Introducing Zip Zap USA
Supporting Zip Zap Circus in Cape Town, South Africa, to change lives through the transformative power of circus arts - Your support makes it possible!
Impacting Youth
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.
These programs are funded through a combination of public performances, fundraising events, grants and donation from individuals, foundations and corporations.
Zip Zap’s
Programs Pyramid
Zip Zap offers 9 outreach and youth programs.
Ubuntu (Outreach)
The Ubuntu program provides 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.
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.
The Hood (Outreach)
The Hood aims to include children from the Salt River neighbourhood in Cape Town, where the Zip Zap Academy is based, and assists 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.
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 program.
Vuka (Outreach)
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.
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.
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.
Zappers (Youth)
Targeting youth aged 8-18 years from our existing programs, Zappers aims to develop a high-performing group with advanced circus skills, enhancing their chances for success through technical mastery and personal growth. Participants are offered training 4 times per week.
Dare2Dream (Youth)
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 today to help Zip Zap continue to offer these programs free of charge
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 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
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 by booking MOYA, our professional company, for your next event!
These performers have spent years honing their circus techniques and skills, whilst working their way through the various levels of Zip Zap's programs. Contact us at events@zip-zap.org
Interested in supporting Zip Zap from the USA?
Here are some ways to get involved:
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Partner with us
Join our esteemed list of partners, including the European Union via Erasmus+, 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
In 2024 our professional company presented MOYA at The Children's Theatre in Minneapolis. In April 2025, MOYA will be presented at The New Victory Theater in New York.
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Make a Donation
Children never pay to participate in 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.
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