back.  Read all about bus service and sign up here!

What to expect:  A morning warm-up will stretch and strengthen body, mind and imagination through new games and improvisation. We’ll master the basics of stilt walking, juggling and low-flying trapeze, and explore the world of physical comedy including pantomime, clowning, and mask movement forms, as well as dabbling in tightwire, acrobatics, visual art, costuming and set design. As lifelong performers living in a state (and a town) that’s steeped in circus history, we have stories and images galore to share when it’s time for quieter activities. You send lunch, we provide a healthy afternoon snack.

We are professional performers who have delighted audiences and students alike over the years with our hands-on, cooperation-based approach and our passion for sharing circus arts. Kids of all abilities find themselves mentally engaged, physically active, and smiling as they learn new things. We love our work, and we adore our Wild Rumpus Alumnus!

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Our Core Curriculum:

By the Seat of your Baggy Pants: A fun theatrical experience exploring masks, movement, mime, juggling and other cool stuff. Capture the comic vitality of the circus, Vaudeville, and physical comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Robin Williams. Students will study the value of physical expression and a variety of mime forms. Fun solo and group improvisational exercises will be explored using masks from Switzerland and the Italian Theatre. The Clown Character and Circus Skills will also be an integral part of this action-filled workshop. Students will also learn basic 3-ball juggling techniques, and the art of balancing objects on the nose.

Introduction to Low-Flying Trapeze: Experience the joy of swinging, hanging, floating, spinning, climbing and circling on the low-flying, single point trapeze. Students will learn the basic techniques of swinging big and changing directions in midair, flying in circles, and hanging upside down, right side up and sideways. They will also have opportunities for play, exploration and self expression in a safe, supportive environment.

Stilt walking: Throughout history stilts have been used for many high jobs like harvesting peaches, walking in soggy areas, washing windows, or in construction and painting. They have also been used in ceremonies, celebrations and rituals; not to mention the circus, throughout the world. Stilt walking is great fun, confidence boosting, and not so hard to learn . It’s quite like riding a bike, once you’ve successfully found the balance point you’re on your way. In stilt class students will learn to get up on stilts, walk, dance, stand still, and fall safely.

Tightwire and acrobatics: Thrilling and integral parts of any circus, wire walking and acrobatics develop focus, concentration, balance, coordination and cooperation.

Our Staff:

Jacob Mills teaches physical comedy, juggling, pantomime, clowning and tightwire. Marcia Miquelon teaches stilt walking, aerial arts and acrobatics and serves as the administrative director for our Wild Rumpus camp programs. Other circus and education specialists help us fill our lead teaching team; and an awesome crew of high-school and college-aged assistants help us to give our circus students caring, positive, one-on-one instruction and mentoring.

Read more: Who are these clowns?