Circadium School of Contemporary Circus, America's Only Accredited Circus Institution, Closes After Funding Cuts

Circadium School of Contemporary Circus, founded in 2017 by Shana Kennedy as the United States' sole accredited and licensed circus institution, will cease operations on June 1. The closure follows severe financial challenges exacerbated by federal funding reductions during the Trump administration. Last year, the Department of Education halted new financial aid applications, while the National Endowment for the Arts rescinded awards that didn't align with revised priorities. Kennedy noted these cuts created an unsustainable financial situation despite emergency fundraising efforts that saved a 2023 production featuring a director from France. Circadium operated from a former church sanctuary in Philadelphia's Mount Airy neighborhood, sharing space with the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. The school blended traditional circus skills like juggling, acrobatics, and aerial work with contemporary performance elements, preparing students for careers in traveling circuses, cruise ships, and theme parks while fostering original creative work. Kennedy highlighted that successful circus education ecosystems in other countries benefit from government support, contrasting with the U.S. situation. Circadium's final performances will occur at Fringe Arts on May 26-27, 2026. The closure follows similar Philadelphia arts institution shutdowns, including The University of the Arts in 2024.