Green Light Circus is the longest running program at Denali Arts Council. We value circus because it is a hybrid of art and sport, and is comprised of a myriad of disciplines, from juggling to trapeze, acrobatics to balancing props. As a result, it not only includes people of varied skills and abilities, but it actually requires this diversity to be whole. When practicing circus arts, trust, coordination and communication skills are developed, and risk taking curiosities are played out in a safe and controlled environment. The non-competitive yet physical nature of the form makes it a unique and beneficial outlet for all ages. Our students are constantly learning new skills and improving on the ones they know, minute-by-minute and on a daily basis.
Our Green Light Circus Program offers a variety of workshops, classes and camps throughout the year.
Scholarships are available for all Green Light Circus youth camps. GLC camps always fill up quickly and often have waitlists. If you are applying for a scholarship, be sure to also register your camper right away in order to save their spot on the camp roster (DO NOT WAIT until you hear back about the scholarship). Scholarship applications will be reviewed close to the start of camp, and families will be notified.
Tykes (5-6 years old)
This year, the entire Tykes camp and Showcase will again be held in the gym at Talkeetna Elementary School.
Tykes camp will meet Monday through Friday, June 23 – 27, from 9:00-10:30am.
The Tykes will showcase the skills they learn during camp on Friday, June 28th from 9:00-10:30am. Family members and friends are invited to enjoy this free Tykes Circus Showcase!
Trailers (Beginning/Intermediate, 7-17 years old)
Trailers camp will meet Monday through Friday, June 23 – July 11, from 11:00am-1:00pm. On Thursday and Friday, July 10 and 11, we plan to have all-camp dress rehearsals from 12:00-4:00pm. Please be aware, however, that the final week schedule is subject to change, depending on instructor and performer needs. This year, the first two weeks of Trailers camp will be held in the gym at Talkeetna Elementary School. The third and final week of Trailers camp, in preparation for the performances, will be held at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar.
Troupers (Intermediate/Advanced, 10-17 years old)
Troupers camp will meet Monday through Friday, June 23 – July 11, from 2:00-5:00pm. All disciplines will meet and attend camp for the entire three hours. Participants will have the opportunity to designate their highest interest areas when they register for camp and then, during the first few days of camp, will be able to decide and choose which performance areas they want to focus on for the remainder of GLC. On Thursday and Friday, July 10 and 11, we plan to have all-camp dress rehearsals from 12:00-4:00pm. Please be aware, however, that the final week schedule is subject to change, depending on instructor and performer needs. This year, the first two weeks of Troupers camp will be held in the gym at Talkeetna Elementary School. The third and final week of Troupers camp, in preparation for the performances, will be held at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar.
Cyr Wheel Workshop for Adults and Youth 12 Years and Older
New to the Green Light Circus line-up in 2025, we are offering a Cyr Wheel class! A cyr wheel workshop teaches participants how to spin, roll, and manipulate a cyr wheel, a ring-shaped piece of equipment used in circus acrobatics. Taught by Gabriel Alvarez, who you may recognize from his trip to Alaska with 360 AllStars, this evening class will be open to adults and youth (12 years and older) who are between 5’1″ and 6’1″.The cyr wheel is a ring made of aluminum or steel that’s specific to the performer’s size, which is why there are height requirements for the class. This class will be held Monday – Thursday evenings, from 6:00-7:30pm, June 23 – July 10. Participants should wear sneakers and comfortable, athletic clothing.
Join us for an exhilarating journey into the world of circus arts where you can unleash your creativity and build confidence while learning the art of the cyr wheel. This workshop not only enhances physical skills but also fosters a sense of community among participants, making it a perfect opportunity to connect. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience that blends artistry, strength, and fun in a supportive environment.
Parent/Adult Volunteers
Green Light Circus thrives with the help of our parent/adult volunteers!
This year we are again looking for volunteers to feed lunch to our spectacular instructor team each day.
We are also looking for a handful of volunteers to help spot during each circus session.
You will receive two (2) volunteer credits for each time that you provide an instructor lunch and one (1) volunteer credit for each camp session that you volunteer to attend and help. Five (5) volunteer credits earn you one (1) free ticket to one (1) circus performance!
To sign up for any of these volunteer positions, click the button below!
Circus participants should wear comfortable, form fitting clothing to camp each day. Please remember to pack a water bottle and have participants eat BEFORE camp. There will not be a designated snack break during the camp session.
We will have a mandatory Parent Orientation meeting on Sunday, June 22rd at 4:00pm, in the gym at Talkeetna Elementary. This will be your opportunity to meet and talk with this year’s circus instructors as well as a time to learn more about ways you can help and volunteer. Immediately following the Parent Orientation, we will have a Spotting Workshop for anyone who is interested in volunteering to help spot campers. Children are welcome to attend the Parent Orientation meeting and Spotting Workshop; however, disruptive children will be fed to the clowns 🤡😜
Fourth of July Parade
There will not be regular Green Light Circus Camp on Friday, July 4th. However, all circus participants and their families are invited and encouraged to join our troupe as part of the Fourth of July Parade in downtown Talkeetna. The parade begins at 12noon from Denali Education Center. Plan to meet at DEC at 11am to stage for the parade. Come dressed in your Circus and/or 4th of July best!
