a stilt walker and two aerial rigs outdoor at a park

Our Purpose

The Big Top Project exists to make circus accessible to everyone. We aim to foster creativity in a supportive, non-competitive environment where kids can explore their passions. Through physical fitness, skill-building challenges, and problem-solving activities, we offer something for every child—encouraging confidence, curiosity, and joy along the way.

Our Story

The Big Top Project began in a small studio in Cleveland, Ohio, where we taught circus summer camps to kids of all ages and backgrounds. What we saw was powerful—every child, no matter their upbringing or experience, lit up with joy, excitement, and a spark for circus. That spark became our mission.

We founded The Big Top Project to ignite that same passion in children everywhere. Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we travel across the Midwest performing, teaching, and connecting with students of all ages. From interactive circus shows to weeklong workshops, we’re committed to making circus arts accessible, inclusive, and unforgettable.