Today we’d like to introduce you to Great Plains Circus Center.
Hi Great Plains Circus Center, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Great Plains Circus Center (GPCC), a nonprofit originally founded in 2021 by a group of Kansas City area circus students and coaches, began as a scholarship fund for other aspiring circus artists in and around KC – especially those experiencing financial hardship that otherwise prevented them from fully pursuing their love of circus and aerial arts. Since its inception, GPCC has provided thousands of dollars in financial assistance for passionate artists across the Kansas City metro area.
In 2024, GPCC broadened its mission and impact by expanding into circus education, managing the classes, workshops, and other programs previously offered by Circus Scorpius, a circus performance company created and run by a GPCC founding member. We continue to work closely with Circus Scorpius and its members, most notably via the joint venture that is Circ.S, a student training program and performance company with over 20 current enrollees.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The transition from an organization that solely exists to provide scholarships to an organization that runs a circus studio (and also provides scholarships) was certainly a challenge! We took on a lot in a short time, and there was a steep learning curve – but we are so fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible community of people who care deeply about circus and each other, which made any bumps in the road far more manageable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
GPCC’s main goals are providing top-tier circus arts education in a space that emphasizes physical and emotional safety, supporting passionate individuals with limited resources in pursuing circus arts training, and through our partnership with Circus Scorpius, presenting a dynamic and award-winning lineup of shows that captivate audiences of all ages.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Community is everything. We would not be able to do what we do without our incredibly generous and supportive community – not just our amazing students and coaches, but their friends and family as well!
Pricing:
- Classes: $20/60 minutes; $30/90 minutes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greatplainscircuscenter.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/greatplainscircuscenter
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/greatplainscircuscenter
