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 young people to grow artistically, personally and professionally, giving them the opportunity to become strong, committed and capable humans for the future, as artists and in any chosen career.

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.  See below for further information on each of these groups and how to audition for these. Email our Artistic Director Jo Smith at any time of the year to discuss

for a mentally healthier future …….

ACT with circus BELONG to community COMMIT to fun

seeking new youth artists

Auditions held on Sunday 4th December 2022

Open to all young people keen to pursue an experience in circus and physical theatre performing. If you are training in  circus, dance, gymnastics, cheer or parkour this is for you.

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, Intensives and performance developments are held at the Freo Big Top.

Registrations close 28th November

Performance Development Group (10yrs+)

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

Colliders (12yrs+)

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+)

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

COST

Our youth troupes are subsidised with further financial assistance for students who require support

$1,200 per year ($300/term) – 2hrs of open training on Fridays and 2hrs on Sundays

20% troupe discount on all CircusWA classes

No additional fees for Performances

Charges may apply for specialist skills intensives with guest artists