Future circus artists rejoice as Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts is set to return in 2025. For those who shudder at the thought of a desk job, a degree in Circus Arts is back on the table as the Australian College of the Arts (Collarts) partners with NICA.
But there’s a small window to jump through: applications for auditions to study in 2025 close on Friday 23 August 2024. Auditions will be held in September at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA).
NICA is asking prospective students: Are you an athlete, circus artist, gymnast, dancer or a natural performer? If you find yourself giving more sparkle than spreadsheet, this is your chance to let your talents shine. NICA is on the lookout for 25 unique individuals to form its first-year cohort – the first intake since 2023.
As Australia’s Centre of Excellence in circus studies, and the only provider of a Bachelor program in the southern hemisphere, positions are highly sought after, nationally and internationally.
The rigour and discipline that the course instils makes NICA graduates highly employable. NICA artists are grounded in technique, with 4-5 hours of physical circus training per day, along with performance and movement training, complemented by business, physiology, and nutrition studies, and other essentials required to work in a circus environment.
NICA equips students to be industry-ready, so that they can have long, sustainable careers. Nelson Smyles, 2017 NICA alumnus, has been touring with Cirque Du Soleil since graduating and is currently on tour with LUZIA. He is joined by several other NICA alumni performing with the globally renowned circus company.
NICA’s Director, Simona Jobbagy, is passionate about the need for a degree in circus, which brings Australian circus education to the level of European and American schools, building longevity to a typically short-lived career path.
“Having a Bachelor’s degree affords circus artists a reliable safety net, allowing them to return to study, upskill or pivot into new employment opportunities after they decide to hang up the trapeze,” said Simona.
NICA also offers the Certificate IV in Circus Arts for those seeking a one-year springboard into the industry or looking to enhance the skills required for the Bachelor program.
NICA has established relationships with Cirque du Soleil, Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe, Shanghai Circus School, all schools in the FEDEC in Europe and Taiwan National Academy of Performing Arts.
NICA makes the extraordinary world of circus arts a professional reality with world-class training, innovation, evidence-based research, and development. It’s through these tools that they create truly extraordinary, industry-ready artists.
Proudly flying under the flag of the Australian Collage of the Arts (Collarts), NICA is an internationally renowned centre of excellence providing tertiary-level, innovative education, training, performance, research, leadership, and talent to the local, national and global circus arts industry.
Applications are now open and close Friday 23 August 2024. National auditions will take place in Melbourne on the following dates: 23 – 24 and 25 – 26 September. Those unable to travel can submit video auditions. For more information and to apply, visit: www.nica.com.au for details.
Image: NICA workshop with artists from Cirque du Soleil – photo by Cameron Grant | Parenthesy