Adult Classes
For over 25 years, our circus classes have helped thousands of people discover they are capable of more than they’ve ever imagined.
The Actors Gymnasium is amazing! I’m a new student and the more I learn about the organization, the more impressed I become . . . It is hard to put into words, but the place really does feel like a safe space to grow and learn emotionally, physically, and creatively.
– José Valencia
All levels. No experience necessary.
Classes range from $475-$515 for the full semester or $45 per drop in (we do not offer drop-ins for select Specialty classes). Tuition is automatically prorated when you sign up, and payment plans are available for everyone.
Financial aid is available!
NEW First Flight classes! Have you ever wanted to try circus? Now’s your chance! The first week of every month, we are offering taster classes for only $15. This class will give you a taste of what to expect from our Circus Arts classes with foundations in our warm ups, tumbling, ground skills, and aerial skills.
🍁We still have room in our Fall Term classes running through November 22nd! 🍁
❄️Winter Classes
December 1- March 8
*We are unable to accommodate walk ins. Must be registered for classes in advance of start times including drop ins and free trials
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Aerial Arts
All Levels
Fridays 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Saturdays 9:00am - 10:00amLevel I
Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:15pmLevel II
Mondays 6:15pm - 7:15pmLevel III
Wednesdays 7:15pm - 8:15pmOur signature “Learn to Fly” class. Build strength and flexibility while learning sequences on trapeze, lyra, Spanish web, and aerial silks. Discover your daring side as you execute a variety of climbs, inversions, and drops.
Our Aerial Arts classes are perfect for performers looking to add new skills to their arsenal as well as for non-performers seeking a unique physical challenge.
**Advanced Aerial Arts Prereq:
- Trapeze (high apparatus): Tuck and Pike under the bar from 1/2 beats
- Trapeze or Lyra (low apparatus): Clean Pullover from floor (no feet on ropes or hoop), 10 Second Hip Balance (no hands)
- Silks or Rope: Consistent Consistent Inversions/Straddle-Ups in the air (no feet on apparatus), 3 Straddle Climbs in a row, 10 second straight arm hang, 10 second bent arm hang -
Ballet for Aerialists
All Levels
Wednesdays 7:15 - 8:45pmA basic ballet class focused on the fundamentals of the technique. A strong emphasis on alignment, proper muscular engagement, and upper/lower body connectivity.
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Contortion
All Levels
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00pmGet ready to get bendy! In this all levels class we will focus on building a balance of flexibility and strength to increase mobility and work towards becoming a human pretzel. Different classes will focus on different body regions including hip, back, and side bending/twisting.
Taught by Oyuna Yadamajav
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Cyr Wheel
Level I
Tuesdays 6:30pm - 8:00pmIn Level 1, we’ll learn the foundations of this mesmerizing apparatus beginning with wheel manipulations, body mechanics, and learning to waltz.
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First Flight (ages 15+)
Intro
Mondays 7:15pm - 8:15pmHave you ever wanted to try circus? Now's your chance! Experience all things circus in our First Flight classes! This class will give you a taste of what to expect from our Circus Arts classes with foundations in our warm ups, tumbling, ground skills, and aerial skills. This class is perfect for those on the fence about signing up for classes, and want to try it first. The First Flight classes are divided according to age, and will be adapted appropriately for the skill levels in the room.
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Gymnastics
All Levels
Tuesdays 8:15-9:15pmPeople of all physical backgrounds are welcome in this multi-level class! Students work with an instructor to push their individual tumbling abilities and develop increased coordination and agility.
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Handstands & Handbalancing
All Levels
Mondays 7:15-8:15pmStart from scratch and learn the fundamentals or continue strengthening your training in inversions. Gain access to your strength and confidence to de-mystify headstands, forearm stands & handstands.
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Lyra and Trapeze
Level II & Level III
Saturdays 12:15 - 1:15pmThis class offers a specific focus on the bar apparatuses: Lyra and Trapeze. Geared towards students who have a confident foundation in these apparatuses, this specialty class will build towards more advanced tricks and performance skills on lyra and trapeze.
Pre-requisites:
-Clean pullover, tuck under, and straddle up from bar at eye level height (no tagging of feet on apparatus)
-Consistent half beat to tuck under trapeze (high bar)
-10 second hip balance
-1 arm hang (either side) for 5 seconds -
Partner Acro
All Levels
Mondays 8:30pm - 9:30pmIn this all-levels class you will learn and practice various fundamental acrobatic positions and modalities. From adagio, to stacking, to swinging, to banquine, this class will offer something to the advanced acrobat as well as the novice. you will work in pairs and groups. in addition to learning safely and efficiently with drills and progressions, we will also spend time on creative acrobatics.
Individual or pre-paired acrobats welcome (each pair will still need to register individually).
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Rope
Intermediate/Advanced
Tuesdays 6:15 - 7:15pmThis specialized class is designed to help aerialists hone their skills on a single apparatus-- rope! Prepare to condition, skill up, and sequence throughout the course of this class.
