Apply for the world's only Circus Directing masters here in Bristol

Apply for the world's only Circus Directing masters here in Bristol

Posted on: 13 Jun 2024

Applications are now open for the world’s ONLY masters in Directing Circus at Bristol’s favourite circus school, Circomedia.

 

Circomedia, the world-renowned contemporary circus and physical theatre school, has opened applications once more for its celebrated MA programme in Directing Circus. Set to commence this September, 2024 marks the seventh consecutive year that the school has offered this unique course, the only one of its kind in the world.

 

Circomedia, in partnership with Bath Spa University, have really taken a pioneering step for circus education with this exclusive MA programme, addressing the growing global demand for performance directors with a deep understanding of the circus body's extreme capabilities in artistic contexts.

 

 

Operating out of St Pauls Church on Portland Square, Circomedia is a hub for international-level circus arts. However, the year-long, full-time course will be hosted at their specialist Kingswood site, continuing Circomedia’s 30-year mission to nurture creativity and culture in the local community and beyond. For those with tighter schedules, the course can also be taken part-time over two years, with options for remote learning to accommodate students from across the country.

 

Dr. Jonathan Priest, an esteemed figure in artistic research within circus practice, has been leading the programme since 2021. With over 35 years of experience across continents, Dr. Priest has significantly influenced circus education worldwide. Speaking on the course, he said: “As circus performance and contemporary circus grows, the need for creative directors is becoming more pressing. Our course offers the opportunity to combine performance and direction, benefiting your company’s creative output. Join us and make your next ground-breaking circus show.”

 

The programme comprises five modules covering various aspects of circus direction, with opportunities to make and present new works to live audiences. Modules include Research Methodologies and Context and Circus Directing 1; focusing on the roles required of a circus director, from dramaturgy to choreography and design. Workshops led by industry experts supplement group and individual projects, fostering important discussions on contemporary circus and physical theatre performance trends.

 

 

Circomedia’s Masters programme is just one of several successful and high-value courses offered by the school, including Foundation and Bachelor Degrees, BTEC, and vocational courses. Each course offers training across a broad range of circus and performance disciplines, underpinned by rigorous academic study.

 

Circomedia are hosting an open day for the MA course on Friday, June 14, at their Kingswood academy site. Those unable to attend in person can join the core information section online. In-person attendees will also have the chance to attend the MA Directed End of Year Show at Circomedia’s iconic city-centre venue, St. Paul’s Church, that evening.

 

For more information on the open day, head to Circomedia’s website, or to register interest, email admissions@circomedia.com. For more information on the MA course, click here. 

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Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.