Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
photo by: Robert Gray
What can I expect on my first day of class?
Depending on the day, there may be a class ending right before yours begins, so be aware that the lobby may be a bit crowded! You can arrive up to 5 minutes early for class. There are 2 doors and a small ramp to enter the facility at 207 Washington St. Once you’ve entered, to the left is the hallway leading to the Clown Annex and to our 2 gender-neutral restrooms, directly ahead are cubbies where you can keep your personal belongings, and to the right is a small seating area where you can wait for your class to begin. Remove your shoes before stepping onto the mats. Typically your instructor will introduce themselves, ask participants to introduce their names/pronouns, and give you a preview of what to expect from class. Most classes begin with a brief but physical warm-up and then there is time for learning new skills, time for reviewing skills from previous classes, and time at the end for conditioning and or cool-down tasks.
What ages do you offer classes for?
Our kids classes are for grades kindergarten through 8th, and our adult classes welcome teens 14 and up. The adult and teen classes tend to have a wide variety of ages and experience!
How do I register for class or see my registration?
Use the navigation bar above to find available Adult Classes or Kids Classes. If no classes appear in our registration software widget, then registration is closed until the next session. Typically our classes run for 8 weeks and registration opens approximately 4 weeks before the start of the term. Registration opens about every 2 months. Get on our mailing list to get notified!
Once registered, you can login to Sawyer, our registration software, to view your schedule.
How much do classes cost?
As of September 2026, we have standardized our adult class rates at $15 per hour and kids class rates at $24 per hour. This means that for a typical 8 week session, you can expect the following prices:
Kids 1 Hour Class = $192.00
Adult 1 Hour Class = $120
Adult 75 minute Class = $150
Adult 90 Minute Class = $180
Adult 2 Hour Class = $240
Do you offer scholarships, discounts, or payment plans?
We offer a 40% scholarship for adults or children who identify as BIPOC. We also offer a 40% scholarship for foster youth. If you enroll in 2 or more classes through our registration software, an automatic 5% discount will be applied to all tuition, if you enroll in 3 or more, a 15% discount is applied.
There is a payment plan available each session through the registration software for any session class over $50.
Do you have drop-in classes?
When space is available, some classes are drop in eligible! See which ones on our DROP IN PAGE! You can pay tuition and reserve your spot using the registration widget or you can email the instructor to bring cash or check to class.
Drop in rates are $16/hour for Adult Classes, and $25 for Kids Classes.
Kids 1 Hour Drop In = $25
Adult 1 Hour Drop In= $16
Adult 75 minute Class = $20
Adult 90 Minute Class = $24
Adult 2 Hour Class = $32
I have previous aerial experience from another studio. Where do I start?
Welcome! If you’d like to jump straight into a Continuing-level class, we’d love to help you find the right fit. Before signing up, please reach out to schedule a quick, complimentary assessment with one of our instructors.
During this brief visit, you'll have time to warm up, chat about your background, and demonstrate a few skills you feel comfortable with. This helps us align your experience with our curriculum levels so you feel confident, supported, and challenged in the right class!
I have a pre-existing condition or injury. Can I still participate?
In most cases, yes! We believe circus arts should be accessible to everyone, and we are always happy to provide modifications whenever possible. However, safety is our top priority.
Circus disciplines can be physically demanding—often placing unique stress on wrists, shoulders, knees, and other joints. Because new movements can aggravate past injuries or conditions, we ask that you keep the following in mind:
—Consult Your Doctor: If you are recovering from an injury or managing a medical condition, please check with a healthcare professional before registering.
—Communicate: Reach out to your instructor or the studio before your first class. The more we know about your physical boundaries, the better we can adapt skills to support you safely.
Do students perform what they learn in class?
Not all of our students dream of performing, but some do! Kids classes always have a ‘showcase’ during the final week of class. Our studio doesn’t host showcases for the adult classes, but many of our students perform for the first time at our sister studio, Airbound Arts (primarily a training space, with different ownership). Are you interested in performing or perhaps volunteering for their show? Visit www.airboundarts.com for more information. Some students even go on to perform at the long-standing local show, The Brotherhood Takes Flight at the Brotherhood Lounge, produced by the Airbound Underground Circus Collective. Whether you plan to perform or attend in either case, we’d love to see you there!
What is “airbound underground”?
Airbound Underground Circus Collective is a local troupe of performers who produce and perform in The Brotherhood Takes Flight. Occasionally its members will produce and perform at other local events as well. You don’t necessarily have to be in the troupe to perform at The Brotherhood Takes Flight (Broho). Troupe membership involves performing, attending meetings, making decisions as a collective, and volunteering. If you’re interested in learning more, performing at Broho, or joining the troupe one day, start performing regularly and talk to an instructor about involvement possibilities. Sparrow Studios is unaffiliated with the troupe, but most of our instructors are members or can at least point you in the right direction.
I am interested in private lessons. How do I go about that?
Contact any of the instructors and ask! Their bios and email contact information is on our instructor page. The cost of a private lesson can vary. Ask your instructor what their rates are, as they set their own. For a one-person, one-hour lesson, expect to pay around $50-70.
I want to set up my own aerial rigging point at home, in my garage, or in a tree!! Help me?
While we love your enthusiasm, there is a lot to know about safe rigging and proper equipment before investing the time, energy, and materials it takes to set up your own place to practice. Sparrow Studios, and any of its instructors, are not responsible for what you do in your own home; you are taking on all risk and liability by rigging and training in a space outside of our studio. We cannot provide advice about personal rigging, nor do we recommend it, though we will gladly answer questions about what equipment the studio uses. The studio has insurance, crash mats, and quarterly rigging checks that you and your space may not have access to. While our staff have some training in safe rigging practices, we are not qualified structural engineers. We advise that you do your own research and consult with professionals before purchasing and installing equipment to train outside of the studio.
If you’d like another place to practice outside of class, we recommend attending Open Gyms or purchasing a membership at our sister studio, Airbound Arts (primarily a training space, with different ownership). They too have insurance, crash mats, regular rigging checks, and qualified monitors to keep you safe. www.airboundarts.com
I’d like to purchase my friend’s tuition as a gift - Is there a way I can do that?
Yes, we have gift cards through our registration software! Click the hyperlink and it’ll allow you to pick your amount and send it to them via email. That way they can add the gift card to their account and apply it toward whatever class they decide to sign up for.
Do you allow dogs at your studio?
We prefer that you leave your dog at home when you or your child is attending classes. Our instructors are allowed to and often opt to bring their dog(s) to class due to their schedule. Students can request permission to bring their well-behaved dog to class but it may not always be possible. If you have an allergy or concern about this, please reach out to your instructor directly to voice your concerns, or if you prefer you can contact the owners at info@sparrowstudiosolympia.com.
How can I connect with other students?
As of July 2024, we have a Sparrow Studios Students Private Facebook Group and as of August 2024, we have a discord channel as well. Use them to discuss classes, arrange semi-privates, encourage each other, or chat about studio stuff.
Click to join the Facebook group.
I still have questions. What do I do?
email us at info@sparrowstudiosolympia.com