For Those Who Dream: Is NECCA ProTrack Your Next Step?

Founded in 2007 in Brattleboro, Vermont, the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) is an internationally recognized nonprofit circus school dedicated to making circus arts accessible to students of all ages and skill levels. From recreational classes to professional training, NECCA combines technical excellence, artistic exploration, and a supportive community.

For aspiring professional performers, NECCA offers ProTrack, a three-year immersive circus conservatory designed to develop the next generation of working circus artists.

Do you dream of performing onstage? Of floating or flying through the air? Or of being part of an ensemble that works together to create something magical for an audience, from the ground up?

Maybe your local circus school can no longer offer the challenges you’re looking for. Perhaps you’re ready to take your training further, to explore performance more seriously, or to consider making circus your profession.

If so, NECCA ProTrack may be right for you.

In this Q&A, Elena Day, ProTrack Director, explains what makes the program distinctive, what the admissions team looks for, and how aspiring circus artists can prepare for the next stage of their journey.

What is NECCA’s ProTrack Program, and who is it designed for?

Elena Day: The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) offers ProTrack, a three-year, immersive circus conservatory for students ready to commit to their training and to explore their potential as performers with maturity, focus, discipline, and heart.

What is the philosophy behind ProTrack’s training?

ProTrack’s ethos is to support students in their development towards becoming professional working circus artists. To this end, ProTrack focuses on three pillars of development: technique, artistry, and professionalism.  We build the curriculum thoughtfully, with these pillars in mind. Students receive individualized coaching in their major, and eventually minor, discipline, as well as group classes in acrobatics, partner acrobatics, physical theater, dance, handstands, professional development, and more.We focus not only on individual development, but also how to be a collaborator and, ultimately, a professional.

Who can apply to ProTrack, and what does the application process involve?

Applicants ages 17 and up, with a high school diploma or GED may apply. There’s no upper age limit as long as you’re physically capable, ready to commit, and able to do the work.In the application, applicants write about long-term goals, performance interests, accomplishments, and injuries. Applicants submit introduction and act videos, along with footage of skills in their main discipline, strength, flexibility, ground acrobatics, and handstands. Secondary-discipline footage is optional.Our admissions team reviews all applications, and invites chosen applicants to attend auditions.

What should applicants expect during the audition?

In our two-day audition, applicants are assessed in strength, handstands, acrobatics, flexibility, theater, and dance, as well as show a prepared act, which is generally two to three minutes long.If you can’t make the live audition, we will use your application and an interview to assess readiness.Everyone who auditions receives a response: whether it be a rejection, waitlist, deferment, or acceptance.

How should aspiring students prepare before applying?

Many students have wonderful coaching in their main focus, but not much cross-training. We want you to have a variety of experiences to strengthen both your inner artist and your inner athlete.Cardio and full-body conditioning are priorities. Flexibility is a close second, followed by knowing how to dance and move on the floor, and willingness to throw yourself into theater and creative exploration.We encourage you to take theatrical improvisation or contact improv, and to see live performances! Immerse yourself in real-world artistic expression: by exploring other art forms and experimenting with movement and expression, you will broaden your range…and your chance of being accepted.

What makes an audition participant stand out? Is it all about technical ability?

It’s not necessarily the biggest trick or most polished act that makes you stand out. We are looking at the whole person.

Are you present? Helpful? Interested in exploring with others? Are you hopping up to help someone move a mat? Can you balance supporting others with taking care of yourself? Are you willing to try something you don’t really know how to do, even if you think you’re going to be super goofy? This is what we want to see!Rather than focusing solely on impressing the coaches with your skills, be a good training partner, and a good community member. Show that you can listen, take thoughtful risks, respond to challenges, and contribute to a shared learning environment.

What sets NECCA ProTrack apart from other circus training programs?

Our three-year circus conservatory culminates in a devised show directed by a guest director, followed by a tour of that show.The tour at the end of the third year bridges students from the educational to the professional sphere. They learn to rig in different venues, perform for different audiences, and gain real-world experience.Additionally, students develop a major and minor into acts they film for their promotional materials. They graduate with a tech rider, and most have two acts ready to work. Our supportive community is essential to pushing students while helping them thrive. Most students report that our community nourishes them, and we’d love you to be part of it!

How much does growth potential matter compared to existing skills?

Growth potential matters to us, 100%, and in some cases, it even trumps skill level. We have what we call “potential-seeing eyes.” We want to see how ready you are to put yourself out there…even if you’re not there yet.

One thing that’s hard to teach is the love of being onstage. When we see someone who clearly loves performing and has humility, internal awareness, and a sense of safety, even if some of their skills aren’t very strong yet, we can work with that.You don’t need to arrive as a finished product. Technique matters, but so does creativity, curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. We are looking for potential, not perfection!

What would you say to someone who dreams of a professional circus career but isn’t sure they’re ready to apply?

We accept students with a wide array of experience and backgrounds – from folks who have worked corporate jobs and want to make a career change, to folks who have just graduated from High School.If you’re not sure if you should apply, or if you have questions about the process, please reach out to us! We love circus, and we love supporting the next generation of circus artists who come through our doors. We are happy to talk with you.

How can interested students apply to ProTrack?

You can find out more about our application process on our website.If you apply before December 1st, there is a reduced application fee of only $25!

APPLICATION TIMELINE FOR 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR:

November 1, 2026: Applications open
November 1 – December 1, 2026: Application fee is $25
December 1, 2026: Early Bird Deadline
December 2 – December 16, 2026: Application fee is $50
December 16, 2026: First Round Deadline and International student deadline
December 17, 2026: Rolling applications begin
December 17, 2026 – May 1, 2027: Application fee is $60
March 9 & 10, 2027: Auditions
May 1, 2027: Rolling applications close

For more information about ProTrack and the application process, contact [email protected] or visit the NECCA ProTrack website.

Images courtesy of Elsie Smith

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