Adult Classes

For over 25 years, our circus classes have helped thousands of people discover they are capable of more than they’ve ever imagined.

Quotation marks

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

All levels. No experience necessary.

Classes range from $475-$515 for the full semester or $35 per drop in (we do not offer drop-ins for select Specialty classes). Tuition is automatically prorated when you sign up, and payment plans are available for everyone.

New student? Your first class* is on us! Just select the “free trial offer” at checkout.

Financial aid is available!
*Select specialty classes do not qualify for free trials or drop-ins

 

Summer 2025 Workshops & Intensives

  • Summer Intensive 2025

    June 16 - July 25, 2025
    No class June 19th or July 4.

    Class Schedule
    Mondays – Thursdays
    Intensive: 6:15 – 8:15 PM

    Open Gym & Act Prep
    Fridays: 6:00-9:00 PM
    Saturdays: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
    Sundays: 2:00 – 5:00 PM

    Open Gym & Act Prep
    Saturday, July 26 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

    Tuition: $1,250 (financial aid available)

    Our Intensive programs are an opportunity to work with amazing faculty and committed peers who motivate you to push yourself physically and creatively, while devising original work.

    Summer Intensive offers a mix of conditioning and instruction while working with a cross section of Chicago’s leading circus, dance, and physical theatre instructors to expand what you’re capable of. Through this and collaborations with your fellow students, you begin the creative process of choreographing a circus movement piece to call your own.

    While you build your strength and endurance with a community of like-minded artists, the intensive format gives you the tools to become independent creators of exciting new physical work.

    REGISTER

  • Clown & Physical Theatre with Amanda Crockett

    All Levels
    July 10 & 17
    Thursdays 6:16 - 8:15pm

    You're probably funnier than you think. Come find out! Drawing from mime, clown, improvisation, and your unique perspective on it all, we will use play to find the funny. We'll laugh a lot as we learn to access what our child-selves knew, and hone our onstage skills to become more present, more confidant and more spell-binding in front of audiences and in life.

    REGISTER

  • Physical Devised Theatre

    All Levels
    May 21 - July 9
    Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:30pm

    This class is an opportunity for artists and performers to creatively develop their practice in material generation and storytelling through movement and physical theater exercises. After building a shared vocabulary in things such as basic acrobatics, contact improv, clowning, and body poetics, we will devise short pieces of work as individuals and as an ensemble. Students will cultivate artistic connections and relationships, expand their access to movement and physical theater forms, and develop material that could live on after the class.

    REGISTER

  • Intro to Cyr Wheel

    All Levels
    May 21 - July 9
    Wednesdays 7:45 - 9:15pm

    In this course for beginners, we’ll learn the foundations of this mesmerizing apparatus beginning with wheel manipulations, body mechanics, and learning to waltz. Whether you’re after a new apparatus, a unique workout, or just enjoy being dizzy, come take a spin!

    REGISTER

  • Partner Acro

    All Levels
    July 30 - August 13
    Wednesdays 7:15 - 8:15pm

    In this all-levels class you will learn and practice various fundamental acrobatic positions and modalities. From adagio, to stacking, to swinging, to banquine, this class will offer something to the advanced acrobat as well as the novice. you will work  in pairs and groups. in addition to learning safely and efficiently with drills and progressions, we will also spend time on creative acrobatics.

    Individual or pre-paired acrobats welcome (each pair will still need to register individually). 

    REGISTER

⚔️SAFD Combat

June 15 - August 17

  • Stage Combat: Small Sword

    Sundays 10:00am - 1:30pm (in Gym)

    Requiring a light touch and great precision this quick and beautiful weapon style is considered by many to be the pinnacle of European swordplay. This class will focus on the subtle blade play and footwork that make this weapon unique. Students will have the opportunity to take the Society of American Fight Directors skills proficiency test in small sword at the end of this course.

    Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) certification classes offer at least 30 hours of training in a specific weapon with a SAFD certified instructor. After completing training, students have the opportunity to perform a staged fight in that specific weapon for the instructor and receive a certificate in basic or recommended proficiency.

