National Centre for Circus Arts’s activities include a range of support for established and emerging circus artists, directors and choreographers; a two-year Foundation Degree with an optional third year of study on the BA (Hons) Degree in Circus Arts; participatory programmes for young people; and recreational adult evening classes.
It has a successful track record of enabling circus artists and companies to create and perform new work through: subsidised training and rehearsal space, performance opportunities, masterclasses and workshops, and advice and mentoring; bespoke initiatives, such as Lab:time, which fund and support early-stage creative exploration and the development of high quality new circus-based work; partnerships with performance venues and festivals, including the Roundhouse, Jackson’s Lane, and Underbelly; and collaborating with partners across the circus, dance and theatre sectors to influence national policy and practice.
The Jerwood Circus Residencies will concentrate on three objectives: expanding the creative practice of artists and companies; advancing the art form of circus; and producing work that will attract and develop audiences for circus. In order to achieve these goals, the programme will focus on the research and development of circus artists and companies within the first 10 years of their careers. The NCCA will select up to six outstanding artists and offer them a package of support to respond to the lack of affordable rehearsal space for early-career circus artists. This will include a bursary, rehearsal space, access to training sessions, technical support and mentoring from NCCA staff.
The 2020/21 Residencies have been awarded to:
David Sanchez – The Plastic Took Over
Eleni Edipidi – AUDITION
Fiona Salisbury – Wire-Walker
Jean-Daniel Broussé – Le (PAIN)
Joana Dias – 89
