Circus Camp

Where: We offer circus programs in two locations: Some of our day programs, classes and all of our summer day camps are held at the Rumpus Room ( map ), 15 Brodhead St., Mazomanie, WI; approximately 35 min. west of downtown Madison & 20 min. east of Spring Green. We also offer day programs, classes and a week-long camp over Spring break at the Goodman Community Center (map) on Madion's near east site.

Cost: $240 for one-week camps, $450 for two-week camp. Fees for day programs and classes vary; see our Current Schedule for specifics.

To Register: click here for a .pdf file of our registration form. Just print the form, and mail it along with your fee to Mazomanie Movement Arts Center, 417 Bridge St, Mazomanie, WI 53560. Or call (608) 669-6403 or e-mail marcianitaus@yahoo.com, with your address and we'll mail you a form.

What to expect: A morning warm-up will stretch and strengthen body, mind and imagination through new games, improv and more. We'll discover the basics of stiltwalking, juggling and low-flying trapeze, and explore the world of physical comedy including pantomime, clowning, and mask movement forms, as well as dabbling in tightwire, acrobatics, costuming and set design, and we have stories and images galore to share and tell when it's time for quieter activities. Camp closes on Friday with a special performance showcasing skills learned and joy discovered! Parents, families and friends are cordially invited.

Our Advanced camp kids (ages 10 and up who've completed at least one week of the Wild Rumpus or other comparable program) get to add German Wheel, Rolling Globe, Aerial Silks, Aerial Improvisation and Theater/Comedy improvisation to their bag of tricks, as well as expand their performance horizons. In our first week, we'll visit Circus World Museum and perform as walkabout entertainers on grounds. And at the end of two weeks, we'll wrap all of these new skills into a grand finale performance package.

We are professional performers who have delighted audiences and students alike over the years with our hands-on, cooperation-based approach and our active love and sharing of circus arts. Ever since we offered our first week of camp in the summer of 2002, our programs have filled, and we've gotten to work with some awesome and unique kids and families, often for years. For this we are truly grateful, and we attempt to channel our gratitude back into doing an even better job with our students.

Our Core Curriculum:

By the Seat of your Baggy Pants: A fun theatrical experience exploring masks, movement, mime, juggling and other cool stuff. Capture the comic vitality of the circus, Vaudeville, and physical comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Robin Williams. Students will study the value of physical expression and a variety of mime forms. Fun solo and group improvisational exercises will be explored using masks fromSwitzerland and the Italian Theatre. The Clown Character and Circus Skills will also be an integral part of this action-filledworkshop. Students will also learn basic 3-ball juggling techniques, and the art of balancing objects on the nose.

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction to Low-Flying Trapeze:Experience the joy of swinging, hanging, floating, spinning, climbing and circling on the low-flying, single point trapeze. Students will learn the basic techniques of swinging big and changing directions in midair, flying in circles, and hanging upside down, right side up and sideways. They will also have opportunities for play, exploration and self expression in a safe, supportive environment.

 

 

 

 

Stiltwalking: Throughout history stilts have been used for many high jobs like harvesting peaches, walking in soggy areas, washing windows, or in construction and painting. They have also been used in ceremonies, celebrations and rituals; not to mention the circus, throughout the world. Stiltwalking is great fun, confidence boosting, and not so hard to learn . It's quite like riding a bike, once you've succesfully found the balance point you're on your way. In stilt class students will learn to get up on stilts, walk, dance, stand still, and fall safely. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tightwire and acrobatics: Thrilling and integral parts of any circus, wire walking and acrobatics develop focus, concentration, balance, coordination and cooperation.

Our Staff:

Jacob Mills teaches physical comedy, juggling, pantomime, clowning and tightwire. Marcia Miquelon teaches stilt walking, aerial arts and acrobatics and serves as the administrative director for our Wild Rumpus camp programs. Other circus specialists help us fill our lead teaching team; and an awesome crew of high-school and college-aged assistants help us to give our circus students caring, positive, one-on-one instruction and mentoring. We budget a little extra each year for special guest instructors for our advanced camp, in order to diversify our offerings and expose returning students to other approaches. These guests are announced to advanced camp participants as they are confirmed each season.