    REGISTER

☀️Summer Classes

June 9- August 17
*We are unable to accommodate walk ins. Must be registered for classes in advance of start times including drop ins and free trials

  • Instructor supports young woman hanging from a lyra

    Aerial Arts

    All Levels
    Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00am

    Beginners
    Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:15pm

    Advanced
    Wednesdays 8:30 - 9:30pm

    Our signature “Learn to Fly” class. Build strength and flexibility while learning sequences on trapeze, lyra, Spanish web, and aerial silks. Discover your daring side as you execute a variety of climbs, inversions, and drops.

    Our Aerial Arts classes are perfect for performers looking to add new skills to their arsenal as well as for non-performers seeking a unique physical challenge.

    **Advanced Aerial Arts Prereq:
    - Trapeze (high apparatus): Tuck and Pike under the bar from 1/2 beats
    - Trapeze or Lyra (low apparatus): Clean Pullover from floor (no feet on ropes or hoop), 10 Second Hip Balance (no hands)
    - Silks or Rope: Consistent Consistent Inversions/Straddle-Ups in the air (no feet on apparatus), 3 Straddle Climbs in a row, 10 second straight arm hang, 10 second bent arm hang

    Register

  • Ballet for Aerialists

    All Levels
    Wednesdays 7:15 - 8:45pm

    A basic ballet class focused on the fundamentals of the technique. A strong emphasis on alignment, proper muscular engagement, and upper/lower body connectivity.

    REGISTER

  • Circus Arts (Adult)

    All Levels
    Mondays 8:15-9:30pm

    Experience all things circus in our Circus Arts classes! Each week includes training in the foundations of tumbling, ground skills, and aerial skills. This class is perfect for those interested in training strength, flexibility, and balance across a wide variety of skills: handstands, tumbling, juggling, aerial skills, and more.

    Register
  • Person stretching with yoga blocks

    Contortion

    All Levels
    Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00pm

    Get ready to get bendy! In this all levels class we will focus on building a balance of flexibility and strength to increase mobility and work towards becoming a human pretzel. Different classes will focus on different body regions including hip, back, and side bending/twisting.

    Taught by Oyuna Yadamajav

    Register

  • Gymnastics

    All Levels
    Tuesdays 8:15-9:15pm

    People of all physical backgrounds are welcome in this multi-level class! Students work with an instructor to push their individual tumbling abilities and develop increased coordination and agility.

    Register

  • Handstands & Handbalancing Level 1

    Beginner
    Tuesdays 7:15pm-8:15pm

    Start from scratch and learn the fundamentals of flight in inversions training. Gain access to your strength and confidence to de-mystify headstands, forearm stands, & handstands

    Register

  • Lyra and Trapeze

    Intermediate/Advanced
    Saturdays 12:00 - 1:00pm

    This class offers a specific focus on the bar apparatuses: Lyra and Trapeze. Geared towards students who have a confident foundation in these apparatuses, this specialty class will build towards more advanced tricks and performance skills on lyra and trapeze. 

    Pre-requisites:
    -Clean pullover, tuck under, and straddle up from bar at eye level height (no tagging of feet on apparatus)
    -Consistent half beat to tuck under trapeze (high bar)
    -10 second hip balance
    -1 arm hang (either side) for 5 seconds

    REGISTER

  • Rope

    Intermediate/Advanced
    Tuesdays 6:15 - 7:15pm

    This specialized class is designed to help aerialists hone their skills on a single apparatus-- rope! Prepare to condition, skill up, and sequence throughout the course of this class. 

    **Class Requirements:
    -Ability to hang for 10 seconds
    -Ability to invert in the air

    Register

  • Silks

    All Levels
    Saturdays 11:00am - 12:00pm

    Intermediate/Advanced
    Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:15pm

    Whether you're brand new to aerial silks or you're working on perfecting your technique this is the class for you! Beginning silks will focus on classic skill building, climbing, foot locks, inversions, endurance, conditioning, and (the icing on the cake) even some choreography!

