The 2025-2026 main season runs September 7, 2025 through May 24, 2026, with breaks December 22-28 and February 8-15. Circ.S members have the option to participate in the summer season running May 31 through July 26, 2026 at an additional fee.
Season Overview
Rehearsals
Full-company rehearsals, workshops, and show auditions are held on Sundays 2-5p. Even though many smaller group rehearsals for the show will be held at other times of the week, regular Sunday afternoon availability is necessary.
September through November: Sundays 2-5p will be used for skill and choreography development classes, makeup workshops, group fitness, and independent solo training time. While none of these rehearsals will be mandatory, Circ.S members are encourage to attend whenever possible.
December: Sundays 2-5p will be used for group auditions for the show. Circ.S members are required to attend only times of pieces for which they would like to be considered.
January: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will be used for choreography intensives for each group piece.
February and March: Group pieces will have regularly scheduled rehearsals, mostly during weekends.
April and May: Sundays 2-5p will be used for putting the show together and workshop topics. Group piece rehearsals other days of the week will continue until tech week.
May 4-10: Every evening and some afternoons will be used for tech rehearsals, dress rehearsal, and shows.
Performances
Circ.S produces two stage productions each year: A narrative circus spectacular in late spring and a smaller show in late summer. The spring show is the primary focus of the main season and all Circ.S members are guaranteed to be cast in some capacity. The spring show for 2026 is a sequel to the 2023 Circ.S show Atlantis. It will be performed at City Stage Theater May 8-10th.
The late summer show is a part of KC Fringe Fest in late July. Dates TBD. It 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. Our productions were the most-attended shows of the entire festival in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Occasionally, students are invited to perform at gigs with Circus Scorpius. These performances are unrelated to Circ.S. members are not guaranteed to be cast in any gig.
Solos
There are only a few solos in each stage production which also have a different audition process. Performers who are selected must be self-motivated. Rather than scheduled weekly rehearsals, soloists have private lessons and independent training time to prepare for their pieces. First-year members are not eligible for solos.
Other Expectations
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 to help them prepare for performances and continue their circus growth. Students are responsible for setting up private lessons, participating in open gym, and seeking any supplemental training outside of Circ.S.
Fitness classes to improve strength and flexibility are highly encouraged. Performers must meet appropriate physical fitness criteria to qualify for performing in show. A sample can be found here.
To support holistic growth, Circ.S members will receive two 10-hour class passes for fitness and dance classes at Great Plains Circus Center (a $400 value). It is important for our performers to remain well-rounded.
Financial Overview
Tuition & Additional Fees
Circ.S members pay a tuition of $1,000 for the main season (September-May) and $250 for the summer season (June-July). The base tuition covers the cost of all full-company rehearsals, auditions, Circ.S workshops, and participation in one piece in the seasonal stage show. Participation in more than one show piece will increase tuition by $100 per additional act. (Two 10-hour fitness and dance class passes are also included with tuition.)
Costumes may be purchased by performers or rented at a fee not to exceend $50 per costume.
Other Costs to Consider
Circ.S tuition and costume fees will cover everything a performer needs in order to participate in the company rehearsals and stage shows—costumes, equipment, choreographers, etc. Common out-of-pocket expenses performers usually have include makeup and tights, though both may be borrowed.
Additionally, many performers find the need to train beyond group rehearsals in order to prepare for the show. Private lessons, skills classes, and independent training sessions are not included with Circ.S tuition.
Where the Money Goes
Tuition paid to GPCC isused 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 costume rental fees are paid to Circus Scorpius to help cover wear and tear of costumes. All other funding for the production costs (ie. theater rental, technical crew, equipment) is provided by Circus Scorpius.
