Circus Camps!

Our summer camps are perfect for young performers who want to strengthen, stretch, and flex their creative muscles. No experience necessary!

Unforgettable, immersive experiences.

Girl standing in grass on stilts

Of the dozens of programs we offer to kids each year, our camps stand out as the most immersive and popular of them all.

Each day begins with a warm-up, followed by training and workshops in circus, drama, and movement. Students learn circus and aerial skills: juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, stilts, and more, and there’s no experience necessary to join!

The experience, kids tell us, is nothing short of transformational.

What does camp look like? Take a look:

Quotation marks

Even the least physical camper will come home every day with a list of new skills and milestones achieved – grinning proudly about each of those breakthroughs and eager for more. Kids feel welcome and empowered – and learn some pretty amazing circus skills, too. I only wish we had started this camp sooner!

– Bridget R.
Parent

Outstanding Instructors

Our instructors are led by Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, a second generation circus performer who grew up touring with various circuses, including Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey. 

In 2019, she and her family, The Hernandez Troupe, were inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame for their monumental contributions to the world of circus.

Learn more

😎 Upcoming Camps

  • Mini Camp 2024

    June 10 - 14, 2024

    Weekdays from 9am-4pm
    For incoming 4th graders and older

    Payment plans and financial aid are available

  • Summer Camp 2024

    Session 1: June 17 – July 12 ( No camp 6/19 & 7/4)
    Session 2: July 15 – August 9

    Weekdays 9am – 4pm.
    For incoming 4th graders and older.

    Payment plans and financial aid are available.

  • First Week of Summer Camp Session 1

    June 17 - 21, 2024 (No Camp 6/19)
    Weekdays from 9am 4pm
    For incoming 4th graders and older

    Payment plans and financial aid are available

  • First Two Weeks of Summer Camp Session 1

    June 17 - 28, 2024 (No Camp 6/19)

    Weekdays from 9am - 4pm
    For incoming 4th graders and older

    Payment plans and financial aid are available

  • First Week of Summer Camp Session 2

    July 15 - July 19, 2024

    Weekdays from 9am - 4pm
    For incoming 4th graders and older

    Payment plans and financial aid are available

  • First Two Weeks of Summer Camp Session 2

    July 15 - July 26, 2024

    Weekdays from 9am - 4pm
    For incoming 4th graders and older

    Payment plans and financial aid are available

FAQs

  • Nope! We welcome beginners and experienced circus artists alike.

  • Yes! There’s an option to identify a friend in camp when filling out the emergency info form. However, due to the limited group sizes, we may not be able to accommodate every request.

  • Though we can't know exactly what this summer will look like, we can promise that we'll be following all local COVID guidelines.

  • Yes – families are encouraged to join our Facebook carpool group.

  • For four-week summer camps, a refund minus $250 may be requested before April 1. After that date, no refunds will be available.

    One-week summer camps are refundable in full before April 1. After that date, no refunds will be available.

Still have questions? We're here to help! Please feel free to email us at hello@actorsgymnasium.org

 

About Actors Gym

As one of the nation’s premiere circus and performing arts training centers, Actors Gym has helped countless performers of all ages learn to fly – physically, emotionally, and creatively.

A celebrated name in Chicago theatre for over 25 years, the Actors Gym brings a new physicality to the American Theatre by developing trusted, multi-skilled physical performers and producing award-winning, genre-bending circus theatre productions and live entertainment.

Actors Gym acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency

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