The Actors Gymnasium

The Actors Gymnasium offers Circus Arts INTRO, Level 1, Level 2, High School Circus Arts (All Levels), Imaginastics, Parent-Tot Gymnastics, Youth Circus Program, Adult Classes, Adult Membership Classes, and Summer Circus Camps. The program schedule includes classes for all ages and experience levels, youth and adult programs, summer and winter camps, shows, and event entertainment.

Programs

• Circus Arts INTRO — 1st – 2nd grade · Tuesdays 5:15 - 6:00pm; Saturdays 11:15 – 12pm
• Level 1 — 3rd – 5th grade · Wednesdays 4:15pm – 5:15pm; Saturdays 10:15am - 11:15am
• Level 1 — 6th – 8th grade · Wednesdays 5:15pm – 6:15pm
• Level 2 — 3rd - 5th grade · Tuesdays 4:15pm - 5:15pm; Saturdays 11:00am - 12:00pm
• Level 2 — 6th - 8th grade · Tuesdays 5:15pm - 6:15pm; Fridays 4:00pm - 5:00pm
• High School Circus Arts (All Levels) — 8th - 12th grade · Thursdays 5:15pm - 6:15pm
• Imaginastics — ages 4-5 · Tuesdays 4:15pm - 5:00pm; Saturdays 10:15am – 11am
• Parent-Tot Gymnastics — ages 2-3 · Saturdays 9:15 - 10:00am
• Youth Circus Program — 5th graders and older · Saturdays, 3pm-6pm; Sundays, 1pm-4pm; Fridays, 6:00pm-10pm; Saturdays, 2pm-6pm; Sundays, 2pm-4:45pm · $595
• Adult Classes — 18+ · All levels · $475–$515 per session
• Adult Membership Classes — 18+ · Starts September 8th; Saturdays 9:00am - 10:15am; Mondays 6:15 - 7:15pm; Tuesdays 6:15 - 7:15pm; Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:15pm; Mondays 7:30 - 8:45pm; Wednesdays 8:30pm - 9:45pm; Fridays 12:00 - 1:00pm; Mondays 8:45pm - 10:00pm
• Summer Circus Camps

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Price range: $475–$595
• Current session: Fall Classes (Sep 8–Nov 22, 2026); Fall Youth Circus (Sep 19–Nov 15, 2026)
• General schedule: Classes for all ages and experience levels; youth and adult programs; summer and winter camps; youth circus program; shows; event entertainment.

About the provider

The Actors Gymnasium was founded in 1995. It is described as Chicago’s oldest circus school and as award-winning entertainment. The organization’s mission is to expand human and theatrical potential through circus arts by pushing the limits of physical, emotional, and creative expression. It also collaborates with other leading Chicago theaters, from local storefronts to major regional companies.

All levels. No experience necessary. Financial aid is available. Tuition is automatically prorated when you sign up, and payment plans are available for everyone. Youth Circus tech rehearsals are mandatory for all performers. Absences will not be accepted during tech. Unexcused absences during the rehearsal process will result in decrease or loss of role.

What families say

“The Actors Gymnasium is amazing! I’m a new student and the more I learn about the organization, the more impressed I become . . . It is hard to put into words, but the place really does feel like a safe space to grow and learn emotionally, physically, and creatively.” — José Valencia

“The transformation in Safiya over the school year was remarkable . . . This experience of AG isn’t just a class, it’s a life skill my daughter is acquiring. She is learning to be her best self, to have fun, to take risk, and to always stretch to do more.” — Melissa B., Parent

“Even as an audience member, the work you do inspires me into metaphorical flight. Every performance or class I've witnessed lights me up and jump starts my imagination and drive. Thank you for flying lessons.” — Scott S.

Last updated August 22, 2026.