NICA searching for Australia’s future circus stars

National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) Training FacilitiesAustralia’s premier circus arts organisation, the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), will undertake a nationwide audition roadshow in search of Australia’s future circus stars this September and October.

As the only national arts training institute to offer a Bachelor of Circus Arts, positions at NICA are highly sought after and attract Australia’s most talented, physically gifted and creative young performers.

NICA graduates have joined nationally and internationally acclaimed companies including Cirque du Soleil, Dragone (China), Cavalia (Canada), NoFit State Circus (United Kingdom) alongside Australia’s Circa, Circus Oz and Carnival Australia.

“Naturally we are seeking emerging circus artists but our hunt is quite broad, extending to dancers, gymnasts, martial artists, theatre students, trickers, parkour enthusiasts, BMX riders and more,” says NICA’s Head of Circus Studies, James Brown. “If you are highly focused and wish to make a career out of your skills, we invite you to obtain a degree in elite, contemporary circus arts training.”

Brown’s own artistic practice commenced in ballet and traversed acting, gymnastics and circus leading him to work across the globe including performing in the smash hit musical King Kong. Joining him on the search is Vocational Education Coordinator Tegan Carmichael, who has worked with Opera Circus, Freedom 2 Move and Victorian State School Spectacular.

Entry into the three-year Bachelor of Circus Arts degree is by audition, interview and successful completion of a medical assessment. Applicants must apply to audition.

The innovative curriculum includes individual and group circus acts, performance and movement skills, circus history and cultural studies, circus business and career management; anatomy, physiology, nutrition and sports psychology for circus artists and health and safety in the circus environment.

NICA also offers two foundation courses: Certificate III in Circus Arts – which offers young people in Year 11 and 12 the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised qualification in Circus Arts; and Certificate IV in Circus Arts – which provides training in preliminary level circus skills and knowledge for aspiring circus artists.

Auditions are being held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney throughout September and October. Audition applications close Friday 24 August 2018. For more information and entry requirements, visit: www.nica.com.au or for details.

Image: Training Facilities at the National Institute of Circus Arts (supplied)