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It’s the Noongar season of Djilba.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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Come Jump Aboard – The RAFT
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Rehearsal Photos by Edwin Sitt
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An absurdist drama about shipwrecks, survival and reincarnation.
The Raft is the newest show from CircusWA’s Academy. It’s a comedic reflection on social inequity, power and the impact of global warming. Devised by co-Directors Ella Norton (circus and clown) and Mackenzie Brown (Physical theatre and dance), they have worked in partnership with the youth performers to develop this strangely light-hearted reflection on some very hectic themes. Accompanying them on the stage is multi-instrumentalist and composer Max Barton, who weaves soundscapes and scores live throughout the show.
The first concept of The Raft was presented to Fringe World audiences in 2025. Following rave reviews, we have expanded the work and, in this iteration, included the languages of set and costume design.
Our 10 Nights in Port audiences will be invited to literally step inside this performance and onto the raft. Inside a 10 x 10m square tarpaulin-lined box, you will find yourself up close to the action. Journey with the performers as they face the uncontrollable changes to their existence, navigated, at times, with a human-flawed moral compass.
The Raft is the outcome of CircusWA’s first funded emerging directors program. Through this program, Ella and Mackenzie have been supported to create and direct this new work. This is a reflection of CircusWA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders. “At CircusWA, we believe in empowering new artists with opportunities to create original works. The Raft is a wonderful example of what can happen when emerging creatives are trusted, supported and given the space to take risks,” says CircusWA Artistic Director, Jo Smith.
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.
Come jump aboard!
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There are only 3 opportunities to catch this immersive experience:
- Saturday 29 August 7pm-8pm (almost sold out)
- Sunday 30 August 1pm-2pm
- Sunday 30 August 6pm-7pm
📍Victoria Hall, Fremantle
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Recap: CircusWA x Vital Arts Microcredential Trial Workshop
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The CircusWA Youth Academy recently took part in a Vital Arts Micro-credential Trial Workshop.
The Vital Arts Research Team (from RMIT University) are developing a Micro-credential Program that assesses the diverse skills that young people develop through arts participation.
Each participant was awarded a Vital Arts micro-credential, a digital badge that is shareable on digital profiles and resumes.
This workshop and initiative are a great way for young people to demonstrate how their creative, collaborative and problem-solving skills gained through arts participation are valued and potentially transferable in a wide range of broader employment or study contexts.
Thank you Vital Arts and the RMIT Team, for this great research and workshop!
Click here to learn more about the Vital Arts-Based Micro-Credentials
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One of the social and emotional wellbeing (SEW) focus areas being embedded across our programs and service areas this term is positive peer comparisons.
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You may have noticed the Stronger Together posters displayed throughout the Circus Substation. Through circus arts, participants are encouraged to view the achievements of others as a source of inspiration and motivation, using positive peer comparisons to support their own growth and development. The Stronger Together message reminds us that everyone has a role to play in creating a supportive community, and that we achieve more when we learn, collaborate and celebrate each other’s successes together.
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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.
Learn more about the SEW-Arts framework.
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Term 3 is off to a great start!
Across the term, CircusWA offers multi-week programs as well as casual classes. Although the term has already started, you may still be able to join a Term Program. Simply contact the CircusWA office to discuss further.
In addition to our multi-week program, we also have casual classes which run throughout the term but allow drop-ins. These casual classes are a great opportunity to give a new class a try, make it work around your work schedules, etc.
Term 3 Casual Classes:
- Adult Circus
- Aerial and Circus Conditioning (15yrs+)
- Big Top Circus Skills (8yrs+)
- Handstands + Contortion (Open Age)
- Super Circus (4-6yrs & 5-7yrs)
- Tiny Tumblers (2-4yrs)
- Sensory Circus (0-2yrs)
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CircusWA is excited to present our Student Showcase at the Circus Substation on Saturday 19 September!
