From Jean & Steve, Co-Founders of My Nose Turns Red

We need your support.

29 years ago, Jean St. John and Steve Roenker, aka Juice and Shootang, created the My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus (MNTR) program for youth to experience the joy of circus training and performing. We had seen the significant impact of students at school residencies and wanted to develop a full-time youth circus program. We wanted to watch youth grow up in our circus program: starting young, mastering skills, performing, becoming teen leaders, and developing into creative, active citizens. Our oldest alumnus is 41 and is still circusing.

Today, the Youth Circus is the organization’s primary focus. This summer, MNTR Youth Circus will be performing eight Circus in the Parks programs and conducting nine weeks of summer circus camps, including an advanced two-week circus intensive. Students find a profound sense of joy and belonging. They recount the exhilarating challenges of mastering circus skills, including German wheel, unicycle, juggling, and balance. They speak of learning to trust and knowing someone always has their back. Younger students enjoy being included and being a part of the Circus Ensemble. By watching the older students, they learn to set goals and discover their potential.

Youth Circus gives students exciting physical and creative challenges. Performing in front of an audience takes courage and builds self-confidence while learning essential life skills.

Your donation will support youth circus programming for underserved, low-income youth, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their opportunities. These scholarships are a lifeline, enabling everyone to advance their skills and have enriching experiences, regardless of limited resources. Your donation will also support two free after-school programs. We hope to raise enough funds to add a third free after-school program.

Help us allow youth to roll, tumble, juggle and bring joy to audiences of all ages by donating to the 2026 Summer Scholarship Appeal.

Warmly, 

Jean St. John & Steve Roenker

Co-Founders