The 2024-2025 season runs September 8, 2024 through May 25, 2025. There will be a break December 23-29. Circ.S members have the option to participate in the short summer season running June 1-July 27, 2025.
Membership Overview
Rehearsals
Full company rehearsals are held Sundays 2-4p. These rehearsals are used for skill development and full-cast rehearsals for upcoming shows. While attendance is not always mandatory, company members are encouraged to attend whenever possible. A thirty-minute group conditioning class follows rehearsal 4-4:30p. Again, this conditioning class is not mandatory but highly encouraged as members of Circ.S are required to maintain a certain level of strength in order to remain eligible for performances.
Small group rehearsals for show pieces are held outside these hours. Each piece generally starts with two three-hour intensives in the winter, then move to an average of one hour rehearsals each week per piece in early spring. Students who plan on being in multiple numbers can expect long hours on weekends.
Training
Weekly skills and fitness classes are offered by Great Plains Circus Center. Classes are taught by qualified, trained instructors who emphasize safety and technique. Disciplines include but are not limited to silks, sling/hammock, lyra, trapeze, partner acrobatics, dance, and flexibility. Circ.S members are expected but not required to take at least one skills class or private lesson per week. Fitness classes to improve strength and flexibility are highly encouraged.
Members of Circ.S are expected to train skills outside of their designated company rehearsals and class times in order to practice and develop their acts. Private lessons may be necessary to prepare acts for performance. Students are responsible for setting up private lessons, participating in open gym, and seeking any supplemental training.
Performances
Circ.S produces two stage productions each year: A narrative circus spectacular in late spring and a shortened version in late summer. The spring show is the primary focus of the season and all Circ.S members are guaranteed to be cast in some capacity. The spring show for 2025 is The Flower Moon and will be performed at City Stage Theater May 9-11th.
The late summer show is a part of KC Fringe Fest and typically includes Circ.S members who elect to participate in the summer season as well as some members of Circus Scorpius as necessary to round out the cast. In 2024, we presented pivot which won the prestigious “Best of Fest” award.
Members of Circ.S are occasionally invited to perform gigs in the Kansas City area with Circus Scorpius.
Financial Overview
Monthly Fees
As participants in an educational program, Circ.S members pay a monthly fee of $150 that covers the cost of instruction for Sunday full company rehearsals, the following fitness class, and participation fees for stage shows (ie. cost of small group rehearsals). To assist with covering costs of other classes, members of Circ.S will receive a discount on monthly class passes at Great Plains Circus Center. There will also be a once annual costume fees for each show to help cover the cost of wear on pre-existing costumes and the purchase of new costumes.
What Is and Is Not Included
Circ.S members’ monthly and costume fees will cover everything a performer needs in order to participate in the company rehearsals and stage shows. Use of costumes and equipment, full company and small group rehearsals, and everything needed to participate in basic performances are covered. Private lessons, GPCC classes, and Independent Training are not included with membership fees at this time. Additional optional expenses performers may have over the course of the year include makeup and tights, though both may be borrowed.
Where the Money Goes
Membership fees are paid to Great Plains Circus Center and are used to pay the coaches and choreographers who lead Circ.S rehearsals and workshops, as well as an applicaple portion of rent and insurance costs relevant to keeping the educational performance program running. The annual costume fee is paid to Circus Scorpius for use of their costumes and equipments for performances and rehearsals. No portion of the monthly membership fees are used for theater rental, tech crew, or any other production cost. Funding for the actual performances is provided by Circus Scorpius.
