Bachelor of Circus Arts


About the Bachelor of Circus Arts
Who Should Apply?
Audition Dates
How to Apply
International Students
Fees
How to Prepare

About the Bachelor of Circus Arts

NICA’s core program is a three-year Bachelor of Circus Arts Degree incorporating a Diploma of Circus Arts and an Advanced Diploma of Circus Arts. The course provides specialist training in contemporary circus arts. It offers intensive one-on-one tuition with world-class training staff from a diverse range of nationalities, backgrounds and circus genres.

NB: Applicants must have completed Year 12 or equivalent to be eligible for this program.

Throughout the course, students:

•	learn a broad range of circus and performance skills
•	select two areas of circus specialty
•	study subjects to further their knowledge of the arts
•	study subjects that equip them to manage their own careers

NICA strives to produce highly employable, skilled and creative artists who will be respected nationally and internationally in the global circus and physical theatre industry. Students study full time for approximately 35 hours a week for 40 weeks a year and receive extensive one-on-one training. The course is based at NICA, on the Prahran campus of Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. Visit the Swinburne University website for detailed course information, subject outlines, fees and FAQ’s.

Who Should Apply?

NICA welcomes applications from those who have completed Year 12 or equivalent and are physical and artistic young people with experience in areas such as:

• circus
• gymnastics
• sports acrobatics
• trampolining
• diving
• performing arts
• dance
• extreme sport
• martial arts
• physical theatre
• clowning

Entry into NICA is by audition, interview and medical assessment. Students must apply to audition.

International applicants and those in geographically isolated areas should apply by DVD/video.

Indigenous students are encouraged to apply and may contact Miranda Madgwick, Indigenous Education Officer at Swinburne University on mmadgwick@swin.edu.au or +61 3 9726 7174, for specific advice.

Audition Dates for 2010 Entry

Auditions will be held in the following cities in 2009:

Melbourne: Friday 25 September and Sunday 11 October (NICA, Prahran)
Sydney: Monday 28 September (Aerialize, Marrickville)
Brisbane: Tuesday 29 September (Robertson Gymnastics Academy, Tingalpa)
Perth & Adelaide: subject to number of applications received
 

Application closing dates:
Friday 4 September 2009 for applicants attending an audition

Friday 18 September 2009 for DVD/Video applications from international applicants and local applicants who are unable to attend a National audition.

How to Apply

Prospective students must apply to audition. When considering an application to NICA, please ensure you have followed these steps:

Australian Applicants

• Read the NICA section in the Swinburne University CourseFinder
  
• Read the NICA Audition Factsheet
• Download the Audition Information (Audition requirements for 2010 will be available in July)
  
• If you are geographically isolated or unable to attend auditions, download the Video Audition Information
• Complete the Application Form for 2010 Entry (available from NICA in July)
  
• Attach your photo
• Send your application forms to NICA by the closing date (Sept 4, 2009 for audition applications or Sept 18, 2009 for DVD/video applications).
  
• Complete the Performance Pro Forma and bring to your audition
  

Applicants will be notified of the audition venue and specific details on receipt of the application.

International Applicants & Australian applicants applying by video

• Read the DVD/Video Audition Requirements (Audition requirements for 2010 will be available in July)
• Complete the Application Form for 2010 Entry (available from NICA in July)
• International students must also complete the Swinburne International Student Form
• Attach your photo
• Complete the Performance Pro Forma
• Send your DVD/video and forms to NICA by the closing date.
  

Contact NICA if you would like the information and forms posted to you.
Telephone: (+613) 9214 6975
Email: info@nica.com.au

Send your completed application form to:
National Institute of Circus Arts
144 High Street
Prahran
Victoria, 3181
Australia

Please refer to the 'How to Prepare' section for important information on preparation for the auditions.

International Students

Why study in Australia?
Australia is one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world. The vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Melbourne is a cultural and sporting mecca with a strong focus on the arts. NICA boasts a state-of-the-art circus studio located just a cartwheel away from the café, design & fashion precinct of Chapel Street. The course is delivered in English by world-class training staff from a diverse range of nationalities, backgrounds and circus genrés. NICA boasts low student/staff ratios and intensive one-on-one tuition.

Recognition of Prior Learning
International students may apply to enter at Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Bachelor level. Students with relevant industry experience or previous training may gain entry into advanced levels. Applications will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Student Services
Visit the Swinburne University International Students page to find out about the specific services and advice offered to International Students.

How to apply by DVD/video

International applicants must submit a DVD/video application, a NICA application form, and Swinburne University application form. Videos are accepted in PAL and NTSC format.

Read the Bachelor of Circus Arts course outline in the Swinburne University CourseFinder


Fees for students in 2010

Local students $5,095 AUD per year, plus the Swinburne University Amenities Fee*. Students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information contact NICA.

International students $15,500 AUD per year*

*May be subject to change.

How to Prepare

Applicants should prepare for the audition by following the Fitness Preparation Guide.
Applicants should also prepare a performance piece and complete the Performance Pro Forma (see above).

If you're thinking of auditioning for NICA in 2009, or in the next three years, we recommend you register for the Pre-Audition Circus Intensive Workshop being held at NICA from 29 June to 3 July 2009.

Click here for more information.

Also consider a NICA short course, held each term, and be coached by one of our professional circus trainers. Have fun and share your circus skills!


Click here for more information.