act belong commit Troupes

Together we create

Young people are our future. We nurture the ability to inspire awe and wonder. To equip our young artists to cultivate new skills, expertise and leadership, inspire creative expression, and put imaginations to work.

With the support of Healthway’s Act Belong Commit message, our underlying focus is on ensuring youth understand the importance of their mental wellbeing to sustain physical health and creativity.

We help them to grow artistically, personally and professionally.

And we give them the opportunity to become strong, committed and capable humans for the future, as artists and in any work they embark on.

For over 30 years, CircusWA has nurtured emerging artists who now perform around the world. Via our performance training programs we are generating real life opportunities for young people to become unique and skilled performers.

Our performance program is made up of three troupes:

Performance Development Group (10yrs+)
Colliders (12yrs+)
Sliders (15yrs+)

Annually our three troupes participate in:

Creative developments
Skills intensives with visiting circus artists
Guest director led new productions

ACT with circus BELONG to community COMMIT to fun for a mentally healthier future

Audition InfoDownload

AUDITION 2022

Registrations will be open in October by Mon 6^th December

AUDITION: Sliders or Colliders: Sunday 12^th December

TRY OUT: Performance Development Group: Sunday 19th December

Open to all young people training in any physical skill which could be used to tell stories on a stage: circus, dance, gymnastics, cheer, parkour, or other physical skills

You don’t have to Train at CircusWA to participate in any of our troupes. We encourage all students to train in a centre and environment that best serves their interests and skills level development. All troupe training and performance development is held at the Freo Big Top

Register to audition

Photo by Ted Dana

Performance Development Group (10yrs+)

Director Sarah Healy

This is our youngest youth troupe (10yrs+) for students who have shown an interest in performing with their circus training. This troupe meets on a weekly basis on Sundays to improve their ensemble skills, explore aspects of performance and learn how circus acts are assembled. The Performance Development Group performs at a variety of community events and festivals some of which include regular appearances at the Perth Heritage Festival, International Street Arts Festival and Fremantle Long Table Dinner.

WEEKLY TRAINING EXPECTATIONS:
min. x 1 weekly specialist skills class (compulsory at any training centre) – 1.5hrs
weekly Friday open troupe training (non-compulsory) – 2hrs
weekly Sunday performance training (compulsory) – 2hrs

Photos by Tashi Hall – “Out of the Big Top” 2021.

Colliders (12yrs+)

Director Steph Pick

Colliders is the next step for students who are interested in getting a little more serious about performing with circus and physical theatre. Students who have competence in two or more skills, show an aptitude for performing and are inspired by ensemble work are invited into this program. The troupe meets on a weekly basis and focuses on ensemble skills, ideation, act creation and performance presentation. The annual program for Colliders is made up of one production, one showcase performance, and up to three street and festival events.

WEEKLY TRAINING EXPECTATIONS:
min. x 1 weekly specialist skills class (compulsory at any training centre) – 1.5hrs
weekly Friday open troupe training (non-compulsory) – 2hrs
weekly Sunday performance training (compulsory) – 2hrs

ADDITIONAL REHEARSALS: approx 40 additional hrs a year in rehearsals and performing

Sliders (15yrs+)

Director Rachel Bodenstaff

The Sliders youth troupe is CircusWA’s advanced troupe. Performers in this troupe are chosen based on their exceptional skills in any two physical skills in circus, gymnastics, dance, parkour etc. Sliders is perfect for young people who are interested in becoming well rounded circus and physical theatre performers able to tell stories as well as execute advanced tricks. The program accepts up to 10 students annually.

In this troupe students explore clowning and performance techniques. There is a strong focus on ensemble work with an additional development on solo and duo work within performances. The program is designed to prepare students for entry into specialist training institutions nationally and internationally. It is also a pathway into production companies in WA.

The Sliders’ annual program is made up of skills intensives, one major annual production with guest artistic director and a variety of smaller productions at local festivals and arts events around the city and country. Every even year the troupe is invited to join a tour to the Eastern States.

WEEKLY TRAINING EXPECTATIONS:
min. x 2 weekly specialist skills class (compulsory at any training centre) – 1.5hrs
weekly Friday open troupe training (compulsory) – 2hrs
weekly Sunday performance training (compulsory) – 2hrs

ADDITIONAL REHEARSALS: approx 50 additional hrs a year in rehearsals and performing