Teatro ZinZanni Programs
Teatro ZinZanni provides unique experiences for audiences of all ages featuring circus performers from around the globe. Our dinner and matinee shows expose the community to the unique and ancient circus arts. We have expanded our repertoire to include family programming and late night experiences, all featuring local performers.
The ZinZanni Institute for Circus Arts (ZICA) offers camps, field trips to the tent and outreach programs in collaboration with Seattle Public Schools and libraries. In 2012, ZICA offers 12 weeks of camps in winter and summer. Camp programs are taught by in international faculty of the world's best jugglers, acrobats, clowns and magicians. Field trips and outreach programs are offered at a sliding scale rate, allowing economically challenged students to have access to circus skills and training opportunities. Scholarships to the camps are also available based on merit and financial need.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
In 2008, ZICA received a Wallace Excellence Award, a four-year grant that funded the creation of programs for new audiences including family and children's programs. ZICA has blossomed and expanded its offerings from two weeks of camp to ten weeks of summer camp as well as week-long camps offered during midwinter and spring breaks. ZICA has partnered with other cultural and educational institutions such as the Pacific Science Center and the Seattle Shakespeare Company. A new relationship with Seattle Children’s Theatre will be inaugurated in August of 2012 with the offering of a Comedy Camp. As of this date, this camp is completely sold out with a long waiting list. ZICA has provided workshops in juggling, magic and slapstick in conjunction with the Seattle Repertory Theatre and Seattle International Film Festival.
Our artists come from all over the globe, making Teatro ZinZanni and the educational component a truly unique and international experience. To sustain this caliber of experience for the community, we seek assistance in funding faculty salaries as well as travel and accommodations for performers. We also hope to underwrite more educator resources such as the wildly popular fall event, "Teachers in the Tent" which invites teachers from the Seattle public school district to participate in an evening of entertainment and networking with the Seattle performing arts community.