Circus Interim

Middle School Circus Interim

Every spring, TSA Middle School transforms into a creative whirlwind of energy and imagination during our beloved two-week Circus Interim. Under the guidance of nationally renowned circus artist and educator Troy Wunderle, students temporarily set aside traditional classes to immerse themselves in an interdisciplinary experience that fuses physical performance, teamwork, storytelling, and community engagement.

[Callout] Save the Date for this year’s Circus!

From juggling, stilt-walking, clowning, and unicycle riding to set design, costume creation, and musical numbers, every student plays a vital role in the creation of a full-scale circus production.

The result? Two live, family-friendly performances—complete with a student-run carnival—that regularly draw hundreds of community members.

Why Circus?

The Circus Interim embodies TSA’s philosophy of Deeper Learning. It’s not just about circus tricks—it’s about developing essential life skills:

• Resilience and grit through daily practice and pushing past one’s comfort zone
• Creative collaboration and problem-solving in building a shared performance
• Communication and confidence by performing in front of a live audience
• Joy in being part of something meaningful, unforgettable, and fun

Even the most reserved students step into the spotlight, discovering talents and self-assurance they didn’t know they had. As alumnus Jack Barnhart ’21 shared,

A Community Celebration

Each Circus Interim culminates in a weekend of performances attended by more than 600 community members. The carnival—designed, built, and run by students—offers games and activities for children of all ages.

Performances: Held each March at the TSA High School gym in Sharon, VT. Admission is $3/person or $10/family.

Whether it’s a student juggling fire, thirty middle schoolers piled high in a human pyramid, or clowning with the audience, the Circus Interim captures what makes TSA Middle School unique: hands-on learning, strong community, and the courage to try something bold.

About Troy Wunderle

Troy Wunderle has led TSA’s Circus Interim every year since 2006, bringing with him a deep commitment to education through performance. He is the founder of Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures, former Artistic Director of Circus Smirkus, and former Director of Clowning for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A proud Vermonter and professional performer, Troy brings a rare blend of humor, heart, and high standards to TSA’s program.

Troy’s philosophy—“Spread Joy – Create Memories – Inspire Dreams”—is embedded in every rehearsal and performance. He encourages students to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, urging them to “fail forward” and learn from the process. As he says, “Teaching students how to create success out of failure is a fundamental aspect of preparing our children for success in school and in life.”

His presence is a gift to our community, and the memories he helps create for students last far beyond the final curtain call.

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