JOIN OUR CIRCUS COMMUNITY!
The American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The American Circus Educators Association (ACE) is a branch of AYCO.
Photo from AYCOfest 2019 at San Diego Circus Center, Circus Runway Photography
Our MISSION
Our mission is to promote the participation of youth in circus arts and support circus educators.
AYCOfest / edcon
On alternating years, AYCO/ACE organizes the American Youth Circus Festival and Educators Conference across the nation.
AYCOfest 8/26-30/2026 - Early Bird Registration Open Now
This year’s National AYCOfest will be held at Independent Lake Camp https://www.independentlake.com
ACE SAfety Network
The ACE Safety Program is a consultation process with industry experts to help your program or school better manage the inherent risks associated with circus arts.
networking forums & community marketplace
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Call for ACE Discussion & Directors Roundtable Speakers
Do you have something to share with the AYCO/ACE community? Creative program management, new education, health and/or safety insights?? We want to hear from you!
Held monthly, ACE Discussions are engaging, collaborative calls designed to bring together community members to discuss topics that matter most to the circus arts education community. Each discussion focuses on essential areas like, integrating safety practices, building community and partnerships, program development, insurance and understanding how to gather and use data to improve programs and demonstrate impact.
Held quarterly, Directors Roundtables are conversation for program directors. We spotlight timely, actionable topics to help you soar through the business seasons. From taming the January influx of new members, to preparing for summer camps, balancing the tightrope of budgets, and dazzling audiences with seasonal marketing initiatives, the Director’s Roundtable will equip you with the tools and strategies to keep your circus thriving year-round.
SOCIal circus call
Tuesday April 21, @12:30PM EST
The American Youth Circus Organization is thrilled that we are holding AYCOfest 2026 this coming August 26-30 at Independent Lake Camp in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We would love to have strong representation from the social circus community.
To assist with that goal, the AYCO/ACE board is hosting a Social Circus Connection Call to discuss plans for AYCOfest, answer your questions, and discuss your hopes for this event. We hope you can join us.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89783890935 (no pre-registration necessary)
About half the time will be devoted to answering questions about how this year's event is being set up, with regard to fees, registration, scholarships etc. You may want to familiarize yourself beforehand with the event page on the AYCO/ACE website , which includes a section on Frequently Asked Questions.
The other half will be devoted to giving participants time to share their hopes for the upcoming event, either based on their brand-new ideas, or their past experiences.
Even if you are not sure you or the kids you teach can attend the event in August, we want you to join us for the connection call and have your voice heard.
We hope to see many of you on the 21st and also in August!
become a member of the ayco/ace circus community
