Away with the circusThu 4th Jun 2009 At Migoi we are excited about all things creative, whether it be music, art, performance and so on. Which is why (this week) we have brought to your attention news of a show from Circomedia that includes acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and comedians. A shocase if you will, for students half way through a tough and demanding 2 year foundation degree. You can also catch the students on tour at Glastonbury this year!
Circomedia was founded over ten years ago by physical theatre expert, Bim Mason and choreographer and performer Helen Crocker. It rose out of the ashes of Fooltime, Britain’s first ever circus school – and ever since has attracted students from all over the world. It is different from many circus schools as there is a heavy emphasis on combining traditional circus skills with physical theatre and creativity. It is this approach to performance that has led to Circomedia being acknowledged as a centre of excellence worldwide.
Photo by Philip Durrant Circomedia have installed a purpose built permanent flying trapeze rig and sprung dance floor. This is the first development of its kind in Europe and it has created an exceptional space for training, performace and events.
Just how hard is it? This is a new 2 year course, it used to be a 1 year diploma and we have just finished the first year (which is what this show is for). It's very demanding physically, the students are in 5 days a week.. it's full on and intensive training! Do the students train in all skill sets or specialise? They choose 2 specialities, so that's between Equilibristic and Manipulation which includes Juggling, Diablo and so on, Physical theatre, Aerial and Acro. Do students need pre-requisites to enrol with Circomedia? could anyone sign up? In theory you could yes. Potential students need to apply through UCAS and then be invited to Audition (if they have relevant expeience). Some students come from dance backgrounds and actually some people come from quite medical backgrounds, but most people come from dance or physical theatre or even more 'straight' stage acting. So do all of the students run away with the next circus that rolls through town? It's not aimed at people that want to join the circus actually, the idea behind the courses is that it's a fusion of 'Circus Skills' with physical theatre and other elements of performance so it's really not about churning out cirrus performers. They go on to do all sorts of things, some students go on to develop their own productions companies, some do go on to join circus companies , a lot go on to train in other circus schools, in France for example (where they are better funded). We have an agency at Circomedia some students find work through us for example the Olympics opening ceremony and other may go on to be street or festival performers. Do you offer support once students have graduated? We offer free membership, so ex students can come and use our training space whenever it's available and not being used by current students. So, what's this show all about? It's basically about how far you can push things, bodies on the edge. Throughout the year students hone their skills and on 12th of may we had a selection day awhere students bring together projects they have been working on with other members of their group (or other groups) and perform all day whilst Bim (Artistic Director) and a group of colleagues choose which ones are to become part of the 'end of year show'. Not all projects get through but all students will be involved.
Bristol: St Paul's Church - Tues 16 - Sat 21 June
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