NECCA is an internationally recognized, nonprofit circus school in Brattleboro, Vermont, offering world-class training for all ages and skill levels. From beginners to professionals, everyone is invited to discover the joy of circus arts with us!
Provide high-quality circus arts training for students and artists while facilitating greater access and programming to everyone.
To be the leading circus arts training center in the nation by nurturing an inclusive and empowering community and culture for everyone.
We offer circus classes and programs for all ages and abilities. Learn more about all of our programming below!
Taking a moment to share gratitude for the Abenaki Tribe, whose traditional land we stand on and who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.
We believe circus should be for everyone. NECCA offers free and low-cost performances and programs that bring the magic of circus to our community. By participating in local events, we enrich the cultural landscape, introduce new audiences to the art of circus, and create inclusive opportunities for people who may never have experienced it before.
Circus is more than just entertainment—it’s a path to physical and mental well-being. Our recreational classes provide a safe, welcoming space for all ages, from young children to adults over 60. Through movement, creativity, and connection, our programs promote health, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
As a globally recognized training center, NECCA is shaping the next generation of professional circus artists. Our industry-leading programs provide world-class instruction while keeping tuition fees low—ensuring greater accessibility and staying true to our mission of opening doors for aspiring performers.
The American Circus Educators (ACE) association established the Circus Arts Safety Network via specific guidelines for best practices in circus arts risk management. NECCA has been carefully evaluated and granted membership to the Safety Network. We are proud to be nationally recognized for our excellent standards by the ACE Circus Arts Safety Network.
NECCA is founded by Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion and receives its 501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit circus arts education facility. For several years previous to this, circus arts instruction was provided under the name of Nimble Arts.
Classes were taught with a staff of approximately 10 coaches at the Cotton Mill and the New England Youth Theater in Brattleboro, VT. The original Professional Track or “ProTrack” program began in 2007 as well, beginning NECCA’s reputation of successfully preparing professional circus artists for careers in circus.
NECCA expands into 3 studios at the Cotton Mill and establishes an additional professional program, the Intensive Program, designed to meet the growing needs of the industry.
This year also brought the first annual Flying Nut holiday show as well as the Circus In The Neighborhood outreach program established to bring circus to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to NECCA programming. This was also the first year of the Circus Spectacular: an annual fundraising event aimed at raising funds specifically for outreach and scholarships.
NECCA grows into 4 studios at the Cotton Mill as well as the Winston-Prouty gymnasium and has a staff of around 35. Land was purchased at Town Crier Dr, which would be the future home of NECCA’s custom trapezium. The outdoor Flying Trapeze rig moved to this site to take advantage of the amazing space and location.
Content
Content
Content
Content
Please join us in thanking these companies for their support of NECCA.
Provide high-quality circus arts training for students and artists while facilitating greater access and programming to everyone.
EIN #: 26-0495118