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Junior Showcase | 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Classes invited to perform:
Armadale Aboriginal Program
Level 1 Acrobatics
Level 2 Acrobatics
Level 1 Aerials
Level 2 Silks **Students under 18y/o
Big Top Circus Skills
Aerials and Tumbling
Level Up Circus
Super Circus
Super Circus
Aerials and Tumbling
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Senior Showcase | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Classes invited to perform:
Level 2 & 3 Silks
Level 2 Silks **Students over 18y/o
Level 3 Acrobatics
Handstands
Adults Circus
Partner Acro
Lyra
Level 3 Trapeze
Level 1 Aerials with Cat
Level 3 Silks
Circus? You Can!
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🎟️ Tickets for each showcase are $15+bf.
Performers in the Showcase do not require tickets.
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❓Queries
Please talk to the trainer if you have any questions about the performance or which showcase you/your child will be involved in.
For all other queries, contact the CircusWA Team: E: discover@circsuwa.com T: 0435 374 492
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Notice of the Annual General Meeting of CircusWA
This is to advise you of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members of CircusWA. The details of this meeting are as follows:
- Date: Monday 5 October 2026
- Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
- Place: Circus Substation Fremantle and Online
The AGM is a great opportunity to gather as a CircusWA Community and hear the stories we have been responsible for creating and making together. It’s also a great time to hear from the Board about operational and financial matters and the direction we’re heading together.
Want to have input into the future of CircusWA?
Become a CircusWA Member! For an annual fee of $10, you will formally be part of the circus revolution and lend your voice to the future of CircusWA by voting in our AGM.
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Welcome to our ‘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
✨ Nel Simpson ✨
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Q. How long have you been involved in CircusWA?
A. I’ve been around since the beginning. I think you could safely call me CircusWA vintage.
Q. What might people find you doing outside of circus training?
A. Hanging out with my family, walking my dog in some little faraway nature reserve, cooking (I’m a great cook!), wrestling with my son who is almost bigger than me, playing my guitar or rigging up giant puppets for my other job at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.
Q. Which circus discipline do you enjoy the most and why?
A. I love aerials for the strength and grace it brings me, and club juggling with friends because it’s social, fun and sharpens my reflexes and peripheral vision. I also love a spot of stilt dancing.
Q. What classes do you teach at CircusWA?
A. Currently I teach aerials to a group of fabulous women on Mondays and Circus? You Can! (CYC) on Fridays.
Q. Tell us what you enjoy about that class/es?
A. My Friday night CYC class always brings so much joy to my week. The students are so fun and interesting, and we all have a really great time!
Q. What’s your best tip for someone trying circus for the first time?
A. There’s always something for everybody and every personality in the circus, so if you persist you’re bound to find just the thing that suits you!
Q. Where has circus taken you across your life?
A. Circus still takes me to many regional towns across WA, which I love to visit. Over time have developed strong relationships with circus communities, particularly in Broome – my second home. Over my life, circus has taken me all across Europe and parts of Asia. Travel has definitely been one very enticing aspect of working as a performer/trainer.
Q. Which of the SEW Arts Wellbeing Factors are you currently focusing on promoting in your classes?
A. In CYC, we are focusing on listening to each other and working together. When we achieve it, the space is filled with even more laughter and a sense of belonging than before.
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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.
On 7-9 November 2026, 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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NICA Youth Circus Exchange
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This September, the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) will host the second Youth Circus Exchange, where emerging artists aged 11-21 from around the country can come together to train, create, collaborate, and innovate.
Participants will undergo four days of workshops (21-24 September 2026), skill sharing, training and performing in an immersive program designed to spark ideas and collaboration.
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Melbourne Juggling Convention
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The Melbourne Juggling Convention (MJC) is an exciting annual event that brings together juggling enthusiasts from around the world. Held in the heart of Melbourne on 24-27 September 2026, this convention is a fantastic opportunity for jugglers to network with fellow jugglers and circus enthusiasts.
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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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