The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) is excited to announce a new partnership with Cirque du Soleil’s NexGen Program, a talent development program built in collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and five select talent training centers around the world. NECCA’s inclusion in NextGen will allow CdS to share expertise and best practices in the field of human performance and provide high-caliber training opportunities to emerging talent, while also connecting students to career opportunities and building skills for coaches in a variety of disciplines at NECCA.

This collaboration came about as a result of initial talks between the two organizations to establish a partnership for coaching support for NECCA as it launches its three-year strategic plan with a focus on programming and staff. Its high-quality programming and reputation as the leading circus arts training center in the U.S., along with its proximity to Montreal, made NECCA attractive to Cirque du Soleil.

“It’s a win-win for both organizations. NECCA students and coaches will learn specific circus disciplines to further their learning and create a career connection to the global leader in circus performance. In turn, Cirque will be keeping their eyes on future talent for their numerous productions,” explains NECCA Executive Director Jenna Struble. “Importantly, the NexGen Program will provide more access to career opportunities for local gymnastic and circus talent in our rural community and the surrounding region. It’s really all for the betterment of circus here in North America.”

The NexGen Program will launch on January 13, 2023, with a Hoop Diving workshop for 10 days at NECCA. Athletes and circus performers interested in working with Cirque du Soleil coaches in this program should apply HERE by creating an account with Cirque du Soleil casting and applying by November 22, 2022.

Applicants should be 18 years or older and have skills in trampoline, tumbling, or artistic gymnastics, with experience in parkour or tricking as a plus. Applicants must submit a resume, their height and weight, and a video with recent footage of an actual performance or rehearsal/training in their main sport and/or circus discipline.

NECCA is looking forward to this exciting collaboration with Cirque du Soleil to foster talent in the Brattleboro, Vermont, area and help emerging artists and coaches expand their careers. Find more information on this workshop and circus classes for all ages and levels at CircusSchool.org