The history of circus in Toronto didn’t start in a gym or a studio - it started under a tent on the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre in 1987. What is now Big Top Circus Camp began as Toronto's very first circus program, and today, it remains the heart of Ontario’s circus community.
Our story begins with Marsha Kennington, a world-class swinging trapeze artist fresh off a tour with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Marsha landed in Toronto with a vision: to bring the magic and discipline of the circus to the next generation.
She founded the Harbourfront Circus Camp, establishing the province's first dedicated circus camp and within a year had also founded the province's first year round circus school. For over 35 years, Marsha’s "Big Top" became a Toronto landmark, teaching thousands of children that the "impossible" was just a skill waiting to be learned.
Among those thousands of children was Rachel David. Rachel entered the ring as a 6-year-old camper in 1987 and never truly left. She grew up within the program, eventually becoming a professional circus artist herself.
Years later, Marsha chose Rachel to carry the legacy forward. This wasn't just a business transition; it was a passing of the torch from mentor to student, ensuring the camp’s original spirit remained intact.
Last year, we faced our biggest challenge yet. Due to space constraints and major events (like the FIFA World Cup and Science Centre partnerships) at our long-time home, we learned we could no longer remain at the Harbourfront Centre.
But the circus doesn't stop - it moves! In a massive community effort, our family, staff, and alumni rallied together. We are thrilled to announce that we are partnered with SoCirC (Social Circus Circle) an dhave secured our own independent home in the Toronto Portlands.
The Same Magic: Being independent allows us to prioritize our campers' circus experience above all else.
The Original Crew: We aren't just "under new management." Founder Marsha Kennington has returned from retirement in Las Vegas to help us set up and keep running, and our long-serving staff of professional artists is back for Year 39!
A Family Affair: Rachel is joined by her brother Eric and sister Ilana - both of whom also grew up in this program - making this a truly family-run operation.
Artists you see performing with Cirque du Soleil, in films, and on stages across Toronto often trace their very first climb up a silk or swing on a trapeze back to our tents.
When your child joins us this summer, they aren't just attending a camp - they are becoming part of a 39-year-old tradition of confidence, community, and courage.