The Professional Preparatory Program at Esh Circus Arts is designed to help dedicated circus students develop their technical, choreographic, and performance skills in their chosen discipline.
The next program year will begin in September of 2027. Applications will open in late winter 2027.
PPP is a part-time training program for aspiring circus professionals. Our unique program combines a focus on technical mastery with training in dance, theater, storytelling, choreographic techniques, ensemble work, and business skills to support each student’s circus career goals.
Participants must choose a primary discipline to focus on while in PPP. This should be a discipline in which they already have significant training. Available focus disciplines include aerial fabric; aerial sling/hammock; static trapeze; single point/dance trapeze; aerial rope; aerial hoop/lyra; aerial straps; aerial partnering; partner acrobatics/hand-to-hand; hand balancing; contortion; tight wire; and juggling. Those interested in partner disciplines must apply as a duo.
PPP is broken into three trimesters, each with a specific focus:
In addition to the Program elements, students are required to register for one weekly group class at Esh each session in their focus discipline.
Students must also commit to at least 10 hours of self-directed training time each week.
A weekly three hour block of class time on Sundays from 9am – 12pm that includes training in physical theater, dance, mobility & strength training, tumbling, juggling, and much more!
Students receive 120 minutes of private lesson time each month, which may be booked in 30 or 60 minute increments.
In a variety of topics, including injury prevention, audition skills, business skills, and more. Workshops take place during Sunday PPP group class.
To practice skills in a focused, small group environment.
Access to multiple weekly Open Studio times for even more practice time.
PPP is a nine month program that runs from just after Labor Day in September to just before Memorial Day in May. There is a one-week break in November and a two-week break in late December/early January. PPP runs every other year. The next program year is 2027-2028.
Admission to the program is via video audition and in-person interview. Auditions for the 2027-2028 program year will open in late winter 2027.
The program is capped at 10 students. If there are any spots available in the program after the first round of auditions, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Email audition videos to ellen@eshcircusarts.com.
If you have questions about any of these requirements, contact ellen@eshcircusarts.com.
The Pro Prep Program is a nine month commitment that runs from September – May. Tuition for the 2025-26 program is $4,200, and may be paid in a lump sum or as monthly installments.
Tuition covers: weekly PPP Sunday group class; 120 minutes of private instruction per month; a 30 minute 1:1 mentor meeting each trimester; unlimited training time during residency hours; and access to all scheduled open studio time. The cost of weekly group session classes in your focus discipline is not included in program tuition.
