CircusWest

About CircusWest We’re the one-stop hub for circus arts on the West Coast. We help children, teens, and adults develop skills in circus arts and performance, while increasing their fitness and self-confidence in a safe and fun environment. We’re best known for CirKids, our youth training and performance program. However, over the years we have developed additional programming to meet the needs of the community, including programs for teens and adults and outreach to schools and communities. What we offer Programs and classes for all ages Camps, workshops, and birthday parties Community and community events Team building and other personalized workshops for individuals, schools and companies Advanced training for adults, teens, and professional circus artists Our structure CircusWest Performing Arts Society is a not-for-profit registered charity founded in 1984. Our team brings years of circus arts training and performance experience. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by more than 400 community members. Our story Once upon a time, a long time ago (1984, to be exact) and not so far away (south Vancouver), a small, non-profit circus school began in a gym. Inspired by circus performances at the Vancouver Children’s Festival, this school was called the Vancouver Children’s Circus Society and it thrived. It filled a niche in the Vancouver circus community, and it grew. And grew. And grew. Eventually, it outgrew its little gym and, in 2003, moved to the PNE Garden Auditorium at Hastings Park in East Vancouver. And in 2008 it changed its name, becoming the CircusWest Performing Arts Society, to reflect a much wider and more comprehensive organizational mandate. And we continue to grow, frequently offering new classes; expanding our community presence with workshops, outreach opportunities, and performances; constantly updating what we teach and how we teach it to better address our students’ needs. Our story isn’t over yet. Stay tuned for the further adventures of CircusWest or, better yet, come be a part of them!

Board of Directors

Andrea Sinclair - President

Shawn Hart - Vice-President

Gavin Froehlich - Treasurer

Kristopher McGregor - Secretary

Halldor Bjarnason - Director

Nicole Collard - Director

Brenda Kyle - Director

Carole Rodger - Director

Andrew Stewart - Director

Senior Staff 

Mark J. Schuett - Chief Executive Officer

Jay Nunns - Artistic Director, Virpi Kangas - Managing Director, Programs & Operations

Brian Robertson - Safety and Facilities Coordinator

Cameron Fraser - Production Manager

Jonel Earl - Performance Program Coordinator

Sylvain Drolet - Rigging Coordinator