2026 Dates Coming Soon

Fall Intensive Program

Push yourself physically while diving deep into the world of the circus arts in this immersive training program.

An amazing facility. Fantastic coaches. All levels welcome, no matter where you are in your circus journey, from just getting started to polishing your professional skills.

Read more below for all the important information!

Learn more

Program Details

Our intensive programs are a great option for folks who want to reach further into their circus dreams or for those wanting to get back into the swing of things after time away.

Dates are coming soon for our 2026 Fall Intensive Program. We usually offer two sessions running October – December. Check back later for more info!

Please contact us with any questions!

Download the info doc

The Important Info…

Fall Intensive 1

Coming soon

Fall Intensive 2

Coming soon

A deposit of 50% is due 2 weeks after acceptance; the balance is due 3 weeks before each program begins.

Financial Aid
  • We also have some financial aid available for these programs.
    • To apply for financial aid please fill out this form when you apply for the program.
    • To set up a payment plan, please fill out this form when you are accepted to the program.
    • If you have been a resident of Vermont for 1 year, you may be eligible for student loan and grant assistance through the Vermont Students Assistance Corporation (VSAC) by filling out the form here.
Fall Intensive 1

Dates coming soon

Fall Intensive 2

Dates coming soon

This program is for students ages 18 and up with a current circus arts practice who are looking to intensify and broaden their circus training, and also for those with fitness and sport backgrounds who are interested in exploring the world of circus arts. This can be your circus getaway or the start of your professional circus training journey.

Age 14 to 17, please inquire about participation in this adult-focused program by emailing us.

General Program
  • 12.5 hours per week of coached training.
    • Group classes three days a week (8.5 hours) with a focus on basics including tumbling, partner acrobatics, hand balancing, creativity, fitness/recovery and conditioning
    • Two 1.5 hr session classes (3 hours total) in any area you are interested in, at whatever skill level you are training at.
    • A one-on-one “focus” lesson to further develop your skills in the area of your choice (1 hour total)
  • Daily open practice options (15+ hours per week)
For the Accelerated Program
  • Add 1 session class and 1 focus lesson for 2.5 hours more training each week
Additional classes

Participants are welcome to register for additional session classes.

NOTE: Additional session classes can be added at the regular session class rate.

See more detailed information here.

The program is directed by Elsie Smith, with Head Coach Alyk Fuller, plus a variety of other coaches.

Fill out the application form and include a video of your current skills. Include video of your focus area as well as any fitness, sport or other circus activities you are currently doing and demonstrate as many of these core skills as possible.

  1. Forward roll and dive roll
  2. Cartwheel: (both sides)
  3. Handstand: against a wall or free-standing
  4. Back bridge: push up from laying on ground
  5. Splits: left, to straddle (center), to right
  6. Pull-ups: please show that your feet are not on the ground at the start/end

There is no deadline for applying – we have rolling admissions until the program is full. However, we have limited spots for each apparatus so applying early will assure you the spot you are dreaming of! We highly recommend completing your application three months before the program start date, or as soon as possible!

While the main focus of the Intensive Program is in building your technical skills and developing your athletic capacity, there are options for folks wanting more creative opportunities. During your one-on-one focus lessons you and your coach can lean into act creation if that is your desire.

Here are a few other options:

  • Open Stage Showcase (apply January, create February – April, perform April)
    • 10% discount for Intensive students!
  • Community performances (May, July, September)
  • Spotlight Act Creation Workshop (July/Aug)
    • 10% discount for Summer Intensive A students
  • Winter Circus (part of Fall 2 Session classes; rehearsals and performances in December)

Why Train at NECCA?

Two things: our coaches and our building!

Our custom-built facility includes an in-ground foam pit, trampoline, 40′ and 24′ rigging points, and heated floors! Make circus the focus you want it to be while enjoying beautiful Vermont.

NECCA’s professional coaches will help you push harder, explore deeper, and fly higher—all to help you see where your circus journey can take you.

Download the info doc

How to apply?

There is no due date for the application, it’s rolling acceptance, but spots for specific apparatus fill up quickly so we recommend applying at least three months before the program start dates, or as soon as possible! More info for Fall Intensive is coming soon!

Contact us

More Seasonal Intensives

Link to: Summer Intensive Program

Winter Intensive Program

Link to: Spring Intensive Program

Spring Intensive Program

Link to: Summer Intensive Program

Summer Intensive Program

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