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It’s the Noongar season of Makuru.
We train, create and perform in Walyalup, the land of the Whadjuk Noongar
and pay respects to our elders past and present.
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CricusWA Presents Eclipse
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“The show reminded me that with solidarity, support, care and trust, we can achieve great things together.”
– Eclipse 2026 Audience Member
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Last weekend, the CircusWA Youth Academy spent the weekend transforming Perth audiences’ understanding of what Circus is and surprised them with the quality and capacity youth performers are capable of delivering.
Eclipse gave our young artists the opportunity to work alongside professional circus artists, collaborate with their peers, and develop their skills in a creative, challenging, and supportive environment.
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Originally devised by physical theatre maker Sally Richardson in 2022, Eclipse evolved over three years through creative partnerships starting with the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne and then the South Australia Circus Centre. Together, we brought this production to the State Theatre Centre for three nights and one day. The run ended with a sell-out show on Saturday night and a standing ovation.
More than a performance, Eclipse invited almost 800 audience members across its show season into a sensory physical theatre journey. Our Academy performed one of the most complex shows yet. Central to the production floats and moves a striking set – an immense tent sewn together from small tents, representing displacement, transformation, hope, and renewal. This was created by design duo Eloise Kent and Angelica Rush and built in Perth by Stoz. Filling out the atmosphere was an original sound score by Louis Frere-Harvey, accompanied by live singer Maia Harcourt moving through the work.
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It was a massive team effort to bring this show to the stage. Special thanks go to Director Meredith Kitchen from SA Circus Centre and our very own circus ‘Swiss army knife’ Ben Kotovski-Steele – design rigger, lead skills trainer and performer.
It was an entire team of designers, riggers, and professional performers who supported our Academy. Our young artists responded with a tireless work ethic and determination to share their message of future hope with audiences. One of them even pushed on with a broken thumb – see Amity’s story below.
If you missed this production, then get ready for our next show The Raft, opening at Fremantle’s winter festival 10 Nights in Port. More information below
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What did Eclipse mean to you?
We would be very grateful if you could spare just 2 minutes to complete our short post-show feedback survey. Your feedback is invaluable. It helps us demonstrate the impact of our work, secure future funding, and continue to share stories through circus.
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Interview: Not Letting Injury Stop Performing
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CircusWA Training Program Manager, Jess, chats with Youth Academy Performer Amity (aged 15) about her experience of performing in Eclipse while navigating an injury and setback.
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💬 Amity: My name is Amity, I’m 15 years old, and I joined CircusWA’s Academy when I was 13 through the Eclipse auditions. The auditions were super welcoming, and everyone who was auditioning had a ton of input, it was just an overall great experience for me.
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CircusWA strives to help create safe, inclusive and creative spaces where young people can build confidence and meaningful connections with others.
Supported by Healthway and through collaboration with The Kids Research Institute Australia, CircusWA has been involved in developing and embedding social and emotional wellbeing (SEW) across programs and service areas. This interview with Amity is a teachable moment that reminds us of leadership and support, empathising, compassion and self-awareness: emotions.
Learn more about the SEW-Arts framework.
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When a luxury cruise goes spectacularly wrong, a group of unlikely survivors must learn to navigate life together on a single raft.
Created and performed by CircusWA’s Youth Academy, The Raft is a thrilling blend of circus, physical theatre and dark comedy. As friendships are tested and tensions rise, extraordinary acrobatics and inventive storytelling unfold in a hilarious and unpredictable tale of survival, boredom and betrayal.
Fast-paced, funny and full of surprises, The Raft is a celebration of resilience, resourcefulness and what happens when we’re all in the same boat.
3 performances, held in Victoria Hall, Fremantle:
- Saturday 29 August 7pm-8pm
- Sunday 30 August 1pm-2pm
- Sunday 30 August 6pm-7pm
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More than a building, the Circus Substation is a permanent training and performance facility which will continue to promote excellence, inclusion and innovation whilst empowering the next generation of circus artists.
CircusWA was delighted to recently welcome presenter Lee Steele and her crew from Destination WA to the Circus Substation. Click the play button below to watch our segment.
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Our July holiday programs are in full swing!
We have a range of classes for beginners to experienced artists aged 2-82.
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Escape the chill, jump into circus these July holidays.
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Term 3 Class Timetable Now Live
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CircusWA is excited to offer a range of classes for babies through to adults.
This term we will be introducing a few new classes including:
- Mixed Aerials and Conditioning class (age 15+)
- Level 1 Mixed Aerials for Adults
- Level Up Circus (age 10+)
- Level 3 Silks and Ropes (Open Age)
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Welcome to our first ‘Trainer Talks’ segment – where we ask one of our wonderful CircusWA trainers a couple of questions.
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This month, we’re excited to be talking to Trainer
✨ Jess Smart ✨
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Photo credit: YUCK Circus, Eye Catching Circus & @michi_9.18
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Q. How long have you been involved in CircusWA?
A. Ohhh I think my first class would have been close to 20 years ago! I think I started classes back in 2006.
Q. Which circus discipline do you enjoy the most and why?
A. Probably group and partner acrobatics; the laughter, the awkwardness and the excitement of reaching goals together!
Q. What’s one thing you hope every circus student (young and young at heart) takes away from circus classes?
A. That it’s never too late to try something new, and that you’re more capable than you think!
Q. What’s your best tip for someone trying circus for the first time?
A. Just TRY. Even if you’ve had a long day and you’re exhausted, showing up for yourself will always feel better than sitting on the couch! I remember one of my circus peers back in the Phillimore St days saying “I’d rather come to class at 40% than not at all”, and I take that with me; some days I’ll be powerful, on others I’ll be tired, and that’s ok!
Q. Where has circus taken you recently?
A. On tour with Yuck Circus to Taiwan! Gosh I love it there! The heat! The food! Bubble Tea! I don’t think I’ve ever been completely soaking wet for a show before: it was like a dolphin show!! I’m looking forward to Edinburgh Fringe in August – at least I shouldn’t be so darn sweaty there!
Q. Which of the SEW Arts Wellbeing Factors are you currently focusing on promoting in your classes?
A. Positive peer comparison! We’re all so different, and all at different stages of learning. Some days you’ll be helping others learn, and on other days you’ll be the least experienced there – and enjoying the space between these levels is so important so that you feel the balance of being pushed and feeling confident!
Q. What’s something people might not know about you?
A. I only became a professional performer (with Yuck Circus) after I turned 30, so don’t lock yourself into thinking ‘oh, I didn’t do gymnastics at 9, I have no chance’.
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Beyond the Circus Substation
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Cahoots creates inclusive opportunities for people living with a disability and others that face exceptional challenges to develop friendships, skills and confidence.
This November, Cahoots will be running a camp for any current and previous Circus? You Can! Crew to join. Participants will enjoy a fun weekend with circus skills workshops run by CircusWA.
For more information and to book, contact Cahoots:
P: 1300 103 880
E: info@cahoots.org.au
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The Lunar Circus International Training Project
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Registrations are now open for the Lunar Circus International Training Project in Karridale, near Margaret River. Running across two weeks in January 2027, this unique program is the only live-in circus training experience in WA, bringing together intensive skill development, creativity and community in an immersive camp environment.
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RISK IT ALL
Join the Circus Revolution – happening at a circus near you
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