The three-year Professional program

The ProTrack Program

ProTrack is the longest running professional circus training program in the U.S. Spend 3 years completely immersed in circus!

Learn more below Apply today!

Why Circus School? Why ProTrack? Program Details Applications

Why Circus School?

Perhaps you’re wondering what circus school can offer that you can’t get on your own. The answer—everything!

Work the things you don’t want to work.

That’s right, we said it. Don’t you have things you know you should be working on, but somehow always find a reason not to?

Our coaches are here to make sure nothing falls through the cracks while you become a well balanced artist with ALL the skills.

The sheer number of classes and lessons!

These include classes in dance, hand balancing, acrobatics, physical theater, flexibility, multiple disciplines, injury prevention, circuit training, workshops, private lessons, academic classes on everything from nutrition to the business of circus, and more.

Seriously. Where else but circus school can you possibly fit this much into a day?!

Train with a group of people working as hard as you are!

There’s nothing like being in a community of supportive artists working just as hard as you are and making gains towards a circus career every day.

Seeing other people do the impossible and come back for more means there’s inspiration around you on a daily basis.

Build your network of professional contacts.

We hold auditions for other organizations and happily send referrals to a vast number of performance companies for our graduates.

People call us to find their next performer and it makes it easier on our students to find work.

Why ProTrack?

Four important things: Our coaches, our experience, our facility, and our graduates.

Our Coaches

These are the people that make NECCA what it is.

Our coaches have decades of experience—not only working as performers in the top circuses and festivals in the world, but also in coaching people like you to live up to their potential. They know the material and exactly what it takes to get you there physically, artistically, and psychologically. They are with you every step of the way and are personally invested in your growth. This is the heart of everything that NECCA offers and the backbone of the ProTrack program.

NECCA’s ProTrack coaches include all of these amazing folks! Please note that this list is subject to change and you should inquire about coaching staff with our Program Director.

Our Experience

We’ve helped over 200 students navigate the path to becoming a professional performer. Our coaches have a deep understanding of common frustrations that are encountered and have deeply individualized methods for breaking through the inevitable mental and physical blocks.

Our curriculum and teaching techniques are layered with intention and detail that has served our students for over fifteen years We see the challenges before you do and we know how to guide you to trust yourself and face them—with a full team of support at your side.

Our Facility

The Trapezium, our custom built training facility, is equipped with everything you need to become a well rounded, professional circus artist. With 40 foot ceilings, a full size foam pit, movable points, any and all the mats you might need, an air track, and even heated floors… We have it all.

There’s no other space like ours, hosting a program like ours, in the USA.

Our Graduates

NECCA ProTrack graduates are everywhere! They are in shows all over the world and coaching in circus studios across the country. In fact, chances are you already know someone who is putting their circus education from NECCA to use.

Our graduates have performed in Cirque du Soleil, Les 7 Doigts, Gravity and Other Myths, Cirkus Cirkor, Circa, Cirque Eloize, Circus Monti, and an array of touring shows, international festivals, cabarets, and cruise ships. There aren’t many companies that a NECCA graduate hasn’t been a part of in some way, and we bring the benefits of these numerous connections back to our current students.

Program Details

ProTrack is a full-time, three-year professional circus program designed to create professional circus performers ready for the world stage. We nurture and develop the next generation of working, professional artists, whose technique, artistry, and entrepreneurship are second to none.

Tuition & Program Dates

Tuition

Tuition is $16,875 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Financial Assistance

For more information on financial aid, please click here.

Program Dates

The ProTrack Program runs from just after Labor Day in September through the first week in June, with a 2 week break in December and one week breaks in November, February, and April.

Yearly Breakdown of the Program

Year 1

Designed to build a strong foundation and focuses first and foremost on the physical body and preparedness of living the full time circus life. Students dive into the curriculum and assess what physical blocks they may have, as well as what experience and knowledge they will need to fine tune their artistry and athleticism.

Their schedule is individualized according to their interests and level in a variety of areas (determined by periodic assessments). The weekly schedule includes:

Private and/or group lessons in a Major Discipline
Physical Theater
Dance
Tumbling & Creative Acrobatics
Hand Balancing
Juggling
Partner Acrobatics
Strength, Endurance, and Cross Training Classes

Creative Exploration
Mobility & Flexibility
Prehab & Injury Prevention
Professional Development Classes
Opportunities to explore additional disciplines.

Year 2

Builds on the foundation of the first year and focuses on the student’s artistry. Students continue to strengthen their foundation while building their skills and expertise as they begin to focus on two primary disciplines (a major and a minor) and work to construct acts in each. Each student has dedicated time to train their major and minor daily, supported by supplemental classes throughout the week in:

Strength, Endurance, and Cross Training Classes
Mobility & Flexibility
Prehab & Injury Prevention
Professional Development Classes Covering an Array of Topics

Year 3

The third and final year is designed to ensure that students are performing at an elite level and prepared to work in the industry. Year Three students will spend dedicated time on finalizing their major and minor acts as they strengthen necessary skills as an ensemble in partner acrobatics , acrobatics, dance, and physical theater.

