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Circus of the Kids — Home
Young people practicing circus skills with supportive coaches

CONFIDENCE TAKES CENTER RING.

Young people discover courage, teamwork, responsibility, and resilience—then carry those strengths far beyond the spotlight.

CIRCUS ARTS. REAL CONFIDENCE.

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH CIRCUS SINCE 1982

STEP INTO THE RING

ONE MISSION. FOUR WAYS TO TAKE PART.

Programs are shaped around the communities where young people learn, grow, and discover what they can do.

01

Residencies, workshops, and school-wide experiences.

02

Turnkey circus weeks and unforgettable final shows.

03

Registration, tickets, forms, and performance memories.

04

Scholarships, equipment, access, and sustainable growth.

OUR MISSION

EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES.

Through uniquely challenging circus arts experiences, COTK helps participants strengthen confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership.

PROGRAMS BUILT FOR COMMUNITIES

Students practicing circus skills in a school program

SCHOOLS

TURN THE SCHOOL DAY INTO A BIG TOP.

Flexible residencies and workshops build focus, responsibility, persistence, creative problem solving, and trust.

Campers learning circus skills together

SUMMER CAMPS

A TURNKEY WEEK WITH A FINAL SHOW.

Professional coaches, specialized equipment, production guidance, costumes, sound support, and ensemble energy.

1982

THE FIRST COTK PROGRAM

380

PRODUCTIONS DOCUMENTED, 1982–2019

700,000+

CUMULATIVE REACH REPORTED BY COTK

3 days–3 weeks

RESIDENCY FORMATS

WHY CIRCUS?

THE SHOW IS SPECTACULAR. THE GROWTH BEHIND IT MATTERS EVEN MORE.

Circus gives young people a reason to focus, persist, trust one another, and take pride in contributing to something larger than themselves.

“We saw kids literally blossom with this program.”

Jerry Bush, assistant principal

EVERYTHING AROUND THE RING

CLEAR PATHS FOR THE PRACTICAL WORK.

Find your program, prepare for participation, revisit the performance, or help more young people take part.

Find program information and the right registration or host contact.

Find collection information or ask about your performance.

Scholarships, equipment, host access, and organizational capacity.

Program preparation, forms, privacy, permissions, and media questions.

LEADERSHIP FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

MISSION, CRAFT, AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH.

Olivier Lazar leads as CEO, Bruce Pfeffer continues as Founder, and Christine Kane directs development—supported by nonprofit governance and community partners.

Olivier Lazar

Chief Executive Officer

Bruce Pfeffer

Founder

Christine Kane

Development Director

THE NEXT ACT STARTS HERE

BRING THE EXPERIENCE TO YOUR COMMUNITY—OR HELP MAKE IT POSSIBLE.

Tell us what you’re planning, who you hope to reach, and what kind of partnership you have in mind.

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