The Madison Circus Space exists to be a permanent and welcoming home for the unique variety of circus and movement arts groups in Madison. The MCS welcomes clubs and classes in addition to providing a practice space for dedicated performers and hobbyists. Juggling, German and Cyr wheel, stiltwalking, aerial arts, acrobatic yoga, and hoop dancing are just a few of the activities that take place in the space. A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the MCS regularly holds performances and events that are open to the community and meant to foster appreciation for the variety of circus-related talent and creativity in Madison. Through our programming, MCS aims to break down barriers of race, age, sex, social class, and experience level by supporting those who come to our space at every step of their participation, from beginning students to instructors all the way up to touring professionals.
For everyone who walks through our doors, we aim to build:
• Self-worth
Many of our students come in lacking confidence. Many of our instructors and seasoned performers, no matter how talented and hardworking, have moments of doubt and insecurity. Through work at the MCS, we aim to boost all of our participants’ senses of self-worth. In doing this, we help our students, instructors, and performers grow and flourish by identifying and valuing their unique skills and strengths.
• Accomplishment
Accomplishment is never possible without opportunities, and a key component of MCS’s mission is to provide opportunities for participants to reach their goals, no matter how large or small. In its past three years of existence, the MCS has made it possible for a first-time director to produce a Nutcracker holiday circus show with a cast of 70, a professional performer to make a Guinness world record attempt for World’s Tallest Pogo Stick, and a participant with little prior training to become a three-time national champion in her discipline of wheel gymnastics.
• Support
The MCS not only strives to support and value its active participants but strives to encourage all participants to support one another. At MCS, it’s normal to hear performers cheering themselves hoarse for other acts at a dress rehearsal. It’s common for those in class to encourage and congratulate their fellow students, and it’s expected that everyone show appreciation and respect to others. We all share a common love of movement, and we are more alike than we are different.
Questions? Comments? Get in touch with us here!
We’re also quite active on our Facebook page, which is a great place for finding out more about our events, classes, and workshops.
