Mission: Through circus and theatre arts education, the Prescott Circus Theatre’s mission is to empower and engage youth as they develop confidence, teamwork, perseverance, artistic talent, and a dedication to working for success. By providing professional training, unique curriculum, and a safe environment for underserved youth, our Oakland-based non-profit youth development organization promotes skill mastery, physical activity, positive relationships with peers and adults, and opportunities to shine for the community.
Programs: In fiscal year 2016-2017, prescott circus theatre served 223 low income oakland public school students, ages 7 - 16, through quality out-of-school time circus and theater arts classes lead by professional artists. Pct provided close to 900 instructional hours in partnership with ten public schools. Youth learned circus skills including acrobatics, juggling, stilt dancing, and clowning and participated in creating and performing original theatrical shows. The organization produced its annual spring showcase and summer performance series consisting of seven free public performances for over 2,300 adults and children. In addition, youth performed and made appearances at 57 community events for 13,000 people. Participants reported gains in self confidence, ability to express oneself, and happiness to be at school as a result of their involvement with prescott circus theatre
II LOVE THE PRESCOTT CLOWNS AS I GREW UP IN WEST OAKLAND WITH NOT REALLY MUCH TO BUT YOU HAD THE PRESCOTT CLOWNS ALTHOUGH I DID NOT JOIN MY SISTERS I AND BROTHERS DID SO I HAVE BEEN THERE TO SEE THEM ALOT IN THE PRESCOTT CLOWNS GIVE THE KIDS SUMTHING TO DO MY FRIST BROTHER WHO STARTED CLOWNS WAS HIT BY A CAR IN 2007 IN THE CLOWNS WAS RIGHT AT HIS BED SIDE AND THEY REALLY GIVE ARE YOUTH SOMETHING TO DO MY 3 YEAR DAUGHTER BELIVES SHE A CLOWN AND WE NEED THEM AROUND LONGER SO SHE WILL BE ABLE TO DO 1 I LOVE TO HELP THE CLOWNS AN ANY WAY BUT I ALSO LOVE TO WATCH THE CLOWNS WE ARE A FAMILY AND THE CLOWNS BRING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY'S TOGETHER WITHOUT ANY VOLINCE I LOVE ALL THE CLOWNS AND THE STAFF EVEN THE BORAD MEMBERS
I am extremely pleased to say a few good words about Aileen Moffitt and staff of the Prescott Circus Theatre. My grandson stood in awe on a Saturday afternoon at the Oakland Main Library as the PCT performed...young people on stilts, some juggling, some clowning for the crowds at the summer read-fest. Little did he know as he took a picture with Derique McGee that in two years he would have an opportunity to study/train at Laurel Elementary. Not only did it lift his self-esteem, but he enjoyed learning to juggle, do a little clowning, performing at the Malonga Casquelourd Arts Center and most of all---stiltwalking...The tireless efforts of the staff deserve our support...many urban children/youth are exposed to the joys of performing, the necessity for rehearsing one's craft and the glorious transforming power of make-up....May PCT CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A VALUABLE CREATIVE OUTLET FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN!!!
