Australia’s centre of excellence in contemporary circus NICA announces National Auditions for 2012 Circus degree.

“There is enough originality in presentation and personality to suggest most of the 23 talented performers will enjoy success after graduation, be it in an established company or on a tangent of their own”.
John Bailey, Sunday Age, review of NICA 2nd year student production ‘CODA’, July 10 2011

The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is now inviting aspiring circus artists to submit their applications for entry into the 2012 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 10 years.

From 10 October 2011, NICA trainers will be holding auditions in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
for entry into the course in 2012.

Those with a flair for the physical and a desire for a challenge will have the opportunity to apply for this prestigious course, with successful applicants participating in the three-year full time degree, conferred by Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne.

As the only circus degree in Australia, NICA’s Bachelor of Circus Arts attracts applicants from across Australia and overseas. Applicants must have completed Year 12 or equivalent to be eligible for this program.

NICA Director & CEO, Pamela Creed, says 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 continues to strive to meet the demands of the growing contemporary circus industry both in Australia and internationally. Over the past ten years our artists have certainly made an impact on Australia’s cultural landscape.”

NICA graduates are highly employable, knowledgeable and creative, having gained awe-inspiring circus and performance skills through the course. Graduates have established careers in Australia and  internationally in acclaimed companies including Circus Oz, Circa, No Fit State and Cirque du Soleil. Some form their own companies and tour the world to perform in prestigious festivals. Many will return to NICA in September to perform in the NICA Melbourne Circus Festival, as part of NICA’s 10th Birthday  celebrations.

NICA is one of seven national arts training institutes and offers Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts.

Over 90 young people currently study at NICA’s world-class facility in Melbourne, with a steely  determination to graduate with a degree and a competitive advantage to perform and compete for jobs.

Entry into the 3 year Bachelor of Circus Arts Degree course in 2012 is by audition, interview and physiotherapy assessment. Applicants are required to apply for an audition via the NICA website  or by contacting NICA’s Student Administrator by email or phone 03 9214 6537.

Auditions are being held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in October 2011. Attendance in person is preferred however, applicants who live outside these cities, and are unable to attend, are eligible to apply by DVD/Video.

Unsuccessful applicants will be considered for entry to the Certificate IV in Circus Arts in 2012.

Applications close on Friday 2 September 2011 for all applicants (those attending auditions and international and geographically remote applicants applying by DVD/Video)

Audition dates are as follows:

Sydney -  Monday 10 October
Aerialize, Marrickville NSW

Brisbane - Tuesday 11 October
Flipside Circus, Alderley, QLD

Melbourne - Thursday 13 & Friday 14 October
National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), Prahran, VIC

*Perth & Adelaide are subject to the number of applications received