Big Apple Circus 13, 2017 that they will auction off their assets. On February 14, 2017, Big Apple Circus announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court had approved the sale of their assets to Big Top Works, an affiliate of Compass Partners, for $1.3 million. As part of the sale, the circus will be renewed for its 40th anniversary season and some community programs will continue. On March 21, 2017, Big Apple Circus announced that renowned acrobat Nik Wallenda will be the headline act in the 40th anniversary season at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park in New York City from October 26, 2017 to January
Big Apple Circus bankruptcy sale and have since been taken over by various local organizations. Big Apple Circus' Circus After School program gives opportunities for "at-risk youth to develop life-enhancing skills such as teamwork, commitment, and responsible risk-taking through a structured program of learning and performing the circus arts." Since emerging from bankruptcy, it is no longer a program of the Circus. Founded in 2001 as a spin-off of the Clown Care program, the Vaudeville Caravan brings clowns to nursing homes. Since emerging from bankruptcy, it is no longer a program of the Circus. The Circus for All program provides Big Apple Circus