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United Kingdom
National Centre for Circus Arts
Programs and prices, tuition fees in National Centre for Circus Arts
Bachelor (Hons)
- Age of students – 17+;
- Duration of studying – 1 year;
- The language of instruction is English.
The one-year intensive program is designed to consolidate the technical level within a specific circus discipline and help to develop an individual approach, contribute to the formation of a personal style and image.
The 33-week course, with 35 hours of classes each, is balanced, combining general fitness, research projects, creativity, lectures and seminars within the core programme, management and planning studies. The full academic cost of all modules of the course is 120 credits, but students can take more modules if they wish.
Available modules include:
- business planning and management of the creative team;
- ensemble;
- circus skills;
- modern circus of the XXI century;
- direction;
- movement and composition.
A key role in the successful work on the program is played by continuous assessment of individual and group progress, participation in research projects, presentations, and creative improvisations.
Foundation Degree in Circus Arts
- Age of students – 17+;
- Duration of studying – 2 years;
- The language of instruction is English.
The Basic Degree in Circus Arts is a two-year program, the main goal of which is to develop a wide range of skills that are in demand in the professional circus environment, work on the technical and creative component of a professional image, during which significant attention is paid to collaboration and teamwork.
The progress of students in the course is subject to continuous assessment, however, teachers evaluate the collective achievements of all students in the course. Unlike many other digital programs, the analytical and critical components are also subject to assessment, which is made possible by numerous research essays, presentations, and other individual and group assignments.
The National Centre for Circus Arts degree is awarded by the University of Kent. In two years of study, students must complete and pass a sufficient number of modules to accumulate a cumulative of 240 credits. Successful completion of the program paves the way for undergraduate (honours) studies.
During the first year, a significant part of the fall semester is devoted to studying the work of the Center, getting acquainted with the functional purpose of the premises and studying the available resources, preparation in safety rules, intensive physical training classes. The second semester is devoted to classes in performance and movement, a variety of studies designed to provide a holistic view of the circus, of the art of acting in a broader context. At the same time, students undergo specialization, choosing the optimal circus discipline. A range of aerial and acrobatic disciplines are available to students, including trapeze, hoop and pole vault, juggling, and Big space disciplines.
The second year is devoted to the improvement of technical abilities in small groups or during individual classes both in a specific chosen discipline and in related ones, classes in general physical training, research and workshops of a wide range.
Workshops
- Age of students – 4-18;
- Duration of studying — from 2 hours;
- The language of instruction is English.
Every day, the Center hosts workshop programs designed to help students develop hand-eye coordination, improve physical fitness, balance and strength through juggling, wire balancing, acrobatics and walking on stilts. Classes can be held both on the territory of the center and outside it, taking various forms - from introductory and trial classes to additional and special courses integrated into more serious programs.
Seminars and workshops contribute to the development of team spirit and mutual trust. The center aims to make the circus an accessible and mass art form, so the courses are designed for students of various levels and are conducted in close partnership with theater, dance and drama schools, non-profit organizations (including charitable and inclusive).
Summer School
- Age of students – 8+;
- Duration of studying – 4 days
- The language of instruction is English.
The summer school is a great opportunity for children and teenagers to try themselves in various circus disciplines, acquire useful skills under the supervision of experienced circus teachers and artists.
Classes are held at the Hoxton Square site, in the converted building of a former power plant, in specially created classrooms and rehearsal rooms. The school is divided into grouos (8-11, 12-15, 13-16) according to the age and abilities of the students: thus, both those who have been engaged in circus art at an amateur level and those who have not previously been involved in it can study.
The program includes classes in circus skills such as:
- static and flying trapezoid, rope, Chinese pole and air hoop;
- balancing, including juggling various objects and walking on a stretched wire;
- hoop classes - from hula hoop to jumping;
- parkour, acrobatic balance and acrobatics;
- clownery.
At the final stage of the program, participants choose one skill or discipline from those that they have studied before, and under the guidance of a mentor, individually or in a small group, they work on a short performance.
Description of National Centre for Circus Arts
- Year of foundation: 1989,
- Location: London, United Kingdom,
- Age of students 18+,
- Number of students 300+,
- Language of instruction: English.
The National Centre for Circus Arts, formerly known as Circus Space, is one of the few UK circus schools and the only institution of its kind to offer university-level circus arts programmes. It is a leading global center for modern circus education, making a significant contribution to the development of circus art. It also runs the London Youth Circus.
