About us.

The National Circus Project is an educational outreach program, or an arts-in-education program, or a physical education external program AND a cultural arts external program.

Kids love to watch circus, and are very motivated to try the skills we perform. Our workshops are challenging, without being overwhelming or frustrating. This gives students an opportunity to learn patience, self-discipline and good practice habits (while having fun!)

About The National Circus Project

1974 NCP founder JeanPaul Jenack established in-school circus programs
NCP founder JeanPaul Jenack established in-school circus programs as early as 1974. Ten years later, he and founder Meryl Schaffer incorporated Circus Education Specialists, Inc. as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation. CES, Inc. became the National Circus Project in 1988.
12,000 Circus Performances | 70,000 Workshops | 7 Million Participants
Over the past 35+ years, NCP specialists have presented more than 12,000 circus performances and conducted more than 70,000 workshops involving a total audience of over 7,000,000 participants.
1990, NCP directors began an Artists Exchange program
international artists of merit are placed in our American school residence programs. That same year, NCP arranged for the first American artists in history to perform at the Latvian State Circus, receiving a commendation from U.S. Congress (Congressional Record, 05/23/1990) for “helping to further the cause of international understanding.”
International Appearances
Our international appearances include the Hong Kong International Arts Carnival, the Clarke Quay Complex Fair in Singapore, the Reuters International Conference in Bali, Indonesia, the Sherwood Forest Festival in England, Moscow’s 850th Anniversary Celebration and a gala performance at the U.S. embassy in Russia.
In The Press
NCP activities have been profiled on television nationally on the Today Show, as well as in Disney “Adventures” Magazine, Parenting Magazine, My Weekly Reader, USA Today, Newsday, The New York Times and more than a thousand other newspapers and online journals.
Where We Serve
NCP currently serves the northeastern US: New England, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Nationwide Network
The National Circus Project is working to establish a nationwide network of schools and facilities with circus arts programs, exchanging ideas, instructional methods and materials for teachers at every level of education.

About us.

About The National Circus Project

1974 NCP founder JeanPaul Jenack established in-school circus programs

12,000 Circus Performances | 70,000 Workshops | 7 Million Participants

1990, NCP directors began an Artists Exchange program

International Appearances

In The Press

Where We Serve

Nationwide Network

National Circus Project

Contact Us

Office Hours