The third year culminates with a devised ensemble show, directed by a guest director that tours theaters throughout New England with the professional support and assistance of NECCA coaches and staff.

Students should expect to be in rehearsal or touring full-time in April and May.

Disciplines Taught

Students have access to extensive equipment and classes and have an opportunity to try the disciplines listed here.

Trapeze (single point, double point, duo, swinging)
Fabric
Rope
Trampoline, Mini Tramp & Tramp Wall
Chinese Pole
Hand Balancing
Straps
Partner Acrobatics
Solo Ground Acrobatics & Hoop Diving

Who Should Apply

Anyone who has:

Trained circus extensively and is ready to take it to the next level.
Experience in high level gymnastics, dance, ice skating or another athletic performing endeavor and is ready to apply their skills to circus.
Decided they want to be a professional performing Circus Artist and are ready to do the work to get there!

Have Questions?

ProTrack Q&A Video Session

Are you curious about what it takes to get into America’s longest running professional circus training program?

Check out this video for an information and question and answer session for aspiring ProTrack applicants and families.

Get ready & apply!

Applications & Admissions

Learn how to prepare for and apply to ProTrack here!

Applications for the 2026/27 school year will still be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. The application deadline for live auditions (March 10 – 11, 2026) ended January 19.

Step One

Get Prepared

Important Dates for 2026/27:

Nov. 1, 2025: Applications Open
Jan. 6, 2026: Foreign Student Application Deadline
Jan. 6, 2026: Ongoing Applications Open
Mar. 10 – 11, 2026: Auditions
May 16, 2026: Applications Close

Interested in financial aid opportunities for ProTrack? Check the information on our Financial Aid Page to apply!

About the Application Process

All applicants that apply will be considered for ProTrack Year One. This is our foundation year, and best for building the technique, artistry, and professionalism to advance through the rest of ProTrack and into professional performance.

In rare cases we may invite an applicant to join directly into ProTrack Year Two. Suitable applicants will be offered spaces by the admissions team.

Acceptance into the program is based on levels of competence in:

Circus Arts Modalities
Dance & Movement
Form & Body Awareness
Flexibility & Strength
Tumbling & Acrobatics
Theater & Performance

Application Checklist

To apply to ProTrack you will need to prepare and complete the following items:

Your Audition Videos
- Read more on these below.
Two Professional References
Complete our Digital Application Form
Pay the Application Fee

Step Two

Make your Audition Videos

Please review all video requirements in the resources section below!

View video requirements

General Video Guidelines

As part of the general application process you will need to create three separate videos. A fourth video may be included if desired. Remember that your personality is important to us, so be sure it shows through.

Please compile your footage in the order listed in the Video Guidelines Checklist For Download & Print. If you have the means to make a digital copy of this checklist, please fill that out and upload the link in the online ProTrack application.

You can view a demo video of some of these skills here.

Note: We would like to see as many of the skills and movements listed as possible and we understand that training for all the various disciplines and roles in circus sometimes means having different skill sets. Do your best!

Step Three

Submit Your Application & References

Start your application

Letter of Reference Form

About Applications & References

We require applicants to complete our online application form and submit two letters of reference.

The Letters of Reference are submitted by your references via our google form.

Please complete our online application here and send this form for your references to fill out and submit to us.

Step Four

Pay your Application Fee

Pay your application fee

Final Step!

The application fee is $75 and must be paid to be considered for the ProTrack Program.

This fee assists us with the administrative costs of reviewing and interviewing our applicants when the time comes.

That’s it! Good luck!

Start your application Letter of Reference Form Pay your application fee

Please read this important info

Admission & Application Information and Resources

Part 1: Short Introduction

Begin with a short introduction letting us know who you are. Tell us your name, your nationality, and main discipline. (without music, only head and shoulders in view, MAX 30 seconds)

Part 2: Share Your Creative Side

What is circus to you? Use your creativity! (music and soundscape are optional, MAX 1 minute)

Part 3: Dance Theme

Natural Elements of Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Choose at least two elements and play with their differences and oppositions.

Perform in the space and use the sound/music of your choice.
Show the contrast in movement qualities between the two elements.
Video editing is prohibited, full body in view, camera must remain still.

Keep in mind that video is a challenging medium for live performance so bring extra energy to this performance. MAX 1-2 minutes.

Part 4: Theater Theme: Opposites

Create 2 oppositional characters. Examples include a wild ape and a runway model, or a physicality that is very heavy as if filled with lead and one that is very light as if filled with helium. With the camera as your partner, do 2 scenes – one as each character. (format should be along the lines of: enter, create a situation with the camera as your partner, create a resolution and ending.

Characters can be verbal or nonverbal. If you do speak, use your mother tongue. Choose an indoor or outdoor location. We’re looking for open, available, dynamic and creative artists.

No equipment and no video effects/editing. Don’t forget to have fun!!! MAX 1-3 minutes

Video #2 Requirements

Part 1: Full or Partial Act Video

Act or sections of acts on your main discipline; don’t use footage of group performances unless you are very clearly in view and can note who you are very clearly (ie ‘in red shorts’ or circled on the video, etc… MAX 3 minutes). Video footage should be as recent as possible; no more than 6 months old.

