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The Creative Circus

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Richmond, VA
The Creative Circus

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01/24/2025

Today’s the day! The Creative Circus registration is open for our virtual programs led by industry experts.

www.creativecircus.com

What kind of qualifications will students earn at The Creative Circus? Students who complete any of the Foundational Programs will earn digital badges. Students who complete any of the Portfolio Programs will earn certificates of completion.

01/13/2025

Course Spotlight: Design

At The Creative Circus, our design curriculum grounds students in design principles and teaches them innovative approaches to solving any challenge. Learn to craft, design and produce various media to convey your message with a spectrum of formats and dimensions.

“As a creative person, people will tell you you’re talented and amazing, but that you’ll never make money with your creativity. Now is the time to prove all those people wrong. At the Circus, students can unleash their creativity, stoke its fire, and transform creativity into a career. Technology will always move forward, but if you don’t know the fundamentals and basics of design, technology is irrelevant. Trends come and go. Our goal is to teach the design skills students need to experiment, imagine and build. Not to follow trends, but to create them.”

Colleen Finn, Orientation Leader & Instructor, Design

01/09/2025

Course Spotlight: Copywriting

The copywriting curriculum at The Creative Circus will prepare students for the challenge of finding the most compelling way to convey their messages. Students learn to craft messages that surprise, engage and inspire action.

“Writing is a passion for many, a purpose for some, and a profession for a handful- whereas copywriting is a bit of all for those of us in advertising and marketing. To me, that’s the best part- the Circus taught me how to take something I’m good at and turn it into a successful career. I’m not just creative, I’m a creative professional.”

Neisha Tweed Bell, Advisor & Instructor, Copywriting

01/06/2025

Course Spotlight: Art Direction

The art direction curriculum at The Creative Circus is designed to balance creativity with strategy. Students will be equipped with the skills needed to navigate and excel in these real-world challenges, preparing them for success in the industry.

“Circus people have such a sense of love and pride for the school, and we all feel bound together. There’s so much authentic, genuine love for it – it’s an institution that changed people’s lives, gave them a purpose. The Circus gave people like me a place to take their raw creativity and hone it skills into something marketable, into a very rewarding career. When you can monetize the thing you love, that’s a gift.”

Jen Mageau, Instructor, Art Direction

12/20/2024

"The Circus began with such good will and kindness. We all knew that we were on to something great. Something important. Something lasting. We changed the arc of many lives. The cumulative efforts of all involved yielded enormous satisfaction and lifelong personal relationships. The ongoing mission was ALL about the students and their success.

There was an energy that permeated inside the building. The students could feel it walking in the door. They cared for each other. They pushed each other. They gave as good as they got. We won lots of awards, and we did it together. The collective, us. The creative, us. The Creative Circ(US).

I wish you all the very best in The Circus' rebirth, and one last thing to remember, The Sun Will Never Set on The Empire of The Circus. TRUTH."

*My words shared here are in respect for, and love of, the late Betty Gammage. She was a key Creative Circus Co-Founder, major Shareholder, the Registrar, the Director of the Norm Grey Scholarship Foundation, Producer of Student Show and Graduation ceremonies, and a huge fan of hundreds of Circus alumni.

*a commissioned cartoon illustration of the Big Five Founders: Rob Lawton, Betty Gammage, Norm Grey, Carol Vick and Mike Jones-Kelley.

Greg Strelecki, Advisor

12/16/2024

"To have something that was in my past become part of my future is a wonderful gift. Not just for me, but for all The Creative Circus grads who wish to give back. I am excited that the instructors are full of Circus grads and that the legacy continues. In this new evolution, we will be able to give more students access to the creative industries.”

Berwyn Hung, Director

12/13/2024

“The Circus was beloved- and for good reason. It was a tough, but high-quality program. The reason The Circus succeeded was because we loved and cared about our students, and we helped our grads succeed.”

Carol Vick, Creative Circus founder and advisor

12/10/2024

Today’s Creative Circus: newly reimagined, but staffed with original teachers and industry professionals. Advisors and instructors from throughout the Circus’s 30-year history are bringing their expertise, leadership and support to the program, including Berwyn Hung, who will serve as director.
Registration begins in February 2025!

12/05/2024

Mike Jones-Kelley, The Creative Circus founder and longtime leader on the school’s reimagining:

“When we founded the Circus, it was about building a place where students belonged because of their talent, not their background or bank account. Now the legacy continues. And with Circus alumni as teachers, we’ll instantly get that spirit back. The Circus will once again be filled with enthusiastic, idealistic people who are intensely focused on beauty, creativity and excellence. I hope the Circus can help make students believe in their own talent and aim high.”

12/03/2024

Creatives, get ready! The Creative Circus has been reimagined to meet the needs of today’s students, with virtual courses led by industry professionals beginning in Summer 2025. Registration begins in February 2025!

12/02/2024

Dear Circus Family,

I'm reaching out today to share some important updates on The Creative Circus and its exciting future. Like many of you, I was deeply saddened when the news broke last year that our school would close its doors after nearly 30 years of inspiring creativity and excellence. Having spent 13 amazing years at The Circus, it felt like losing a home—a place that had profoundly shaped my professional and personal journey.

However, what began as a moment of loss has transformed into a renewed opportunity. When Vann Graves, the Brandcenter Executive Director, approached me with the idea of helping the final Circus class complete their education at the Brandcenter, I was inspired by his commitment to our community. This collaboration not only allowed these students to finish their studies but also sparked the idea of rebirth for the future of The Creative Circus.

Soon after, I was asked to lead this next chapter of The Circus. With the blessing of our founders—Norm Grey, Carol Vick, and Michael Jones-Kelly—and a dedicated network of alumni and friends, I eagerly accepted the challenge. The Circus has always been a place where talent is nurtured, and creativity is unleashed, and I am determined to keep that legacy alive.

Our mission remains clear: to provide unparalleled access and training for those passionate about breaking into the creative industry. Starting in 2025, which marks The Circus's 30th anniversary, we will offer updated programming that reflects the evolving needs of today's creative landscape. The courses will cover Art Direction, Copywriting, and Design, with instruction from top-tier Circus alums and former instructors. We are committed to delivering a learning experience that is both rigorous and infused with the signature spirit and camaraderie that have always defined us.

As we move forward, our initial focus will be virtual learning, but I hope to return to in-person learning one day. This will take time and resources, but with your continued support, I am confident we will get there.

Just as The Creative Circus played a pivotal role in shaping your creative journeys, we are excited to pass on that same inspiration and expertise to the next generation of creatives. I encourage you to stay connected, share your stories, and help us spread the word about the revival of The Circus.

Thank you for your passion, your dedication, and your belief in The Circus. Your past contributions have been invaluable in shaping our legacy, and we are grateful for your continued support as we embark on this new journey. Together, we are ensuring that our legacy not only endures but also flourishes in ways we never imagined.

Best,

Berwyn Hung

Address

Richmond, VA
23284

Telephone

+14044776700

Website

facebook.com

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