    REGISTER

🌸Spring Classes

January 21 - May 18
*We are unable to accommodate walk ins. Must be registered for classes in advance of start times including drop ins and free trials

  • Instructor supports young woman hanging from a lyra

    Aerial Arts

    All Levels
    Mondays 6:15 - 7:15pm
    Fridays 1:00 - 2:00pm
    Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00am

    Beginners
    Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:15pm

    Advanced
    Wednesdays 7:30 - 8:30pm

    Our signature “Learn to Fly” class. Build strength and flexibility while learning sequences on trapeze, lyra, Spanish web, and aerial silks. Discover your daring side as you execute a variety of climbs, inversions, and drops.

    Our Aerial Arts classes are perfect for performers looking to add new skills to their arsenal as well as for non-performers seeking a unique physical challenge.

    **Advanced Aerial Arts Prereq:
    - Trapeze (high apparatus): Tuck and Pike under the bar from 1/2 beats
    - Trapeze or Lyra (low apparatus): Clean Pullover from floor (no feet on ropes or hoop), 10 Second Hip Balance (no hands)
    - Silks or Rope: Consistent Consistent Inversions/Straddle-Ups in the air (no feet on apparatus), 3 Straddle Climbs in a row, 10 second straight arm hang, 10 second bent arm hang

    Register

  • Circus Arts (Adult)

    All Levels
    Mondays 7:15-8:30pm

    Experience all things circus in our Circus Arts classes! Each week includes training in the foundations of tumbling, ground skills, and aerial skills. This class is perfect for those interested in training strength, flexibility, and balance across a wide variety of skills: handstands, tumbling, juggling, aerial skills, and more.

    Register
  • Person stretching with yoga blocks

    Contortion

    All Levels
    Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00pm

    Get ready to get bendy! In this all levels class we will focus on building a balance of flexibility and strength to increase mobility and work towards becoming a human pretzel. Different classes will focus on different body regions including hip, back, and side bending/twisting.

    Taught by Oyuna Yadamajav

    Register

  • Gymnastics

    All Levels
    Tuesdays 8:15-9:15pm

    People of all physical backgrounds are welcome in this multi-level class! Students work with an instructor to push their individual tumbling abilities and develop increased coordination and agility.

    Register

  • Handstands & Handbalancing Level 1

    Beginner
    Tuesdays 6:15pm-7:15pm

    Start from scratch and learn the fundamentals of flight in inversions training. Gain access to your strength and confidence to de-mystify headstands, forearm stands, & handstands

    Register

  • Handstands & Handbalancing Level 2

    Intermediate/Advanced
    Tuesdays 7:15-8:15pm

    Gain access to your strength and confidence to de-mystify headstands, forearm stands & handstands.

    *Class Requirements:
    -Lunge to hand-stand without using the wall (no balance required)
    -Tuck up to hand-stand without using the wall (no balance required)
    -Ability to touch the floor the palms of the hand on pike position without bending the legs.
    -Ability to reach forward to 45 degrees on the torso while seated on a straddle on the floor.
    -5 consecutive push-ups
    -5 consecutive pikes ( laying flat on the floor facing up, bring the legs and torso off of the ground until they meet)

    Register

  • Silks

    Intermediate/Advanced
    Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:15pm

    Whether you're brand new to aerial silks or you're working on perfecting your technique this is the class for you! Beginning silks will focus on classic skill building, climbing, foot locks, inversions, endurance, conditioning, and (the icing on the cake) even some choreography!

    REGISTER

  • Intro to Cyr Wheel

    Wednesdays 7:45 - 9:15pm

    In this course for beginners, we’ll learn the foundations of this mesmerizing apparatus beginning with wheel manipulations, body mechanics, and learning to waltz. Whether you’re after a new apparatus, a unique workout, or just enjoy being dizzy, come take a spin!

    Register

  • Ground to Air Choreography

    Wednesdays 8:30 - 9:30pm

    This course will focus on movement-based research and weekly creative prompts to create unique and inspired choreography. Through this class the students will create a group act (apparatus will be chosen by the class) culminating in an invited showcase for last class in the semester. A basic skill level of trapeze and fabric are required, but it is not necessary to be a master of either apparatus to participate.

    **Students should be able to pullover to a hip hang on a trapeze/lyra easily and without a spotter, as well as be able to invert in the air on silks/rope.

