Run Away With the Circus - Atlas Obscura Experiences

Run Away With the Circus

$55 per person
Up to 21 people
Aerial class.
Flying trapeze.
Original circus building at 10th and Callowhill.
Aerial class.
See Dates
$55 per person
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What We’ll Do

Philadelphia is considered to be the birthplace of the American circus, predating the now infamous Barnum and his museum of living wonders by almost 60 years. John Bill Ricketts, an accomplished English equestrian, established the first circus in North America at the southwest corner of 12th and Market streets on April 3, 1793. "Rickett's Circus" featured horse acts, juggling, rope-dancing, tumbling, and a clown, thus initiating the city's long-standing fascination with the circus and its curious arts.

Join Atlas Obscura in continuing in this tradition with the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (the largest full-time circus arts school in the entire mid-Atlantic) for an engaging and fun-filled afternoon of circus antics. You will learn about Philadelphia's unique place in circus history, the history of the circus arts school (which now operates out of a historic Roman Catholic church and school), and enjoy a short performance by the professional staff. Participants will each experience an introductory workshop overseen by fully-trained instructors in various circus arts: aerials (rope, static trapeze, silks), juggling (including balancing objects and spinning plates), and balance (tightwire-walking, rolling globe, and rola-bola). 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

  • Please dress in appropriate attire that allows for physical activity: long leggings and a comfortable top. You'll be working barefoot. Bring a water bottle with you!
  • Participants will be expected to sign waivers from PSCA.
  • You can, of course, decide to opt out of any interactive experience, but no refunds, in partial or in full, will be offered.
  • Ample parking is available in the school's parking lot behind the church, but the school is also conveniently located one block from the Upsal Station on the Chestnut Hill West regional rail. 
  • Event will be held rain or shine; the performance may include a demonstration of the outdoor Flying Trapeze!

QUESTIONS?

Email Sadie Francis at sadie.francis@atlasobscura.com.

Stay connected! Subscribe to the Atlas Obscura Society Philadelphia newsletter and join our Facebook group for a first glimpse at upcoming events.

 

Advance ticket sales only. All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

What Else You Should Know
Group Size

There are 21 spots available on this experience.

Dates and Availability

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