NICA ANNOUNCES NATIONAL AUDITIONS FOR 2014
CIRCUS DEGREE
From Cirque du Soleil to King Kong The Musical, if you see an Australian circus artist
working today on the professional stage anywhere in the world, chances are they began their
career by auditioning for the NICA Bachelor of Circus Arts course. The National Institute of
Circus Arts (NICA) is now inviting aspiring circus artists to submit their applications for entry
into the 2014 Bachelor of Circus Arts course, with the opportunity to join the ranks of the
acclaimed alumni who have passed through the institute’s doors over the past 14 years.
From 30 September 2013, NICA trainers will be holding auditions in Sydney, Brisbane and
Melbourne for entry into the course in 2014. Those with a flair for the physical and a desire for a
challenge will have the opportunity to apply for this prestigious course.
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, No Fit State and Cirque du Soleil.
An example of this is circus artist James Brown. He is one of seven NICA graduates who are currently
performing as the King’s Men in the Helpmann Award winning stage spectacular, King Kong. 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 14
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 three NICA graduates
featured in the cast of their recent show, Cranked Up. 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. ver 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 2014 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’s Student Administrator by email info@nica.com.au or on 03 9214 6537.
Auditions are being held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in September and October 2013. Attendance
in person is preferred however, applicants who live outside these cities, and are unable to attend, are
eligible to apply by DVD/Video.
Applications close on Monday 9 September 2013.
2013 NICA Audition dates are as follows:
City Date Venue
Sydney Monday 30
September 2013
Aerialize, Canterbury, NSW
Brisbane Tuesday 1
October 2013
Flipside Circus, Alderley, QLD
Melbourne Thursday 3 &
Friday 4 October 2013
National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA),
Prahran, VIC
*Perth & Adelaide auditions are subject to the number of applications received
*Unsuccessful applicants will be considered for entry to the Certificate IV in Circus Arts in 2014.
NICA also offers accredited one year courses
Those wishing to gain a qualification in Circus Arts after a one year course may wish to apply for the
Certificate III in Circus Arts or Certificate IV in Circus Arts
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