    Register

  • Physical Devised Theater

    All Levels
    Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:30pm

    This class is an opportunity for artists and performers to creatively develop their practice in material generation and storytelling through movement and physical theater exercises. After building a shared vocabulary in things such as basic acrobatics, contact improv, clowning, and body poetics, we will devise short pieces of work as individuals and as an ensemble. Students will cultivate artistic connections and relationships, expand their access to movement and physical theater forms, and develop material that could live on after the class.

    REGISTER

  • Lyra and Trapeze (Intermediate/Advanced)

    Saturdays 12:15 - 1:15pm

    This class offers a specific focus on the bar apparatuses: Lyra and Trapeze. Geared towards students who have a confident foundation in these apparatuses, this specialty class will build towards more advanced tricks and performance skills on lyra and trapeze. 

    Pre-requisites:
    -Clean pullover, tuck under, and straddle up from bar at eye level height (no tagging of feet on apparatus)
    -Consistent half beat to tuck under trapeze (high bar)
    -10 second hip balance
    -1 arm hang (either side) for 5 seconds

    REGISTER

 FAQs

  • A full refund, minus the $25 administrative fee, will be issued for students cancelling prior to the start of the first class session. If cancellation is made prior to the date of the third class session a refund, minus the $25 administrative fee and the prorated cost of the first classes, will be issued.

    We do not offer any refunds after the the third class session has taken place.

  • In general, students start with and repeat recreational-level classes until they develop a higher level of confidence, strength and proficiency. While a background in dance, gymnastics or other athletic pursuits will be an advantage, circus arts and physical theatre employ our muscle groups in different ways than other activities and it most often takes several sessions for students of all ages to adapt and master skills necessary to move to the advanced level.

    Students need to receive instructor permission to take advanced classes and in some cases, advancement is subject to passing a skills test. If you feel ready to advance to an advanced-level class, we encourage you to talk to your instructor, who can assess if you are ready.

  • We recommend wearing clothing you are comfortable moving in, that is not too loose fitting.

    Close-toed gym shoes should be worn to Parkour and all Circus Arts classes to use during stilting and unicycling. All other classes require bare feet.

  • Yes! If you register online after the class has started, your tuition will be automatically pro-rated.

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to allow make-ups for missed classes, as it makes it challenging for us to ensure a safe ratio of students to instructors in each class.

  • We operate on a philosophy that using multiple apparatus in conjunction with each other builds the increased strength, confidence, and performance skills critical to help artists achieve a level of competence that allows for the meaningful concentration on a specialized skill or apparatus. Because of that, most of our classes teach multiple apparatus.

    Foundational skills remain constant from one apparatus to another. Wraps, climbs, hangs and most baseline tricks can be learned and improved on any apparatus. Until students reach an advanced skill level with sufficient strength and knowledge, the benefits of specializing will be minimal.

  • No, the parking lot at the Noyes Cultural Arts center is easy for students to be dropped off and picked up before and after class.

    For those who want to stay nearby, there are benches throughout the building where you can wait for your child as well as Tallmadge Park just outside our doors.

  • No, parents are not allowed to sit in on their child’s class, unless the class is a parent-participation class.

Still have questions? We're here to help! Please feel free to email us at hello@actorsgymnasium.org.

SAFD Combat FAQs

  • A full refund, minus the $25 administrative fee, will be issued for students cancelling prior to the start of the first class session. If cancellation is made prior to the date of the second class session a refund, minus the $25 administrative fee and the prorated cost of the first classes, will be issued.

    We do not offer any refunds after the the second class session has taken place.

  • Yes! The last class of each semester will be a testing day. We will have an adjudicator either on Zoom or in-person to adjudicate the end of term scenes.

  • All Combat classes will not be pro-rated for the term. Students will not be able to join after the second class

  • To have enough hours to test at the end of the term, students are able to miss up to 2 classes.

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to allow make-ups for missed classes, as it makes it challenging for us to ensure a safe ratio of students to instructors in each class.

  • No, to keep classes from going over the maximum capacity, we do not offer makeup classes. Please check in with your instructor if you know you will be missing a class to see if there is anything that will need to be made up at another time.

Still have questions? We're here to help! Please feel free to email us at hello@actorsgymnasium.org.