Cirque De-Stress is a product of the collaboration between Circus Mojo and Dr. Gary Christenson, the Chief Medical Officer of Boynton Health Services at the University of Minnesota. For four years, Cirque De-Stress has used circus performance and interaction as a means of spreading awareness of mental health issues and the services available on campus.
Seven 30-minute shows throughout the day deliver messages using circus skills as metaphors for topics such as self-care or managing one’s obligations. Between each show, students are encouraged to visit stations that publicize mental health resources on campus and stress-relieving activities.
By using circus as an attraction, students not only receive a temporary stress reliever in the form of a circus show, they also are given the resources to help them in the longer term.