My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus has been nationally recognized as a member of the Social Circus Network in a joint project between the American Youth Circus Organization and Cirque du Soleil. The Social Circus Network is designed to bring up-to-date research and resources to the 17-member network to increase youth circus participation and improve program design.
Social Circus is defined as an “innovative social intervention approach based on circus arts. The primary goal is not to learn the circus arts, but rather to assist with participants’ personal and social development by nurturing their self-esteem and trust in others, as well as by helping them to acquire social skills, become active citizens, express their creativity and realize their potential.”
A recent study of the sector research concludes that social circus: promotes physical and mental health and wellness; fosters human connection and belonging; encourages civic engagement and cultural and socio-economic integrations, and builds resilience.
My Nose Turns Red’s strategic plan calls for 30% of enrollment to be at-risk and attend for free. This includes scholarships, a 24-week session at Woodford Paideia Academy, ongoing programming at Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home (12 years), and the TALL Institute, an organization for adults with intellectual and developmental challenges.
MNTR also reaches underserved children by offering full and partial scholarships to our after-school programs, circus classes including the Advanced Circus Ensemble program and summer camps.
Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home
For the past twelve years, MNTR has been teaching at the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home. The children have socialization issues and have been placed there for a variety of reasons. Circus arts offer them an outlet to succeed and be recognized by their peers. Through our partnerships with Cirque du Soleil, we have been able to share tickets to circus tickets with youth from the Children’s Home.
“They laughed Mr. Steve. They laughed. I didn’t think I could make people happy.“
– A child from the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home
“My Nose Turns Red Theatre’s circus program embodies many values, such as accomplishment, creativity, self-control. These values are exactly what we try to instill in each of our youth at the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home.
“MNTR & DCCH’s partnership over the past seven years has been instrumental in our children’s success. We have witnessed increased self-esteem, teamwork, and courage in every youth that has gone through the program. And the kids learn all of these things while having fun!“
John Carney
Recreation Director, Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home
Woodford Paideia Academy
My Nose Turns Red began an after-school circus class last year, thanks to funding from Cirque du Soleil and ArtsWave. We are excited to continue this program this year with support from the Ohio Arts Council and ArtsWave. Woodford Paideia is located in Kennedy Heights where 98% of the students meet the requirements for free or reduced lunch.
The Tall Institute
Although My Nose Turns focuses on youth development we are thrilled to be working with the Tall Institute this past year. Their mission is:
To provide unprecedented lifelong learning opportunities that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental challenges to be happy, healthy and safe.
This is a great group of adults with a variety of challenges who work hard, love challenges, and love to laugh.
Social Circus Partners
Our Social Circus partners include: American Youth Circus Organization, ArtsWave, Cirque du Monde, Cirque du Soleil, Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home, Ohio Arts Council, SummerTime Kids, The Tall Institute and the Woodford Paideia Academy.
For more information about our social circus programs or would like to donate to our scholarship fund contact:
Steve Roenker
info@mynoseturnsred.org | 859-581-7100
