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!

Applications for the 2027/28 school year will open in November 2026. Check back later for more info!

Why Circus School?

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

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.

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.

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?!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Tuition is $16,875 for the 2026-2027 school year.
2027 – 2028 Tuition Fees will be listed soon.

Financial Assistance

For more information on financial aid, please click here.

Program Dates

The ProTrack Program typically runs from just after Labor Day in September through the first week in June, with a 2-3 week break in December and one week breaks in November, February, and April.

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:

  • Physical Theater
  • Dance
  • Tumbling & Acrobatics
  • Creative Exploration
  • Juggling
  • Partner Acrobatics
  • 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.

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
  • Lyra & Tippy Lyra
  • German & Cyr wheels
  • Clown
  • Wire
  • Juggling & Manipulation
  • Sling & Hammock
  • Static & Swinging Cloud Swing
  • Invented Apparatus
  • Bungee
  • Contortion
  • Aerial Pole
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 2027/28 School year will open in November. Check back later for more infomation!

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 15, 2026: At Midnight – Applications Close

Interested in financial aid opportunities for ProTrack? Check the information on our Financial Aid Page to apply! Students may apply for financial aid after acceptance.

Contact us with questions

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.

Get ready for 2027

Applications & Admissions

Learn how to prepare for and apply to ProTrack here!

Applications for the 2027/28 School year will open in November 2026. Check back later for more information!

Step One

Get Prepared

Important Dates for 2027/28 will be shown here. Check back later for more specific details. These dates are subject to change.

  • Nov 1 – Applications open
  • Dec 1 – Early Bird Deadline ($25 application fee)
  • Dec 16 – First Round Deadline and International student deadline ($50 application fee)
  • Dec 17 – Rolling applications begin ($60 application fee)
  • March 9 & 10 – Auditions
  • May 1 – Rolling applications close

Interested in financial aid opportunities for ProTrack? Check the information on our Financial Aid Page to apply. Students may apply for financial aid after acceptance.

Contact us with questions

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 two separate videos. A third 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

Application and Letters of Reference links will be available in November 2026.

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.

Step Four

Pay your Application Fee

Application payments will be available in November 2026.

Final Step!

Early Bird pricing starts at just $25! Apply by December 1, 2026 for the lowest application fee.

Fees increase to $50 through December 16, 2026, and $60 for rolling applicants from December 17, 2026 – May 1, 2027.

Sign up for ProTrack Specific Updates!

Fill out our contact form here to get all the updates on ProTrack program news and updates!

Please read this important info

Admission & Application Information and Resources

The ProTrack Governance Panel, composed of Program Directors, faculty and coaching staff, reviews all applications to determine admission.

Consideration is given to the whole person: application, level of competency, video content, letters of reference, personal interview, as well as demonstration of potential excellence, professionalism and good judgment.

Applicants must have the following requirements to be considered.

  • Extensive training in the circus arts with a strong desire to become a professional circus performer.
  • Near mastery in current training with a need for a full-time program in order to realize their potential.
  • Experience in high level gymnastics, dance, ice-skating or other athletic performing endeavors and a readiness to apply their skills to circus.
  • Committed to the circus as their life’s vocation.
  • Excellent health (medical certificate may be required)
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Health insurance
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: 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 3: 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.

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)
  • Max toe touches to bar (side view)
  • Hollow on back (2 minutes, side view)
  • Long arch on belly (2 minutes, side view)
  • Diagonal Plank (30 seconds each side, side view)
Part 2: Flexibility (Max 2 minutes)
  • Right, Center, Left splits (10 seconds each). If you have oversplits, please elevate one or both of your legs so that we can see your oversplit.
  • Forward pike fold against block (10 seconds, side view)
  • Forward fold legs apart (small straddle) (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.
Part 3: Ground Acrobatics (Max 5 minutes)
  • One freestanding handstand (side view) (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)
  • Rolls (side view): 3 handstand forward rolls (tuck, straddle, or pike). If not yet able, perform 3 consecutive forward rolls instead. Plus dive rolls (2 reps)
  • 3 consecutive cartwheels, go for fluidity and connectivity (show both sides/legs, side view)
  • Walkovers – 1 forward, 1 backward (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)
  • 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)

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.

Once you make your videos, please title them “First Name, Last Name, 27.28 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.

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

You may also contact our assistant program director, Rebecca Starr, at rstarr@necenterforcircusarts.org.

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