Finding New Circus is an experimental circus laboratory event lead by Australian circus practitioners Skye Gellmann and Darcy Grant.

The lab will focus its energy on rigorous discussion and fearless interrogation of current and future circus practice, and aims to inspire participants to imagine new ways of questioning, making and defining their practice.

This is not a workshop or a place to directly renovate your existing work. It is a place for makers, performers and directors to develop tools, investigate process and uncover new ways of experiencing and creating circus performance.

Physical exploration will make up the greater part of the lab. Basic acrobatic flooring and simple rigging points will be provided. We are interested in participants bringing in their own apparatus. Please state in your expression of interest form what apparatus you might bring and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please note, bringing an act or apparatus is not necessary to participate in the lab.

Who is this for?

The Finding New Circus Lab is for circusmakers, performers and directors.

Established makers, performers and high-level circus students with strong foundation training are invited to take part in all five days.

Established circus directors are invited to take part in our discussion/theory sessions during the first three days of the lab. There will be two discussion sessions per day (allocated time will vary), one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

This is an inclusive and integrated workshop that welcomes all abilities.

How do I apply?

Send your CV, links to video content and a short statement about why you wish to participate in the lab to circus@sydneyfestival.org.au.
(NB: the quality of the video links you send will not be taken into account – we’re just interested to see the content).