**Class Requirements:
-Ability to hang for 10 seconds
-Ability to invert in the air -
Silks
All Levels
Saturdays 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Level II & Level III
Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:15pmWhether you're brand new to aerial silks or you're working on perfecting your technique this is the class for you! Beginning silks will focus on classic skill building, climbing, foot locks, inversions, endurance, conditioning, and (the icing on the cake) even some choreography!
⚔️SAFD Combat
January 5 - March 16
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Stage Combat: Unarmed Combat
Mondays 6:15pm - 9:45pm (in Clown Room)
This class will cover basic techniques needed to create a safe and effective fight for the stage. Students learn the basics of all aspects of unarmed stage combat, falling, grappling, punches, kicks, etc. Particular attention will be paid to the safeties required to perform fights as well as how to connect stage combat techniques to text, character and intention. Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) certification classes offer at least 30 hours of training in a specific weapon with a SAFD certified instructor. After completing training, students have the opportunity to perform a staged fight in that specific weapon for the instructor and receive a certificate in basic or recommended proficiency.
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Stage Combat: Quarterstaff
Sundays 10:00am - 1:30pm (in Gym)
Come take a class in the style of Quarterstaff as seen in Lord of the Rings, Xena: Warrior Princess and Mortal Kombat. This class will cover the basics of staged quarterstaff combat including attacks, defenses, footwork, and more. Particular attention will be paid to proper partnering and acting the fight. Participants will have the opportunity to take the Society of American Fight Directors skills proficiency test.
🍁Fall Classes
September 2- November 23
*We are unable to accommodate walk ins. Must be registered for classes in advance of start times including drop ins and free trials
-
Aerial Arts
All Levels
Fridays 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Saturdays 9:00am - 10:00amLevel I
Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:15pmLevel II
Mondays 6:15pm - 7:15pmOur signature “Learn to Fly” class. Build strength and flexibility while learning sequences on trapeze, lyra, Spanish web, and aerial silks. Discover your daring side as you execute a variety of climbs, inversions, and drops.
Our Aerial Arts classes are perfect for performers looking to add new skills to their arsenal as well as for non-performers seeking a unique physical challenge.
**Advanced Aerial Arts Prereq:
- Trapeze (high apparatus): Tuck and Pike under the bar from 1/2 beats
- Trapeze or Lyra (low apparatus): Clean Pullover from floor (no feet on ropes or hoop), 10 Second Hip Balance (no hands)
- Silks or Rope: Consistent Consistent Inversions/Straddle-Ups in the air (no feet on apparatus), 3 Straddle Climbs in a row, 10 second straight arm hang, 10 second bent arm hang -
Ballet for Aerialists
All Levels
Wednesdays 7:15 - 8:45pmA basic ballet class focused on the fundamentals of the technique. A strong emphasis on alignment, proper muscular engagement, and upper/lower body connectivity.
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Circus Arts (Adult)
All Levels
Mondays 7:15-8:30pmExperience all things circus in our Circus Arts classes! Each week includes training in the foundations of tumbling, ground skills, and aerial skills. This class is perfect for those interested in training strength, flexibility, and balance across a wide variety of skills: handstands, tumbling, juggling, aerial skills, and more.
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Contortion
All Levels
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00pmGet ready to get bendy! In this all levels class we will focus on building a balance of flexibility and strength to increase mobility and work towards becoming a human pretzel. Different classes will focus on different body regions including hip, back, and side bending/twisting.
Taught by Oyuna Yadamajav
-
Cyr Wheel
All Levels
Thursdays 6:30pm - 8:00pmIn Level 1, we’ll learn the foundations of this mesmerizing apparatus beginning with wheel manipulations, body mechanics, and learning to waltz.
Level 2 will focus on controlling our Waltz, aiming for continuous spinning, flowing between manipulations, and introducing more complicated manipulations as well as larger skill concepts. Students will continue the journey to sustaining their spins!
-
Handstands & Handbalancing
All Levels
Mondays 7:15-8:15pmStart from scratch and learn the fundamentals or continue strengthening your training in inversions. Gain access to your strength and confidence to de-mystify headstands, forearm stands & handstands.
-
Gymnastics
All Levels
Tuesdays 8:15-9:15pmPeople of all physical backgrounds are welcome in this multi-level class! Students work with an instructor to push their individual tumbling abilities and develop increased coordination and agility.
-
Lyra and Trapeze
Level II & Level III
Saturdays 12:15 - 1:15pmThis class offers a specific focus on the bar apparatuses: Lyra and Trapeze. Geared towards students who have a confident foundation in these apparatuses, this specialty class will build towards more advanced tricks and performance skills on lyra and trapeze.
