‪(216) 309 0770
​📋 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
General Questions
Q: What is The Big Top Project? A: The Big Top Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings circus arts education to schools, camps, libraries, and community organizations across the Midwest. We offer interactive workshops, educational assemblies, professional performances, and corporate entertainment.
Q: What areas do you serve? A: We proudly serve Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, and Kentucky. We're based in Cleveland, Ohio, and travel throughout the Midwest region.
Q: What ages do your programs serve? A: Our programs are designed for all ages! We work with preschoolers through adults, with content tailored to each age group's abilities and interests. Most of our school programs serve students K-8.
Q: Are your instructors certified? A: Yes! All our instructors have 15+ years of circus performance experience and are certified to teach students of all ages. We prioritize safety, professionalism, and creating a supportive learning environment.
School Assemblies
Q: How long are your school assemblies? A: Our standard STEAM Circus Assembly is 45 minutes, perfect for an all-school gathering. We can also customize the length based on your schedule needs.
Q: What makes your assemblies educational? A: Our assemblies integrate STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) with circus acts. Students learn about gravity, friction, center of mass, trajectories, and physics while watching and participating in amazing circus performances.
Q: How many students can participate in an assembly? A: Our assemblies can accommodate entire schools, from small groups of 50 to large gatherings of 500+ students. We adapt the performance to your space and audience size.
Q: Do assemblies align with curriculum standards? A: Yes! Our STEAM Circus Assemblies align with PE, science, and STEAM standards. We can provide detailed curriculum connections upon request.
Q: Can students participate, or is it just a show? A: Our assemblies are highly interactive! Students participate in demonstrations, volunteer for activities, and even try circus skills during workshops if that option is selected.
Workshops
Q: What circus skills do you teach in workshops? A: We teach juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, hula hooping, acrobatics, balance skills (rola bola, walking globe), aerial arts, stilt walking, and more! Skills are selected based on age, space, and goals.
Q: How long are workshops? A: Workshops are customizable! We offer sessions ranging from 60 minutes to full-day programs or week-long camps. Contact us to design the perfect program for your needs.
Q: What space do you need for workshops? A: We can work in gymnasiums, cafeterias, classrooms, outdoor spaces, or multipurpose rooms. We'll work with whatever space you have available and adapt activities accordingly.
Q: How many participants can be in a workshop? A: We typically work with groups of 15-30 participants per instructor for hands-on learning. For larger groups, we can bring multiple instructors or rotate students through stations.
Q: What if we have limited budget? A: As a nonprofit, we strive to make circus arts accessible to everyone. We offer sliding scale pricing and can work with various budgets. Contact us to discuss options!
Circus Shows & Performances
Q: What types of shows do you offer? A: We offer family-friendly circus shows featuring aerials, acrobatics, juggling, stilt walking, flow arts, and interactive elements. Shows can be customized for community festivals, library events, fundraisers, or celebrations.
Q: Can shows be performed indoors and outdoors? A: Yes! We can perform in both indoor and outdoor venues. We'll assess your space and design a show that works perfectly for your location.
Q: How long are performances? A: Standard performances are 30-60 minutes, but we can customize the length to fit your event schedule.
Q: Do you provide your own equipment? A: Yes, we bring all necessary circus equipment and props. For aerial acts, we'll discuss rigging requirements and can bring portable rigging if needed.
Corporate & Special Events
Q: What types of corporate events do you serve? A: We provide entertainment for galas, fundraisers, conferences, company parties, team-building events, grand openings, holiday parties, and more.
Q: Can you customize performances for our company theme? A: Absolutely! We can tailor costumes, music, choreography, and acts to match your event theme, brand colors, or company message.
Q: Do you offer roaming performers? A: Yes! We offer ambient entertainment with stilt walkers, jugglers, LED performers, and interactive specialty acts that mingle with guests.
Q: What's included in your corporate packages? A: Packages vary based on your needs and can include spot performances, full stage shows, roaming entertainment, or a combination. We handle all logistics, coordination, and artistic direction.
Booking & Logistics
Q: How far in advance should we book? A: We recommend booking 4-8 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall for schools, summer for camps). However, we can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests—contact us to check availability!
Q: How do we get a quote? A: Contact us at thebigtopproject@gmail.com or call (216) 309-0770. We'll discuss your needs, date, location, and budget to provide a customized quote.
Q: What's your cancellation policy? A: We understand plans change! Our cancellation policy is flexible and will be outlined in your contract. Contact us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule.
Q: Do you require a deposit? A: Yes, we typically require a deposit to secure your date. The amount varies based on the program type and will be specified in your contract.
Q: Are you insured? A: Yes, we carry full liability insurance for all our programs and performances.
About Our Nonprofit
Q: How can I support The Big Top Project? A: You can support us by booking our programs, making a tax-deductible donation, volunteering, or spreading the word about our mission! Visit our Donate page for more information.
Q: Can we get a receipt for tax purposes? A: Yes! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible. We provide receipts for all contributions.
Q: Do you offer scholarships or free programs? A: We strive to make circus arts accessible to all communities. We offer sliding scale pricing and occasionally provide free programs for underserved communities through grants and donations.