NICA ANNOUNCES NATIONAL AUDITIONS FOR 2015
CIRCUS DEGREE
The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is now inviting aspiring
circus artists to submit their applications for entry into the 2015
Bachelor of Circus Arts course, which is a three-year degree.
Applications close on Monday September 15 2014.
From 1 October 2014, NICA trainers will be holding auditions in
Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide for entry into
the course in 2015. Those with a flair for the physical and a desire
for a challenge should consider applying for this prestigious
course.
Those not yet ready for entry into the degree course can opt to
audition for a foundation year in the Certificate IV in Circus Arts.
Those in Year 11 or Year 12 considering a circus career can
undertake a Certificate III in Circus Arts in partnership with the
Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School.
As the only circus degree in Australia, NICA’s Bachelor of Circus
Arts attracts applicants from across Australia and overseas. The
course is a great career opportunity for those with some
background in physical training such as circus, sport, dance,
physical theatre, gymnastics, acrobatics, martial arts, diving or
trampoline and who dream of performing.
NICA graduates have established successful careers in Australia and internationally in acclaimed
companies including Circus Oz, Circa, NoFit State and Cirque du Soleil.
An example of this is circus artist James Brown. He was one of seven NICA graduates who performed in
the Helpmann Award winning stage spectacular, King Kong, which finished its world premiere season
earlier this year. Brown says NICA provided him with the best training in Australia but also the opportunity
to create, perform and develop his unique form of artistic expression, as well as small business and
entrepreneurial skills. “While the focus for many is on physical skills and entertainment, it is important not to
forget the business side of the industry. Since graduating from NICA in 2003, I have worked very hard on
setting up and nurturing my own entertainment companies; Acrobatica and ThisSideUp acrobatics. I love
being a physical entertainer, pushing boundaries and making the impossible possible.”
NICA’s Program Manager Rose Stephens says that NICA has grown from strength to strength over its 15
year history, thanks to the dedication of its exceptional staff and its very talented students.
“The number of new and independent companies has increased, indicating both a growth in the market
place for original contemporary circus and the emergence of a new breed of circus artists to meet that
demand.”
Mike Finch, Artistic Director of Circus Oz is impressed by NICA graduates and two NICA graduatesfeature in the cast of their current show, But Wait… There’s More. Finch says that NICA’s reputation for
nurturing talented circus artists has put “Victoria among the top three international centres for contemporary circus training along with France and Quebec.”
NICA is one of eight national arts training institutes and offers Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts. The
course is accredited by Swinburne University and training takes place in custom-built circus facilities on its
Prahran campus.
Over 100 young people currently study at NICA’s internationally-recognised facility in Melbourne, with a
steely determination to graduate with a degree and a competitive advantage that will help them perform at
an elite level.
Entry into the three year Bachelor of Circus Arts Degree course in 2015 is by audition, interview and
physiotherapy assessment. Applicants must have completed Year 12 or equivalent to be eligible for this
program and are required to apply for an audition via the NICA website at www.nica.com.au or by
contacting NICA by email info@nica.com.au or on 03 9214 6975.
Applications close on Monday 15 September 2014.
DVD applications close on Monday 22 September 2014.*
2014 NICA Audition dates are as follows:
Melbourne
NICA, 39-59 Green Street, Prahran
Wednesday October 1 (Bachelor of Circus Arts)
Thursday October 2 (Bachelor of Circus Arts)
Friday October 3 (Certificate III and Certificate IV in Circus Arts)
Sydney
Aerialize, 7-9 Close Street, Canterbury
Sunday October 5 (All courses)
Brisbane
Flipside Circus, 117 Mina Parade, Alderley
Monday October 6 (All courses)
Adelaide
Cirkidz, 27 Fifth Street, Bowden
Saturday October 18 (All courses)
Perth
Circus WA, 8 Philimore Street, Fremantle
Sunday October 19 (All courses)
*Applicants who live outside the cities listed above who are unable to attend the auditions are eligible to
apply by DVD.
For more information, guidelines and application forms visit: www.nica.com.au
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