From Cirque du Soleil to King Kong The Musical, if you see an Australian circus artist working today on the professional stage anywhere in the world, chances are they began their career by auditioning for the NICA Bachelor of Circus Arts course.
The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is now inviting aspiring circus artists to submit their applications for entry into the 2014 Bachelor of Circus Arts course, with the opportunity to join the ranks of the acclaimed alumni who have passed through the institute’s doors over the past 14 years.
From 30 September 2013, NICA trainers will be holding auditions in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne for entry into the course in 2014. Those with a flair for the physical and a desire for a challenge will have the opportunity to apply for this prestigious course.
As the only circus degree in Australia, NICA’s Bachelor of Circus Arts attracts applicants from across Australia and overseas. The course is a great career opportunity for those with some background in physical training such as circus, sport, dance, physical theatre, gymnastics, acrobatics, martial arts, diving or trampoline and who dream of performing.
NICA graduates have established successful careers in Australia and internationally in acclaimed companies including Circus Oz, Circa, No Fit State and Cirque du Soleil.
An example of this is circus artist James Brown. He is one of seven NICA graduates who are currently performing as the King’s Men in the Helpmann Award winning stage spectacular, King Kong.
Brown says NICA provided him with the best training in Australia but also the opportunity to create, perform and develop his unique form of artistic expression, as well as small business and entrepreneurial skills.
“While the focus for many is on physical skills and entertainment, it is important not to forget the business side of the industry. Since graduating from NICA in 2003, I have worked very hard on setting up and nurturing my own entertainment companies; acrobatica and ThisSideUp acrobatics. I love being a physical entertainer, pushing boundaries and making the impossible possible.”
NICA’s Program Manager Rose Stephens says that NICA has grown from strength to strength over its 14 year history, thanks to the dedication of its exceptional staff and its very talented students.
“The number of new and independent companies has increased, indicating both a growth in the market place for original contemporary circus and the emergence of a new breed of circus artists to meet that demand.”
Mike Finch, Artistic Director of Circus Oz is impressed by NICA graduates and three NICA graduates featured in the cast of their recent show, Cranked Up.
Finch says that NICA’s reputation for nurturing talented circus artists has put “Victoria among the top three international centres for contemporary circus training along with France and Quebec.”
NICA is one of eight national arts training institutes and offers Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts. The course is accredited by Swinburne University and training takes place in custom-built circus facilities on its Prahran campus.
Over 100 young people currently study at NICA’s internationally-recognised facility in Melbourne, with a steely determination to graduate with a degree and a competitive advantage that will help them perform at an elite level.
Entry into the three year Bachelor of Circus Arts Degree course in 2014 is by audition, interview and physiotherapy assessment. Applicants must have completed Year 12 or equivalent to be eligible for this program and are required to apply for an audition.
Auditions are being held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in September and October 2013. Attendance in person is preferred, however applicants who live outside these cities, and are unable to attend, are eligible to apply by DVD/Video. Applications close on Monday 9 September 2013.
For more information, contact (03) 9214 6537 or visit: www.nica.com.au or for details.
Image: by Aaron Walker
