About Us

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission at Circus Arts International is to provide high-level coaching, and ongoing, committed training in flying trapeze, aerial arts, and circus arts for individuals of all ages, capability levels, and skill levels - from complete beginners to seasoned circus arts performers and professionals - that is inclusive, empowering, and safe, and which expands and enhances the circus community.

In addition to continuing to grow and strengthen the current community, our combined mission, vision and passion is to extend the circus arts community to individuals and groups who are traditionally underrepresented and/or excluded from the circus arts, due to lack of access, lack of belief, general disability, socioeconomic challenges, or other reasons. We aim to create transformative experiences which inspire confidence and belief for all of our students - from first-time circus arts students to seasoned professionals. We believe everyone can find a home in circus.

MEET THE OFFICERS

  • Stuart Moulton

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    "Entertainment, education, and travel... trapeze provides it all!"
    – Stuart Moulton

    Stuart has been coaching flying trapeze professionally for 15 years. Most recently he served as the Flying Trapeze Program Director for Circus Warehouse (NYC) and as a Senior Instructor for Trapeze School New York. For the last 24 years, he served as Producing Artistic Director for Austin Cabaret Theatre, steering all aspects of the organization (the only year-round, professional producing cabaret in Texas) including program development, hiring, budget, and fundraising galas. Stuart also was the showcase director for Trapeze Austin (TX), and Omega Institute’s Circus Night (NY). For the major motion picture, The Greatest Showman, he coached Zendaya (Lead) for her flying trapeze work in the film, and also coordinated as a stunt catcher for set-up shots on the soundstage where the film was shot. Stuart serves as the resident Guest Artist/Instructor at New England Center for Circus Arts, and also has extensive theatrical experience in performing, choreographing, and directing.

  • Darcy Schacher

    CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

    “Peter Pan and Wendy turned out fine.
    So won't you fly with me?”
    – Jonas Brothers

    Darcy began her flying trapeze career in 2018 after seeing a commercial for The Greatest Showman. Since that time, she has transitioned from a novice to semi-professional flyer, as well as a Senior Instructor and sought-after Trampoline Coach. Prior to 2024, Darcy served in several roles (simultaneously) within upper management at Trapeze School New York, including Operations Manager, Scheduling Manager, Media and Events Manager, Policy Administrator, Payroll Administrator and Office Manager. Additionally, Darcy has extensive experience holding supervisory/staff trainer roles in various customer-facing jobs throughout NYC, including Macy’s Santaland, The Tuck Room and Iridum. Additionally, Darcy has extensive experience in teaching children’s theatre and dance.

  • Hal Anderson

    GENERAL MANAGER

    When I find a quote, I'll let you know :)
    — Hal Anderson

    Hal was introduced to the flying trapeze 18 years ago when he dropped his brother off for a class at TSNY. He was immediately enthralled by the flying trapeze and the other circus arts being taught there at the time. He began to spend all his time at the trapeze school and within a few months he was teaching some of those very classes. He has served as a Senior Instructor/Coach, Rig Manager, Rigging Manager, Head Rigger, Staff Mentor, Master Trainer at TSNY NYC. He has coached, flown, and performed at locations in the U.S., Australia, and Sweden. Eighteen years later he is still just as excited to help first time flyers perform a knee hang as he is to help advanced flyer perfect their big tricks.

  • Chioma Onyekwere

    CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER

    “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”
    – Paolo Coelho, The Alchemist

    Chioma has over 30 years' experience in database and software application development, process management, technical and non-technical writing, and teaching and training students of all ages in, among other things, mathematics, computer programming, and writing. She is a Principal in Core Seven, Inc., a Full Project Lifecycle Applications Development and Management Consulting firm based in NYC. Chioma was introduced to flying trapeze 17 years ago, and has been successfully coaching students - as well as teaching teachers - for more than 13 of those years.

Meet the Board

  • Jim Strong

    Jim Strong is a multidisciplinary teacher with two decades of experience working with a signature positive and inclusive approach. He taught circus at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) from 2012-2014, Trapeze School New York (TSNY) from 2014-2020, and the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) from 2020-2025. He was also Flying Trapeze Program Director at NECCA from 2022-2024, leading their flying trapeze program to all time high revenue in 2024. Jim lives in Brattleboro, VT with his wife Liz and two children.

  • Christie Nadratowski

    Christine (Christie) is the Vice President of Program Operations at an established NYC nonprofit organization, as well as a lifelong lover of movement - especially flipping on a sprung floor, diving board, or trampoline. Her formal career spans Education, Customer Success, and Operations. She hopes to continue using this skill set to ensure that students at Circus Arts International have a seamless, consistently wonderful experience.

    A passionate teacher, her 20 year-long athletic teaching background includes swimming, diving, gymnastics, and trampoline. She also incorporates an MS in Higher Education/Leadership into her teaching philosophy, to ensure that her trampoline classes are equitable, accessible, and fun!

    As an athlete with a connective tissue disorder, Christie is invested in increasing accessibility to circus for people who may not feel that they fit the traditional “circus” mold. From helping adult learners feel supported, to adjusting class structure to accommodate different learning styles and ability levels, Christie strives to make each class a positive and uplifting experience.

  • Travis Jones

    Travis Jones has worked in nonprofit and for profit finance and accounting for more than 8 years at New York Theatre Workshop, Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, and most recently leading project finance and corporate FP&A for Syncarpha Capital. His love of circus began as soon as he took his first class in 2009 and since then he has accumulated over a decade of circus experience teaching flying trapeze and trampoline. He has a Masters in Nonprofit Management/Arts Administration from New York University and a double Bachelors in Theatre and Art and Visual Culture from Bates College.

Meet CaI

Cai is the beloved mascot and muse of Circus Arts International, a vibrant character who brings joy and laughter to students and audiences alike. Cai embodies the spirit of circus fun.

Legend has it that Cai was once a shy aspiring performer who discovered a true calling as a mascot after accidentally stumbling into a pie-throwing contest. Now, Cai encourages young circus enthusiasts to embrace their creativity and explore the wonders of trapeze, trampoline, acrobatics, juggling, and circus.

Cai is not just a performer - but also a mentor who inspires students to dream big and never take themselves too seriously. Whether leading workshops, hosting events, or making surprise appearances at performances, Cai is always ready to entertain and uplift, reminding everyone that the circus is a place for laughter, friendship, and boundless imagination.