Pre-requisites:
-Clean pullover, tuck under, and straddle up from bar at eye level height (no tagging of feet on apparatus)
-Consistent half beat to tuck under trapeze (high bar)
-10 second hip balance
-1 arm hang (either side) for 5 seconds -
Partner Acro
All Levels
Mondays 8:30 - 9:30pmIn this all-levels class you will learn and practice various fundamental acrobatic positions and modalities. From adagio, to stacking, to swinging, to banquine, this class will offer something to the advanced acrobat as well as the novice. you will work in pairs and groups. in addition to learning safely and efficiently with drills and progressions, we will also spend time on creative acrobatics.
Individual or pre-paired acrobats welcome (each pair will still need to register individually).
-
Rope
Intermediate/Advanced
Tuesdays 6:15 - 7:15pmThis specialized class is designed to help aerialists hone their skills on a single apparatus-- rope! Prepare to condition, skill up, and sequence throughout the course of this class.
**Class Requirements:
-Ability to hang for 10 seconds
-Ability to invert in the air -
Silks
All Levels
Saturdays 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Level II & Level III
Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:15pmWhether you're brand new to aerial silks or you're working on perfecting your technique this is the class for you! Beginning silks will focus on classic skill building, climbing, foot locks, inversions, endurance, conditioning, and (the icing on the cake) even some choreography!
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Ground to Air Choreography
16-WEEK SESSION
Wednesdays 8:30pm - 10:00pmThis course will focus on movement-based research and weekly creative prompts to create unique and inspired choreography. Through this class the students will create a group act (apparatus will be chosen by the class) culminating in a group act for Circus in Progress on Saturday, December 13th. A basic skill level of trapeze and fabric are required, but it is not necessary to be a master of either apparatus to participate.
**Students should be able to pullover to a hip hang on a trapeze/lyra easily and without a spotter, as well as be able to invert in the air on silks/rope.
FAQs
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A full refund, minus the $25 administrative fee, will be issued for students cancelling prior to the start of the first class session. If cancellation is made prior to the date of the third class session a refund, minus the $25 administrative fee and the prorated cost of the first classes, will be issued.
We do not offer any refunds after the the third class session has taken place.
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In general, students start with and repeat recreational-level classes until they develop a higher level of confidence, strength and proficiency. While a background in dance, gymnastics or other athletic pursuits will be an advantage, circus arts and physical theatre employ our muscle groups in different ways than other activities and it most often takes several sessions for students of all ages to adapt and master skills necessary to move to the advanced level.
Students need to receive instructor permission to take advanced classes and in some cases, advancement is subject to passing a skills test. If you feel ready to advance to an advanced-level class, we encourage you to talk to your instructor, who can assess if you are ready.
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We recommend wearing clothing you are comfortable moving in, that is not too loose fitting.
Close-toed gym shoes should be worn to Parkour and all Circus Arts classes to use during stilting and unicycling. All other classes require bare feet.
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Yes! If you register online after the class has started, your tuition will be automatically pro-rated.
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Unfortunately, we are unable to allow make-ups for missed classes, as it makes it challenging for us to ensure a safe ratio of students to instructors in each class.
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We operate on a philosophy that using multiple apparatus in conjunction with each other builds the increased strength, confidence, and performance skills critical to help artists achieve a level of competence that allows for the meaningful concentration on a specialized skill or apparatus. Because of that, most of our classes teach multiple apparatus.
Foundational skills remain constant from one apparatus to another. Wraps, climbs, hangs and most baseline tricks can be learned and improved on any apparatus. Until students reach an advanced skill level with sufficient strength and knowledge, the benefits of specializing will be minimal.
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No, the parking lot at the Noyes Cultural Arts center is easy for students to be dropped off and picked up before and after class.
For those who want to stay nearby, there are benches throughout the building where you can wait for your child as well as Tallmadge Park just outside our doors.
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No, parents are not allowed to sit in on their child’s class, unless the class is a parent-participation class.
Still have questions? We're here to help! Please feel free to email us at hello@actorsgymnasium.org.
SAFD Combat FAQs
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A full refund, minus the $25 administrative fee, will be issued for students cancelling prior to the start of the first class session. If cancellation is made prior to the date of the second class session a refund, minus the $25 administrative fee and the prorated cost of the first classes, will be issued.
We do not offer any refunds after the the second class session has taken place.
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Yes! The last class of each semester will be a testing day. We will have an adjudicator either on Zoom or in-person to adjudicate the end of term scenes.
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All Combat classes will not be pro-rated for the term. Students will not be able to join after the second class
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To have enough hours to test at the end of the term, students are able to miss up to 2 classes.
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Unfortunately, we are unable to allow make-ups for missed classes, as it makes it challenging for us to ensure a safe ratio of students to instructors in each class.
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No, to keep classes from going over the maximum capacity, we do not offer makeup classes. Please check in with your instructor if you know you will be missing a class to see if there is anything that will need to be made up at another time.
Still have questions? We're here to help! Please feel free to email us at hello@actorsgymnasium.org.