The internationally acclaimed National Institute of Circus Arts is expanding its training reach with the introduction of new courses aimed at youthful participants.
Stage Whispers spoke with NICA’s Director/CEO Pamela Creed about these new initiatives.

SW: Could you give us some idea of NICA’s status and courses at the moment?
“NICA is a national institution funded by the Commonwealth Government as a
Centre of Excellence and we are committed to training world class and industry ready circus performers. We have a three-year Bachelor of Circus Arts, which is the only tertiary circus qualification in the Southern Hemisphere. We use a sophisticated combination of sustained physical training and access to leading international trainers, performances, productions and also promote a thorough intellectual and aesthetic understanding of circus. We also run a lot of short courses for all ages - children, teens, adults - in trapeze, trampoline, aerial, essential, tumbling, juggling at a range of skill levels right up to serious circus. We work with disadvantaged and indigenous groups though an outreach and social circus program and also support the industry through workshops. Our graduates are working in Australia and all over the world. So there’s always a lot happening.”
SW: So why is there a need for any new initiatives?
“Contemporary circus fuses movement, story, music, imagery, risk, energy, discipline, tradition, the past and the future – all with a sense of showmanship and storytelling, so there is always a need for inspirational circus artists. Overseas in countries like France, China, Canada and others, circus training starts at primary school or at the very latest in secondary. At NICA, as students come after secondary, we’ve found they have good foundation skills, but a limited range. By starting earlier and taking students in Year 11 or 12 or those who have just finished, we can provide them with more support to develop their skills at that age. This will make it easier for them to specialize later on. The approach is not unlike the Australian Ballet School.”
SW: And what are these new initatives?
“There are two new NICA TAFE Certificate Courses accredited through Swinburne University. Both are in the Circus Arts. One course is for current high school students aspiring to NICA who will do their training at NICA and their academic study at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. It is a two-year course for students in Years 11 and 12. Mind you, it can also be done after hours at NICA, if students don’t wish to change their schools. The other course is one-year for post-secondary students and those in the circus industry. It is like a foundation or pre-audition course to really further develop basic circus skills and will give students a great platform to apply for our three-year Bachelor course. Of course, some students may just choose to do the one year and then pursue other career options in the community, circus and fitness sectors.”
SW: So what’s the deal with the VCA Secondary School?
“This is a great opportunity for students who want to either move to Melbourne, or if they are already in Melbourne to attend the VCA School and NICA. Our relationship is a partnership with the VCA Secondary School. We’ll establish an intake to begin basic circus studies at Year 11 at NICA and academic studies at the VCA Secondary School. The VCA Secondary School has recently moved to a brilliant new facility in Southbank. As partners, they will provide the Year 11 and 12 academic streams while students do the circus training at NICA.”
SW: You mentioned many graduates work locally as well as internationally?
“Graduates are working with Circus Oz, Circa, Circus Royale and Lennon Bros. It’s a long list locally. Others are touring with Cirque du Soleil, some work for Disney internationally. People are working in India, Europe, the USA and Japan. Believe it or not, we even have graduates doing circus acts on cruise ships. There are some great opportunities out there.”
SW: NICA seems to be going from strength to strength, what have been the highlights of your time at NICA so far?
“Undoubtedly a highlight was the opening of our new custom-built training facilities and the NICA National Circus Centre in 2007. This is located on the Swinburne University campus in Prahran. It’s a fantastic creative hub where students, emerging circus artists, directors, choreographers, designers and musicians can all work together to create truly amazing works. Another has been seeing a NICA graduate win the Gold Medal at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris this year. And now, of course, the opportunities these new courses will offer students.”

More information on NICA and its courses is available by phoning (03) 9214 6975 or at www.nica.com.au

Photo: Rebecca Evans (Photographer: Duke Dinh)