Troupe is Greentop’s youth circus performance company
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About Troupe
Troupe is Greentop’s flagship Youth Circus performance programme — a transformative opportunity for 12 young aspiring circus artists aged 11–18 to co-create and perform original circus theatre. Since its launch in January 2019, Troupe has empowered young people across South Yorkshire to develop their skills, confidence, and creative voice through high-quality circus training and performance.
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What does Troupe involve?
Each year, following a competitive audition process, 12 participants embark on a 28-week journey of weekly training sessions, eight intensive day-long workshops, and collaborative rehearsals, leading to a minimum of 4 shows at significant regional events in July on our outdoor aerial rig.
Troupe training sessions focus on performance skills as well as technical skill development in a range of circus and related disciplines. We expect this to be an additional commitment to your dedicated regular Circus or related discipline class.
Members of Troupe are part of a performing community supporting each other and working with specialist technical trainers, creatively with guest artists, a show director and designer.
The result? A powerful, original show that pushes the boundaries of youth performance, performed at multiple events across South Yorkshire.
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Who can join and how?
For 12 young people between the ages of 11 and 18 years
Free training is available for adult volunteers including rigging, first aid and safeguarding.
The annual cost of Troupe membership is £250. (Financial assistance is available and further information will be available upon being offered a place.)
Each year, following a competitive audition process, 12 participants embark on a 25-week journey of weekly training sessions, eight intensive day-long workshops, and collaborative rehearsals. The result? A powerful, original show that pushes the boundaries of youth performance.
Our next Troupe auditions will be held in Autumn, 2026.
In 2025, Troupe presented: Uplift: A Circus Journey Through Chaos and Connection
Uplift – A visually stunning and emotionally resonant production, explored how young people navigate disconnection and rediscover joy through community and creativity.
“In a forgotten circus ground where colour has faded and spirits have dimmed, performers drift through the ruins of their once-vibrant home — until a storm brings four vibrant newcomers tumbling into their world, sparking a powerful transformation…”
Through a dynamic blend of aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, acrobatics, movement, and diabolo, the young artists brought this story to life with breathtaking skill and heartfelt expression.
The show was more than a performance — it was a celebration of youth resilience and a call to nurture positive mental health through connection, creativity, and courage.
The incredible Greentop Troupe performed to over 500 audience members at Barnsley’s Big Weekend, and again to another 500+ in Sheffield, using Greentop’s outdoor aerial rig, before the finale at Greentop Circus Centre.
Troupe 2025 was made possible with core support from our funding partners:
This year’s journey was beautifully captured in a behind-the-scenes video created by Ella McDowell, a Youth Circus member and former Troupe participant, as part of her T Level in Creative Arts. Her film offers a glimpse into the creative process, the camaraderie, and the magic that brought *Uplift* to life.
Previously, on Troupe …
We had an amazing journey with Troupe 2023, culminating with performances of “Connections” at Firth Park Funday, Chesterfield Children’s Festival, and Underneath the Stars Festival, and a special performance here at Greentop as a tribute to Troupe member Bethany Hopkins, reaching audiences of over 1500 people across the region.
The 2019 show “High Hopes” and the 2021 production “Playground of Dreams” reached audiences of 1200 people.
“I’ve been deeply impressed with the whole Troupe project. It’s an amazing undertaking to tour a show to four different outdoor locations with an aerial rig, heartfelt thanks go to the production team and parent volunteers who helped make it happen. This group of 12 young performers dealt with wet weather uncertainties, and they filled in for absent cast members by sharing and learning new roles. Their performances grew and developed in confidence with each outing and they held the attention of the audience with ease and grace.” Maddie McGowan, Troupe Director.