I am a current high school senior with a not-great GPA but very strong SAT scores applying to colleges. I am planning to either major in musical theatre or theatre, a BFA or a BA, with a possible double major in music composition or dance(if I can’t get into a musical program) (or possibly education) . I have a ton of dance, theatre, and music experience. However, I am also circus student, and I practice aerial arts such as lyra and static trapeze, in addition to contortion, gymnastics, and some other disciplines.
I am trying to find more colleges to apply to that have classes in Aerial Dance, Circus, or Circus clubs which I can train and practice in. I most likely will not be able to afford off-campus circus classes. This is very important to me as I consider it a big part of my theatre experience, as the circus skills I have have already gotten me professional theatre jobs. It isn’t a hobby for me, it is something that will greatly benefit my future & that I really care about.
Even for the colleges that do have classes and programs, it is very hard to find information on them, so any info would be greatly appreciated.
University of Maryland has a circus troupe called Gymkana (YouTube it). Boston University has aerials in their dance department. Illinois State has a circus. There is a Facebook group Circus on Campus. You may find more info there. Also reach out to americanyouthcircus.org - they may have a list.
I asked about this years ago for a friend of my son’s - who ended up in a professional circus school in Quebec. A few places were mentioned in addition to the above, particularly Illinois State. https://gammaphicircus.illinoisstate.edu/ "Gamma Phi Circus is the oldest collegiate circus in the nation.
From its beginning in 1929, Gamma Phi has established itself as a unique performance troupe, supporting acrobatic and circus arts in higher education, and continuing the legacy of circus history in the state of Illinois. Gamma Phi Circus performers are found within such organizations as Cirque de Soleil, Disney Cruise Lines, Circus Vargas, Shrine Circuses, Circus Kingdom, Roberts Bros Circus and Kelly Bros. Circus. Gamma Phi alums have performed at Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios-Florida, Great America. Cruise Lines and the Club Med Resort. Alums can also be found performing on television and sports half-times for the NBA and WNBA.
Gamma Phi Circus alumni have created shows, such as the Circus Jenzac, and others have founded performance trade organizations, such as USA Wheel Gymnastics, or developed circus arts programs that educate in skills and performance."