Act Creation Intensive
PROGRAM DATES: July 7th – July 11th 2025
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: Beginning March 1st 2025
About the Intensive
The Esh Circus Arts Act Creation Intensive provides a structured program to help participants bring their act concepts to life while developing their choreographic skills, artistry, and technical ability. Through daily movement classes, act creation masterclass discussions, and one-on-one coaching, each participant will develop their act concept into a polished and performable piece. The week culminates in a showcase where participants perform their acts in a supportive and celebratory environment.
The Act Creation Intensive is opened to dedicated hobbyists and aspiring professionals alike! Our experienced team of coaches will work with each participant to meet their individual performance goals, whether that is refining an existing act or bringing a new concept to the stage.
DISCIPLINES
The Act Creation Intensive is open to students building an act in any of the following disciplines:
Static Trapeze
Single Point Trapeze
Aerial Silks/Fabric
Aerial Sling/Hammock
Aerial Hoop
Aerial Rope
Aerial Straps
Duo Aerials
Hand Balancing
Contortion
Partner Acro/Hand-To-Hand
Clowning
Program Schedule
The Intensive meets from 9am to 2:30pm daily, including a lunch break from 12pm-1pm. Students will also have the opportunity to take advantage of additional self-directed training time throughout week.
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00am: Movement, Improv, and Physical Theater
10:00am: Topics in Choreographic Techniques
11:00am: Act Creation with 1:1 and small group coaching
12:00pm: Lunch Break
1:00pm: Act Creation with 1:1 and small group coaching
10:00am: Topics in Choreographic Techniques
11:00am: Act Creation with 1:1 and small group coaching
12:00pm: Lunch Break
1:00pm: Act Creation with 1:1 and small group coaching
2:30pm: Optional self-directed training time
3:30pm: End of day
Application & Program Requirements
To apply for the Act Creation Intensive, you must submit a written application, as well as a video submission that demonstrates both your specific and overall ability.
We strongly recommend that applicants have some basic familiarity with creating an act, whether that’s previous experience creating a circus act, or a background in choreographic techniques from dance or other movement practices.
At the start of the program week, participants must arrive with at least 45 seconds of draft act choreography and up to three musical or sound options for their act.
DEADLINE
Applications and video submissions are accepted on a rolling basis beginning March 1st and will be accepted until all spots are full. The program is capped at 8-12 participants depending on disciplines.
Click here for more details and to view the application.
Applicants will be informed of admission decisions within about two weeks of submitting their application.
Tuition
$725.00
A deposit of $250 is due upon acceptance to the program.
Some need-based financial assistance is available.
Location and Facilities
Esh Circus Arts is a 5000 square foot facility, with carpet bonded foam flooring throughout, and rig points up to 20 feet of height.
We are located in vibrant Somerville, MA, near the Harvard Square, Porter Square, and Union Square MBTA stops, and steps from culturally-rich Union Square.
Program Instructors
The Act Creation Intensive is led by Esh Circus Arts co-owner Ellen Waylonis and management team member Johnny Blazes. As life-long performers and passionate educators, Ellen and Johnny imbue the program with the value of balancing rigorous athletic training with artistic and theatrical dedication. ACI participants will also work with Esh’s award-winning, internationally-performing staff of coaches.
