Youth Troupe
Have you or your child been involved in circus arts and want to take it to the next level? Maybe you have been involved with one of our after-school programs or attended our popular summer camp or met us through a public event or performance. Students age 11 and up can now join a group of other dedicated circus kids to practice and perform together.
Youth Troupe started in January of 2025 and has already been featured in several public performances – The Arizona State Fair, the Maricopa County Fair, the Herberger Theater, Walter Studios in downtown Phoenix, and the Beatitudes Senior Life Center in north central Phoenix. This is the beginnings of an actual Phoenix Youth Circus! We believe the group will continue to develop into a cultural and community resource and a place for youth of a variety of backgrounds to come together and express themselves.
The troupe is open to kids with any amount of experience – but is for those that want to explore a serious commitment to circus arts with a genuine interest in being part of a performing troupe. As in our regular classes, students will be able to work on juggling, balancing, acrobatics, and aerial arts – but we will emphasize collaboration with the ensemble into prepared pieces that can be used in public performances.
Practice sessions will take place on Fridays from 4PM-6PM at Aeroterra Arts. (3418 S 48th St suite 308 Phoenix, AZ 85040-1939). The troupe practices from September through May.
Cost
Troupe members are expected to make a commitment for at least an entire semester and preferably for an entire school year. The cost is $30 per class ($120 each month) which will consist of four training sessions and/or performances. A full semester can be paid for at a lower cost per class ($27) PYCA will work out special financial arrangements that might be needed for some families to participate. In order to maintain our “no one turned away for lack of funds” policy, we need some to go above and beyond with donations to PYCA. If your child has an ESA account, PYCA is an approved vendor with the Arizona ESA Class Wallet platform.
How to enroll and pay troupe fees
- Write to Jens at jens@phxyouthcircus.org to direct your questions or indicate your interest.
- To enroll in the troupe and make a payment for any particular month or for an entire semester, go to [fundrazr.com/PYCtroupe26-27 link will be live soon]. This is a fundraising platform provided by the PYCA fiscal sponsor, TAPAZ. To use ESA funds, write to Jens to receive an invoice for the semester.
- Fill out the online class registration and waiver form (even if you have done this recently, best to start the new year with a current one). For “Class or Camp Name/School Name”, choose “Youth Troupe”
Dates for Fall 2026 (September – December; 16 sessions)
September 4, 11, 18, 25
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (State Fair performance TBD)
November 6, 13, 20, 27
December 4, 11, 18
(Additional performance dates are possible)
Dates for Winter/Spring 2027 (January – May; 21 sessions)
January 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
CAN YOU HELP?
Parents are needed to assist with the Troupe in various ways – costuming help, running sound for shows, prop construction, bringing snacks for shows, or other services – financial consideration towards troupe fees for services offered can be arranged if needed.