Introducing Zip Zap USA
The ‘Zip Zap Circus USA Inc Section 501(c)(3) was created in 2006 to support activities of the ‘Zip Zap Circus School Trust’ social circus school - located in Cape Town, South Africa - in terms of project engineering, monitoring and evaluation, educational exchanges with USA, institutional agreements, sponsorship, grants, global visibility and international solidarity in the field.
Our Impact
Since 1992, Zip Zap has changed the lives of young people, regardless of their ability to pay. A career in the circus is not the goal of social circus programs (although many Zip Zap kids have gone on to perform as professionals around the world!).
Rather, the objective of social circus is to increase self-awareness, individuality, collective unity, and self-discipline to transform the vision and capabilities of at-risk youth.
Our Story
Zip Zap USA continues the magic that began in Cape Town, South Africa, by creating awareness, managing fundraising, and supporting projects of Zip Zap South Africa.
A very special circus began in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1992. At that time, South Africa’s first democratic elections were still several years away, and the country was in turmoil, but international circus performer Brent van Rensburg felt called to return to his homeland. At the very moment when many people were leaving, Brent and his wife Laurence (who was also his trapeze partner!) moved to Cape Town. They were determined to help make Nelson Mandela’s dream of a rainbow nation into a reality. Together, they launched a project that would help create a global movement: circus for social transformation.
Zip Zap’s youth and outreach programs are offered free to all children.
We fund these programs through a combination of public performances, fundraising events, grants and donations from individuals, foundations and corporations.
Zip Zap’s
Programs Pyramid
Zip Zap’s youth and outreach programs are offered free to all children.
We fund these programs through a combination of public performances, fundraising events, grants and donations from individuals, foundations and corporates.
Ubuntu (Outreach)
The Ubuntu program allows us to provide an innovative and alternative patient support program, catering for children living with HIV and who receive anti-retroviral treatment at the clinic. The program delivers activities that create a fun environment as a base for children to play and learn.
The program was launched in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and this partnership continues with Khayelitsha Clinic. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
2nd Chance (Outreach)
The 2nd Chance program is offered in partnership with the HCI Foundation and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). Through this program we engage beneficiaries from primary schools, high schools, NGOs, and children’s homes in the most underserved areas across Cape Town. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
The Hood (Outreach)
The Hood aims to include children from the Salt River neighbourhood in Cape Town, where the Zip Zap Academy, and assist in the development of physically, socially, and emotionally healthier children by providing them with positive childhood experiences in their neighbourhood.
Through this program children, aged 7 to 17 years, are taught various circus disciplines in a novel, safe and fun environment. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
Khula Nathi (Outreach)
Khula Nathi (“grow with us”) is a Zip Zap Circus program that uses early childhood development principles to enhance young children’s readiness to start their first year of formal schooling by improving physical, social, and cognitive skills through a structured social circus programme. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
Vuka (Youth)
This program is offered in partnership with St. Joseph’s Home RC Primary School and caters to children aged 10 to 18 years, living with various chronic illnesses and intellectual impairments. Our aim is to provide a fun, safe space where children with health challenges can develop socially, physically, and emotionally through engaging circus activities tailored to their needs. The programme aligns with Zip Zap’s goal of being fully inclusive and, through circus arts, participants benefit from a positive, healthy distraction from their daily challenges. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
Isiseko (Youth)
Isiseko, meaning ‘foundation’, invites children aged 7-10 years from different backgrounds into a welcoming and inclusive space! This program helps young people to grow, building confidence and make friends while mastering the art of circus! Participants attend training weekly. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
Ukwanda (Youth)
Meaning “grow”, this program invites children and teens aged 11-17 years from diverse backgrounds into a welcoming and inclusive space, and encourages them to make new friends, and learn cool circus tricks! Whether they're looking to build confidence, learn new skills, or simply have a blast, our programme helps young people grow at every step of their journey while mastering the art of circus! Participants commit to twice-weekly training sessions. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
Zappers (Youth)
Targeting youth aged 8-18 years from our existing social programs, this program aims to develop a high-performing group with advanced circus skills, enhancing their chances for success through technical mastery and personal growth. Participants attend training 3 times per week. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
Dare2Dream (Youth)
Dare2Dream (D2D) our flagship vocational full-time program targets youth aged 16+ years with interests in circus- or performing arts, or careers related to these fields. Following a holistic approach, it aims to provide technical circus skills and essential life skills to empower participants to pursue careers in the circus arts or other related fields, while fostering self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM
The Zip Zap USA Directors
We have a dedicated and diverse board of directors guiding our mission and initiatives. Comprised of accomplished professionals from various backgrounds, our board members bring a wealth of expertise and passion to the organization.
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Alan Elliot Merschen
Director
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Elias Popa
Treasurer
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Shannon Xhola
President
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Beth Binns Schoellkopf
Secretary
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Josh Aviner
Director
Support Zip Zap &
Book MOYA For Your Next Event
MOYA is Zip Zap’s award-winning professional company.
These performers have all spent years honing their circus techniques and skills, whilst working their way up the various levels of Zip Zap’s program offerings.
Book MOYA for your next event. Reach out to us at events@zip-zap.org
Interested in learning more?
Reach out to us at
Testimonials
“In 2011, along with 30 Saltimbanco artists and employees, I had the privelege of visiting Zip Zap. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to experience firsthand the contagious joy, enthusiasm and hope shared by all those who come in contact with Zip Zap programs.
We at Cirque du Soleil salute Zip Zap’s remarkable social involvement and commitment to its community. Zip Zap is the living proof that actions speak louder than words and that the sky is the limit when we all come together! May your activities continue to inspire!”
— Daniel Lamarre, Former and CEO Cirque du Soleil
“Zip Zap taught me circus skills, but also self-respect and how to respect other people.”
— Zip Zap Beneficiary
“Zip Zap has made a change in me. Through Zip Zap, I believe I can also make a change to the next generation.”
— Zip Zap Beneficiary
Interested in supporting Support Zip Zap from the US?
Here are some ways to get involved.
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Collaborate with us
Join our esteemed list of partners, including the European Union via Erasmus+, SOS Children’s Villages, Kindermissionswerk, the French embassy, the Western Cape Department of Education, and many governmental organizations around the world. Let’s create circus magic together!
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Attend a Performance
We are in the process of planning our 2024 performance schedule throughout the U.S. Get on the list to be notified about events and performances coming to a location near you.
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Make a Donation
Children never pay to participate in our programs! Your donation, small or large, will make a real difference to a child AND is tax-deductible! Help us make circus magic happen for more children
Join Our Mailing List
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