It's A Long Way To The Big Top
The Age
Monday September 1, 2008
A degree in circus arts. You're joking, aren't you?
No, deadly serious. For those wanting a career in the circus, the three-year degree run by the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), which is a subsidiary company of Swinburne University, is a great foot in the door. Course graduates have gone on to jobs with Cirque du Soleil and Circus Oz, as well as with Tokyo Disney.So kids don't just run off to join the circus any more?Seemingly not. According to Fiona Hulton, marketing co-ordinator with NICA, the world of circus is very competitive. Three years of intensive training at the Prahran-based institute is one very good way of getting to the big top. She adds that in Europe there has been a long tradition of circus schools. NICA has been running its degree, the only accredited circus arts degree in the southern hemisphere, since 2001.Who signs up?Admission is by audition - you'll need to demonstrate how you use your body - although would-be students are not expected to have prior circus experience. According to Ms Hulton, between 100 and 160 audition for the course annually. Applicants are from across Australia, as well as from overseas. About 20 are accepted each year. About half of the intake comes straight from school. Applicants include those with backgrounds in physical theatre, gymnastics and diving, as well as those who have a strong prior interest in circus arts.And they can teach me to be a clown?Absolutely. Or a trapeze artist or a contortionist. Ms Hulton explains that in the first year students try their hand at all circus skills. They'll throw themselves into everything from tumbling to aerial work. But from the end of year one, there's the chance to specialise in two particular areas, whether that's clowning or hula hoops, Chinese poles or trapeze. Most of the course is physical and students can expect to spend their days in the studio perfecting skills. There's also a chance to learn circus history and about the circus business. Students get to put their long hours of practice to the test with regular shows. They performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games.That's great international exposure.Indeed. NICA students can also take part in international exchanges. In recent years, students have spent time at schools in Belgium, France and Italy.What do students have to say?Steppo Thompson, 24, is in his second year, specialising in handstands and straps. He's previously completed a finance degree and is close to finishing a law degree. "This is much harder than either of my other degrees," he explains. "The others had 12 to 15 contact hours a week. Now it's 36." He adds that with just 60students across three years, everyone is close. "It's a community," he says. "It's a lot of fun but also a lot of blood, sweat and tears."Where do I get more information?nica.com.au-- JULIA PROCTER
© 2008 The Age
