2007

FOUNDING OF NECCA

NECCA is founded by Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion and receives its 501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit circus arts education facility. For several years previous to this, circus arts instruction was provided under the name of Nimble Arts. Elsie and Serenity felt it was vital for the students and the community for NECCA to take this next step and grow into a nonprofit. Classes were taught with a staff of approximately 10 coaches at the Cotton Mill and the New England Youth Theater in Brattleboro, VT. The original Professional Track or “ProTrack” program began in 2007 as well, beginning NECCA’s reputation of successfully preparing professional circus artists for careers in circus.

2010

NECCA EXPANDS

NECCA expands into 3 studios at the Cotton Mill and establishes an additional professional program, the Intensive Program, designed to meet the growing needs of the industry. This year also brought the first annual Flying Nut holiday show as well as the Circus In The Neighborhood outreach program established to bring circus to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to NECCA programming. This was also the first year of the Circus Spectacular: an annual fundraising event at the Latchis Theater aimed at raising funds specifically for outreach and scholarships.

2013

BUILDING COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED

NECCA received its 501(c)(3) not for profit status in December 2007 and can accept tax deductible donations. The incorporation of NECCA and the filing of not for profit papers was the culmination of much work from a supportive community, school members and a Board of Directors who believed that it was an important next step in the building of an internationally recognized yet locally vital circus center.

2014

EXPANDING AGAIN

NECCA grows into 4 studios at the Cotton Mill as well as the Winston-Prouty gymnasium and has a staff of around 35. Land was purchased at Town Crier Dr, which would be the future home of NECCA’s custom trapezium. The outdoor Flying Trapeze rig moved to this site to take advantage of the amazing space and location.

2016

GROUND BREAKING AT TOWN CRIER DRIVE

NECCA officially breaks ground for construction at the 10 Town Crier Drive location.

2017

NECCA MOVES

In June, NECCA officially moved to its new and permanent home in a custom built Trapezium. This moved allowed NECCA to expand its ProTrack program to a full-time 3-year professional training program to better prepare students for the careers ahead. By this time, NECCA’s staff grew to 50 employees.

2019

THREE YEARS OF PROTRACK

In June, NECCA officially moved to its new and permanent home in a custom built Trapezium. This moved allowed NECCA to expand its ProTrack program to a full-time 3-year professional training program to better prepare students for the careers ahead. By this time, NECCA’s staff grew to 50 employees.

2020

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Like so many others, NECCA closed its doors from March through September 2020, opening to smaller class sizes, pivoting to online training and in-person masked training.

2021

A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hired New Executive Director and increased the Board of Directors to 9 members. In addition to the Trapezium, moved from Winston Prouty to two studios at the Cotton Mill. Added 5 full time positions for facility, marketing and programs.

2022

FIVE YEARS AT THE TRAPEZIUM

Celebrated five year anniversary of the Trapezium with a new stage lighting installation and a Capital Campaign donor event and plaque and fifteen years of NECCA on December 14 with a special NECCA Giving Day. We launched a three year strategic plan and added a full time position and part time Athletic Trainer. Our largest class of nine ProTrack graduates toured for the first time since 2019.

2023

THREE YEARS OF PROTRACK

In March, we went mask optional for the first time since 2020 and resumed youth outreach and group education. We are now a recognized member of the American Circus Educators Safety Network and have a Staff Development Track. All shows were in person and the ProTrack Circus Springboard tour expanded to five towns. Staff increased to over 60 with a Director of Strategic Development.

AND ON!

NECCA continues to bring circus to everyone!