Blue Troupe
Our Advanced Performance Troupe for grades 8-12
About Blue Troupe
Blue Troupe focuses on taking students' circus skills to the next level. Troupers select and train in solo and/or duo acts in one area of specialty, while also training intensively in all areas of the FGC core circus skills.
Troupers collaborate in the creation of an artistic and expressive performance which is performed throughout the season at venues across New England and beyond. Blue Troupe performs for schools and camps who are working to start their own Youth Circus programs, and for other circus schools and studios to help them fundraise, and to share our way of working.
Open by audition (contact Jon) to teens in grades 8-12 who have already participated in the Flying Gravity Circus Green Troupe for at least one season, or have the equivalent experience (as determined by the Artistic Director).
FGC Artistic Director and Head Coach, Jonathon Roitman,
runs training and rehearsals, in collaboration with awesome coaches. Extra practice sessions may be called if needed to prepare a performance. Troupers are expected to practice
on their own or with friends during the week.
Aqua and Indigo
Blue Troupe Mitosis
In 2022, we found ourselves with an overly full company -- 22 troupers in Blue Troupe, our most advanced performance troupe. Blue Troupers know that training space is tight, there’s a wide range of skill and performance experience, and our coaches are working on overdrive to meet every trouper’s needs.
Just like in 2015 when FGC split into Green and Blue Troupe, we saw an incredible opportunity to broaden the FGC experience for our troupers.
Here are the logistics: Practice times for both Blue Troupes is the same, in different locations, the Circus Studio and the Pine Hill Auditorium. The troupes alternate between the spaces. Our current roster of coaches are split and coaches are interchangeable between troupes. Each troupe has its own dedicated director, Chloe Keller for Aqua, and Ashley Renwick for Indigo, and Jon is head coach for both troupes (and spend equal time with each).
Enrollment and Schedule
Spring Season:
Aqua and Indigo
Mondays: 7:30-8:30 Optional Dance Class at Dance Works
Wednesdays: 4-6pm
Fridays: 6:30-9pm
Saturdays: 3-6pm
Start Date: 3/6 (dance class)
End Date: 6/3
Tuition: $540/mo March- May
Contact FGC bookkeeper for payment plans.
Please review our Financial Policies
Enrollment Deadline: 2/24
late enrollments will incur an automatic $25 fee
Financial Aid Deadline: 2/10
Location: Circus Studio: High Mowing School Campus, Pine Hill Auditorium
Note that Blue Troupe is an advanced performance company with the expectation of year-long commitment: Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. Having a solid performance troupe increases the artistic quality of work that the Blue Troupe can attain.
Blue Troupe- Aqua
1) Under 1 year in Blue Troupe, or by choice 2) Year-long commitment required (Fall and Spring seasons mandatory; Winter optional) 3) Primary focus will be on (a) training and (b) creating a fully-produced, themed, theatrical, ensemble show. 4) Show creation process: youth-centered ensemble in contemporary circus style with director as collaborator. 5) Requires initial audition. Does not require re-auditioning unless Trouper has taken a year off. 6) Performances: Aqua will perform at least one “run” (several performances of one themed production) with the possibility of other spot gigs. By design, this Troupe will devote itself to producing a polished, beautiful ensemble performance. 7) Trouper should be willing and able to perform. Other options for show participation will be available, e.g. sound, costumes, stage manager 8) Skills: All Blue Troupe skill requirements apply. Skills that have not yet been attained will have a practice plan to track and attain the goal(s). 9) Coaches: Aqua will share the same coaching staff and have equal time with Jon as Indigo 10) Attendance: Very strict attendance policy. Ensemble work requires commitment. 11) Attitude expectations: positive work ethic, respectful of coaches, kind and supportive to all Aqua troupers and to all other troupes (within and outside of studio) 12) T-shirt will say “Blue Troupe” 13) Choice: At the beginning of fall season, Troupers can choose to remain in Aqua rather than audition for Indigo.
Blue Troupe- Indigo
1) 1 or more years in Blue Troupe 2)Year-long commitment required (Fall and Spring seasons mandatory; Winter mandatory starting in 2024) 3) Primary focus will be on (a) training and (b) creating solo or small group acts for audition and cabaret performance. Indigo can discuss additional ideas with the director. 4) Cabaret creation process: pre-professional act-making in contemporary circus style with director as collaborator. 5) Requires an annual audition by all troupers. 6) Performances: Indigo will present one public end-of-season cabaret. By design, this Troupe will devote less time to shows and more time to training skills and honing polished, powerful, beautiful acts. Indigo can discuss additional ideas with the director. 7) Trouper must be willing and able to perform 8) Skills: All Blue Troupe skill requirements apply and must be met. (Only exception is back tuck on trampoline. Can have a single safety line if needed. Practice plan will be created to track and attain the goal.) 9) Coaches: Indigo will share the same coaching staff and have equal time with Jon as Aqua 10) Attendance: Very strict attendance policy. Pre-professional work requires commitment. Unexcused absences may result in probation or dismissal from the Troupe. 11) Attitude expectations: positive work ethic, respectful of coaches, kind and supportive to all Indigo troupers and to all other troupes (within and outside of studio), mature and professional attitude 12) T-shirt will say “Blue Troupe” 13) Choice: At the beginning of fall season, Troupers can choose to move to Aqua rather than remain in Indigo.
Blue Troupe Skill Requirements
Strength: Must be able to do 4 out of 6:1 pull up, 10 push ups, 20 sit ups, 10 arch ups, 20 second hold hollow body, 20 second plank on forearms
Flexibility: Must be able to do 3 out of 7: Right leg split, Left leg split, Middle split, Bridge with straight arms and open shoulders, Standing touch toes10 seconds, Pike touch toes 10 seconds, Straddle with both elbows down 10 seconds
Acro: Must be able to do ALL:
Forward roll, Dive forward roll, Backward roll, Cartwheel, Handstand forward roll, Backbend from standing on cheese mat, Base OR fly 2-high
Juggling: Must be able to do ALL: 25 catches with 3 balls, At least 2 tricks with balls, 25 catches with 3 clubs, 10 passes in self self pass with clubs
Other Masteries: Must be able to do 3 out of 4:
Tightwire master, Rolla Bola master, Globe master, Diabolo master
Other: Must be able to do ALL:
Unicycle master, Be able to perform a one minute solo act in the discipline of your choice, balance either a stick on forehead for 10 seconds, Climb up and down fabric, Star drop on fabric, Up to sitting and standing on trapeze, Gazelle catchers lock, birds nest and angel on trapeze, Back tuck on Trampoline
-Have the desire to improve your skills and be good at Circus Arts.
-Be able to work independently in a focused atmosphere.
-Be able to teach basic skills in several circus disciplines in an inspiring manner.
-Have prior experience in a circus class or summer camp, or an equivalent movement activity.
-Possessing the primary attributes of an FGC Trouper:
- the drive and will to learn new skills,
-the ability to work well with others
-the love for learning, performing, and teaching circus arts.
