New England Center for Circus Arts

Overview

The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) is a prominent nonprofit circus school located in Vermont, USA. It is recognized as the premier circus training school in the United States, offering comprehensive programs for aspiring performers as well as workshops and recreational classes for students of all ages and abilities[1][3][4].

History

NECCA was founded in 2007 by identical twin aerialists Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion. Initially based in the Old Cotton Mill, the school moved to a new, custom-built facility in 2017, which includes an 8,600 square foot Trapezium. The construction of this facility required a successful 2.5 million dollar capital campaign[1].

Programs and Activities

NECCA offers a world-class professional program designed for aspiring circus performers. Additionally, it provides workshops and recreational classes for both youth and adults, catering to diverse skill levels and ages. The school prides itself on maintaining a welcoming and non-competitive environment for all students[3][4].

Community and Recognition

NECCA is internationally recognized for its high-quality training and creative programming. It is a member of the American Circus Educators (ACE) Association and has been acknowledged for its excellent safety standards by the Circus Arts Safety Network[5]. The school is committed to providing accessible circus arts instruction to everyone, from beginners to professionals, and operates in a spirit of inclusivity and community support[5].

Mission

The mission of NECCA is to provide high-quality circus arts training while ensuring greater access and programming for all. As a nonprofit organization, NECCA relies on donations to continue offering accessible circus arts instruction to its diverse student body[4][5].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Center_for_Circus_Arts [2] http://sideshow-circusmagazine.com/map/training-spaces/new-england-center-circus-arts [3] https://necenterforcircusarts.org/home/ [4] http://necenterforcircusarts.org [5] https://necenterforcircusarts.org/about-necca/