Beginner Artist
Skill Development & Discovery
The Beginner level is designed for new artists entering the world of circus arts. During this stage, artists focus on building foundational skills, body awareness, safety habits, conditioning, and discovering which circus disciplines inspire them most.
Artists are encouraged to explore multiple circus arts including:
- Aerial Arts
- Acrobatics
- Juggling & Manipulation
- Balance Arts
- Clowning & Character
- Performance Movement
Focus Areas
- Fundamental technique
- Safety and training discipline
- Strength and flexibility
- Confidence building
- Stage awareness
- Exploration of circus arts
Goal
To develop a strong foundation while discovering each artist’s unique path within the circus arts.
Intermediate Artist
Act Development & Performance Experience
Intermediate artists begin shaping their individual performance style while continuing to develop technical skills within their chosen circus disciplines.
At this level, artists work toward creating performance acts and gaining live audience experience through showcases, community events, and non-paid performances.
Focus Areas
- Act creation and choreography
- Character and stage presence
- Performance quality
- Technical skill progression
- Ensemble work
- Audience engagement
Performance Expectations
- Participation in showcases
- Community performances
- Non-paying gigs and appearances
- Collaborative productions
Goal
To transition from training artist to performing artist through real-world stage experience.
Advanced Artist
Show-Ready Professional Development
Advanced artists are performance-ready and committed to continual growth in their craft. Artists at this level consistently train, refine existing acts, develop new material, and actively perform.
Advanced artists represent the highest level of dedication within Top Hat Circus and are expected to maintain professionalism, artistry, and strong performance standards.
Focus Areas
- Professional-quality acts
- Advanced technical mastery
- Ongoing act development
- Performance consistency
- Creative innovation
- Show production and collaboration
Performance Expectations
- Active performing
- Featured productions
- Professional presentation
- Continued skill progression
- Leadership within productions
Goal
To continually evolve as a complete circus artist while delivering powerful, show-ready performances.
“At Top Hat Circus, growth is not only measured by skill, but by dedication, creativity, and the ability to bring the performance to life.
Because at Top Hat Circus… It’s All About the Show.”