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ABOUT CAPITOL CITY CIRCUS SCHOOL
Capitol City Circus School was established in 2023 to support the DC area Circus community. It's founders Kiersten Van Houten, Jeff Wagener and Angie Stoner have more than 50 years of combined experience in the circus world.
Our Mission
At Capitol City Circus School, we aim to build community and enhance lives through the power of learning circus arts and achieving goals in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.
Our History
While Capitol City Circus School officially came under local ownership in 2023, its story began decades earlier. Many of our current staff, including the owners, have been part of this journey (including in management roles) since the very beginning. Their deep roots and shared history shape the spirit of our school today. And along the way, we’ve been lucky to welcome new students, staff, and community members who truly make our school sparkle.
2004
TSNY opens an outdoor seasonal
location in Baltimore, MD
2010
TSNY DC gets its first year-round, indoor location in our tent-bubble at 4th and Tingey Streets, SE
2019
Navy Yard developers believe there is still a shortage of luxury condos so they tear down our building. We move into a traditional style circus tent outside of the Navy Yard base.
2023-present
Plans are made to build a museum where we sit, so we move our tent to the former Splash! Car Wash location, where we sit today!
2002
Trapeze School of New York (TSNY) founded in New York City by Dave and Anne Brown
2009
TSNY DC moves from Baltimore to its first DC location in the parking lot of the Convention Center, downtown in Chinatown
2016
TSNY DC moves from the bubble to our very own custom-designed building at 1299 New Jersey Avenue, SE
2023
TSNY owners retire and branch management become owners, renaming the company as Capitol City Circus School!
2026 and Beyond
Have you ever moved a circus school? It is not for the faint of heart! Our dream is to find a permanent home. We are a group of extremely passionate individuals who love sharing the magic of circus arts with the local community. Stay tuned for what's to come!
Celebrating Circus Arts
A glimpse of the magic from the 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, where we were proud to be part of a global celebration of circus arts. This performance was part of a larger collaborative production showcasing artists from around the world.