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.
Everything we do at NECCA is driven by these values.
Inclusion
We are committed to making circus accessible and available to all.
Community
We strive to build and improve our local and global communities.
Craft
We are committed to the artistry and discipline of circus.
Safety
At NECCA, safety is foundational and our top priority for all our students.
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 received its 501(c)(3) not for profit status in December 2007 and can accept tax deductible donations. The incorporation of NECCA and the filing of not for profit papers was the culmination of much work from a supportive community, school members and a Board of Directors who believed that it was an important next step in the building of an internationally recognized yet locally vital circus center.
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.
NECCA officially breaks ground for construction at the 10 Town Crier Drive location.
In June, NECCA officially moved to its new and permanent home in a custom built Trapezium. This moved allowed NECCA to expand its ProTrack program to a full-time 3-year professional training program to better prepare students for the careers ahead. By this time, NECCA’s staff grew to 50 employees.
First graduates and tour of the 3-year ProTrack program.
During the global pandemic, while enacting strong safety measures for distanced in person classes, we added remote activities for folks to do circus at home, and went out into the community with free outdoor performances. NECCA reduced overhead by moving out of the Winston Prouty gym.
Hired New Executive Director and increased the Board of Directors to 9 members. Added 5 full time positions for facility, marketing, and programs.
Celebrated five year anniversary of the Trapezium with a new stage lighting installation and a Capital Campaign donor event and plaque and fifteen years of NECCA on December 14 with a special NECCA Giving Day. We launched a three year strategic plan and added a full time position and part time Athletic Trainer. Our largest class of nine ProTrack graduates toured for the first time since 2019.
NECCA continues to bring circus to everyone!
NECCA is a vital resource for the local community and beyond, providing accessible circus arts education for all ages and abilities.
We offer outstanding professional circus performances, attract guest artists and instructors from around the world, and provide high-level training for students who aspire to be professionals in our state-of-the-art Trapezium.
Want to take a class and not sure where to start?
Check out all of our programming here!
Whether you are looking for a session class, private lessons, immersions and workshops, or professional training, we have it all! Our programs accommodate complete beginners to professional artists, and everywhere in-between!
We offer exciting circus classes for all skill levels, ages, and abilities. From tots to teens, aerial silks to juggling, there is something for every child! Each class meets once a week for 5–11 weeks per session, so youth can learn amazing new skills and make friends along the way.
From first-timers to seasoned pros, our flying trapeze classes welcome all ages and skill levels. With expert coaching and safety lines, you’ll soar, swing, and maybe even get caught! No experience needed, the sky’s the limit!
Our professional training programs equip you with the skills and knowledge to take your career to the next level. Learn more about our ProTrack and Fly Team Programs today.
We have a variety of open gym and custom training options for students and professionals. From kids to adults, there are options for everyone to come in and train their favorite skills at their own pace!
Just visiting or want to try circus for a day? Drop in for classes, book a private lesson or custom circus experience, or catch a show while you’re here!
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
