The future is now for the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), as they welcome a new intake of acrobatic talent. The Bachelor of Circus Arts degree is the only one of its kind in Australia, attracting nation-wide talent.
The new students hail from circus, dance and gymnastics schools across Australia and New Zealand, standing on the solid training foundations from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus (NSW), Byron Bay Circus Arts (NSW), Women’s Circus (VIC), Warehouse Circus (ACT), The South Australian Circus Centre (SA), Just Acrobatics (QLD), Jolletes Gymnastics Mandurah (WA), Wellington Youth Circus (NZ), plus many more.
Shayla Ashton from Wellington, NZ, relocated to Melbourne for NICA’s Certificate IV program in 2024, a move she said was “a big transition.” Of training in the Bachelor program she says, “It is a big step up from the Certificate IV and a lot more challenging than I was expecting, but it’s great because we are pushing ourselves and seeing improvement.”
Tarnee Doyle from Mandurah, WA, says, “The training is as difficult as I was expecting it to be, I’d spent the months leading up mentally preparing for this.” Gabe Douglas from Byron Bay, NSW, adds, “It is a dream come true to come to NICA – I am so grateful to be here.”
With her office uniquely positioned to offer a birds-eye view of the training room floor, CEO of NICA, Simona Jobbagy, says “It’s inspiring to see NICA buzzing with new talent, full of ambition and potential.”
This was made possible through the new partnership with the Australian College of The Arts (Collarts) in December last year, as NICA’s new education partner.
“This collaboration strengthens opportunities for emerging circus artists, ensuring they receive world-class training and support. With a dynamic new board in place, we’re excited to see NICA thrive and continue its legacy of excellence in performance and innovation,” said Sam Jacob, CEO of Collarts.
In the spirit of new beginnings, NICA is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board who will help guide NICA’s vision and future growth. Their expertise, leadership, and passion for the arts will play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter of circus education and performance in Australia. The Board includes:
- Bill Sweeney – Director & Interim Chair | Executive Chairman, Collarts
- Sam Jacob – Director | Chief Executive Officer, Collarts
- Collette Brennan – Director | Chief Executive Officer, National Trust
- Darcy Grant – Director | Artistic Director, Gravity & Other Myths
- Jonathan Burke – Director | Official Secretary, Office of the Governor (Victoria)
- Jill Smith AM – Director | Australian Government nominee
- Peter Barnard – Secretary | Quality & Compliance Manager, Collarts
NICA extends their gratitude to the outgoing board members for their long-serving guardianship of NICA and their important contribution to NICA’s journey.
Punctuating NICA’s comeback story, the dates have just been released for some exciting projects and performances in 2025:
- NICA’s Third Year Ensemble performance: 17 – 28 June
- Auditions for the 2026 bachelor’s degree and Certificate IV intake: early September
- Australian Circus Summit: Out of Lines – an unconventional conference addressing issues directly effecting the circus industry: 8 – 10 October
- Third Year Showcase: 9 – 13 December
For more information about the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), visit: www.nica.com.au for details.
Image: Merlene Hutt in MUSE – photo by Cameron Grant | Parenthesy