Part 2: Skill & Technique

Skills and Technique in main discipline that are not shown in your act selection. Compile approximately 2 minutes of skills that you’ve mastered most recently.

Video #3 Requirements

Part 1: Strength (Max 7 minutes)

Max pull-ups (pronated grip or palms facing forward, pull to your highest and go all the way down to straight arms in between. Pull-ups with palms facing you or without fully straightening arms between will not be counted. Facing camera)
Max pushups (elbows at 45 degrees to side body, side view)
V ups (30 reps, side view)
Max toe touches to bar (side view)
Max rope climb with legs in L or straddle (start facing camera)
Max pistol squats (modify with candlestick roll or support as needed, side view)
Max box jump (max height, 1 rep, side view)
Hollow on back (2 minutes, side view)
Long arch on belly (2 minutes, side view)
L sit on chairs, benches, or ground (30 seconds, side view)

Part 2: Stability (Max 2 minutes)

Diagonal Plank (30 seconds each side, side view)
Swiss ball bridge on one leg (20 seconds each side, side view)

Part 3: Flexibility (Max 2 minutes)

Right, Center, Left splits (10 seconds each). If you have oversplits, please elevate both of your legs so that we can see your oversplit.
Forward pike fold against block (10 seconds, side view)
Forward fold legs apart (10 seconds, side view)
Back bridge from standing (hold 10 seconds without adjusting. Modify with supports or a spot as needed). Stay in your bridge and shift over hands to open shoulders (hold 10 seconds). Tighten your bridge to your capacity (hands as close to feet as possible and hold for 10 seconds). Adjust as needed and rise to standing (with modifications or supports/spotting as needed). Camera viewing from the side.
Slow squat. (camera viewing from side, go as low as you can for count of 4, hold, rise for a count of 4)
Slow relevé/toe raiser. (camera viewing from side, go as low as you can for count of 4, hold, rise for a count of 4)

Part 4: Handstands (Max 3 minutes)

Kick up to handstand, camera viewing from the side. Hands do not leave the floor and the shape is attempted in both phases of the movement (up and down). 3 reps linked together
Tuck up to handstand, camera viewing from the side. Hands do not leave the floor and the shape is attempted in both phases of the movement (up and down). 3 reps linked together
Straddle up to handstand, camera viewing from the side. Hands do not leave the floor and the shape is attempted in both phases of the movement (up and down). 3 reps linked together
Pike up to handstand, camera viewing from the side. Hands do not leave the floor and the shape is attempted in both phases of the movement (up and down). 3 reps linked together
One freestanding handstand viewed from the side. (0-60 seconds) If this is not accessible to you at this time, show one 10 second handstand back to the wall.
Belly against the wall handstand (hold for 90 seconds, camera view from the back)

Part 5: Ground Acrobatics (Max 5 minutes)

Rebounding tuck jumps (10 reps, any camera angle, full body in view)
Standing jump half turn, full turn, one and a half (start facing camera)
3 consecutive forward rolls (side view)
3 handstand forward rolls: tuck, straddle, pike (side view)
Dive roll (2 reps, side view)
3 consecutive cartwheels, go for fluidity and connectivity (show both sides/legs, side view)
Walkovers – 1 each direction (side view)
Front Handspring with step out (side view)
Round off (show 2 on the same side from each direction, side view)
Back handspring with step out (side view)
Lines: Show 2 different passes where you integrate both left and right cartwheels, a handstand, a jump, and if possible a flight skill (anything that either rotates or travels with air time)
Flow Phrase: 1 phrase of acrobatic movements on hard floor that are not percussive or ‘punch the floor’ skills. (MAX 1 minute)
Optional Additions: Show us your 3 best skills and your personality (connected or not)

Part 6: Partnering

Base and Fly a thigh stand (side view, full view of both bodies)

Part 7: Coordination (Max 5 minutes)

Juggling: 3 balls/clubs, patterns and tricks (15+/- catches)
Stick Balance (10 seconds, facing camera)
Swiss Ball Balance: standing on feet for 30 seconds. (modify it by kneeling or sitting in a hollow body position on the ball as needed. Facing camera)
Hula hooping (60 seconds, facing camera)

Video #4 Requirements (Optional: secondary disciplines)

If you have trained a secondary discipline, please submit 2-3 sequences of material, and 3 skills you are working on or have recently mastered.

Show us your favorite movement qualities and sequencing where applicable (max 2 minutes).

This section is optional.

Naming and Uploading Your Videos

Once you make your videos, please title them “First Name, Last Name, 26.27 NECCA Audition, Video #” then upload them to YouTube.

Make sure the privacy settings are on Unlisted or Public, depending on your preferences, do not use the Private setting.

Important contact information

If you have any questions regarding applications, please contact us at ptappliactions@necenterforcircusarts.org.

You may also contact our program director, Elena Day, at eday@necenterforcircusarts.org.

And lastly, you may contact our admin and registration team at info@necenterforcircusarts.org

Start your application Contact us with questions