The TGE Youth Circus Project
A collective community collaboration for transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youth, including a series of youth circus classes culminating in youth-led workshops and youth-created performance*. This is a free program.
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A sample of skills explored:
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Juggling, spinning plates, diabolo, balancing, etc
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Partner acrobatics
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Equilibristics: stilts, unicycle, rola bola, globe, tight wire
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Improvisation & Physical comedy
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Performance technique, act creation
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Stage/prop management & music
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*Participants are not required to perform.
Saturdays 11am-12:30pm
Next session starts Fall 2023
New Haven Area
Attendance:
A key element in this program is creating a cohesive group with strong sense of trust and connection. Consistent participation is key to achieving this goal, and also to creating a great show/presentation.
Fees:
This is a free program. We will begin accepting tax-deductable donations in 2023.
Help us grow!
Please share/download these resources with your community. (Currently reflecting the 2023 Spring session. Updated materials coming soon.)
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Electronic Promotional Packet (for email and printing)
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Youth Flyer:
The TGE Youth Circus Project seeks TGE circus artists and educators for collaboration, consulting, and counsel. The TGE Youth Circus Project is based in CT but seeks nation-wide collaboration. Stipends may be available. All ages welcome to inquire. Nothing about us without us! tge@circusmoves.com
Youth Info: The Fun Stuff
Learn: juggling, aerial, tumbling, stilts, physical theater, & more!
Add your own expression: music? magic? costume design? visual art?
Put it together to create a show like no other: comedy? activism? dramedy?
Not into performing? Join the behind-the-scenes crew!
All abilities are invited. There is a place for every-body!
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By youth, for youth- it’s all up to YOUth.
No experience necessary, all abilities are invited.
There is a place for every-body!
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Download flyer for youth:
What to Expect
Try-It Day!
Official Session & Show Session
Special Events
Come try it out! Try your hands at juggling & plate spinning, test your balance with stilt-walking and tightwire, while getting to know some new folx!
Class time is 11a-12:30p. After the first class we allow students in earlier for self-directed practice and social bonding. Registered participants are expected to attend all class sessions in order to be prepared for the final presentation. Aside from physical or mental health reasons, or a zombie apocalypse, attendance is required during show session.
Circus Moves and our Training Space Partners (location disclosed to registered participants) will have a variety of opportunities for youth participants to build self-confidence by participating in local and regional community events.
Caregiver Info: The Smart Stuff
This is a youth-development program which uses evidence-based programming structured to address self-esteem, positive body image, and social-emotional skills competence. Circus arts programs provide a physical activity environment in which transgender and gender expansive youth can experience a sense of belonging (Smith, et al, 2018).
In-person group classes meet weekly to form the troupe and train the youth in circus skills as well as teaching and performance techniques. A key element in this program is creating a cohesive group with strong sense of trust and connection. Consistent attendance is key to achieving this goal. Your and your child's commitment to consistent attendance is key to their success and the success of the program. We have a chill-space available for kids who need a break or are having low energy or dark days.
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Classes will meet in-person and follow state, local, and facilities mandates and recommendations for COVID-19 safety.
Target population for circus classes includes youth/young adults who identify with transgender or gender expansive experience.
Classes include adaptive activities for individuals with diverse social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and developmental needs.
Made possible in part with the support from:
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The Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA
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Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative
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Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford: Trans Voice & Visibility-365 (TV-365)
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Circus Moves