Founded in 1989, the centre's first home was a timber warehouse building on North Road in London. From the very first days, the center provided comprehensive support to theater and circus professionals, offering not only a rehearsal base, but also experience exchange programs, evening programs for youth and adults. In 1994, the Centre moved to Hoxton, in the former Shoreditch Power Station building; at the same time, the BTEC program "National Diploma in Performing Arts" was opened here, which in 1999 was replaced by an individual author's education program. A year later, the range of programs was supplemented by a two-year bachelor's degree with honors in Theater Practice and Contemporary Circus, which was conducted with the participation of the Central School of Speech and Drama. Subsequently, the University of Kent became a partner of the center. In 2014, the Centre was granted National status, a milestone in the development of the culture of the professional British National Circus and the international recognition of the Centre.
Educational process
The center has a developed network of partners, is part of the CTAG circus education group, uniting 4 British circus schools, and is also the founder of the National Youth Circus Association and the National Youth Circus.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The center does not have its own residence and does not deal with student accommodation issues, these tasks will have to be solved independently.
Advantages
- Unique programs
The National Centre for Circus Arts was the first institution in the UK to offer specialist circus programmes, and until 2018 remained the only one in the country to offer university-level programmes.
For 30 years, the center has achieved a high degree of excellence in the education of circus personnel: master classes are held here and programs for Cirque du Soleil and New York are developed, and they offer to acquire unique skills and competencies.
- State-of-the-art equipment
The center can offer its students a number of benefits, including a state-of-the-art circus, drama and dance rehearsal studio of special construction.
- Best Theorists and Practitioners
Dozens of famous circus artists and managers with world and global fame teach in the educational institution - you will learn from living classics and real masters!
- Good location
Located in London, the Center provides students with many additional opportunities related to both learning and extracurricular activities, as well as recreation: countless museums, galleries and theaters, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs, the best shopping in the world will make studying here not only useful, but also exciting, extremely interesting process.
Facilities and equipment at National Centre for Circus Arts
The center is equipped with a rehearsal studio for theater, circus and dance performances. Large windows provide exceptional natural light, which can be completely or partially dimmed if necessary to adapt to specific needs. The studio with an area of over 100 square meters and a ceiling of more than 6 meters high is equipped with modern lighting and sound systems, as well as 18 ceiling, 10 floor and 9 wall mounting points. The studio is also equipped with a mirror wall with an electronic screen, dressing rooms and changing rooms with a shower, a ballet barre and other necessary equipment for rehearsals and classes.
Enrolment process
The admission process includes two main stages – application and audition.
- It is necessary to submit an application and send the video material to the admissions committee for listening. Videos can be submitted using a special form on the website.
- After the admissions committee receives the application and video and provided that the student meets all the necessary requirements, he will receive an invitation to a one-day audition (optionally - remote audition via video link).
- Auditions are held at the National Circus Arts Centre in London, but foreign students can audition remotely: online via video link or by providing a video recording of the performance.
Perspectives
Among the graduates of the Center are dozens of world circus stars, including du Soleil, the Royal Shakespeare Company, TOWIE and dozens of other celebrities. Examples include directors Daniel Cranmer and Stephen Daldry, Remy Archer and Louis Griffin, circus performers Sasha Frost and Beren Amico, Charlie Wheeler and Tom Robert.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
The requirements for applicants differ depending on the level of the program. Upon admission to Foundation courses, applicants must:
- be over 18 years old;
- be able to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English (GCSE English or equivalent International Standard Text or SELT);
- be ready to show their intention to make a professional career in the circus field;
- provide a portfolio and be ready to take part in auditions (in person or online, via video call).
Applicants to undergraduate programs must:
- have a foundation degree from the National Center for Circus Arts or a similar school that is a recognized and full member of FEDEC, or confirmation of completion of a two-year Foundation equivalent program, provide information about their previous education (student handbook, detailed passport of the specialty or curriculum or similar document);
- audition and provide recommendations, a fresh transcript;
- demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency in written and spoken English.
Students with no previous experience at a FEDEC certified school can complete the RPL procedure, which will allow them to continue their studies in the undergraduate program.
Scholarships National Centre for Circus Arts
The centre does not currently provide expat students with scholarships, but they still have the right to apply for a scholarship intended for students in difficult life situations after admission.
To be eligible for other forms of support, an applicant must obtain "home status", i.e. have resided continuously in the United Kingdom for at least three years at the time of application. In particular, students can count on support from the NCCA and Leverhalmu scholarship funds.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about National Centre for Circus Arts
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
