Extra
Info on all things Circus.
1. Conventions
/ Festivals
2. What
qualifications can you take in circus and where
to study a Circus Skills Degree.
3. Where to
buy Circus Equipment from - work in
progress
4. How to
make Circus Equipment
1. Conventions / Festivals
There are a vast number of
juggling festivals in the Uk and the world.
Here are some in the UK for the
next year.
British
Juggling Convention-
This
takes place in April every year and is the grand
festival/training ground of all things to do with
juggling, often it incorporates some trapeze,
clowning ect. Here you can go to technical
workshops, hangout, meet other jugglers, play
games,practise, see the upcoming young
performers, go on parades, watch late night
cabaret and see a fantastic public show. In 2006
the japanese diabolists stole the show with
stunning 3 diablo tricks in the main show.
Brilliant whatever your ability and beginners are
welcome.
2010 7th-11th April British
Juggling Convention is in Huddersfield, West
Yorkshire. www.bjc2010.com
British Unicycle Convention
Small than the juggling
convention, this is a gathering for unicyclists
with skill sessions, games, unicycle hockey,
basketball, caberet, parties, camping and more.
Smaller than the juggler conventions so more
intimate. Brilliant whatever your ability and
beginners are welcome although if you want to
borrow unicycles you should check that out in
advance.
No date yet for 2010.
European Juggling Convention-
This takes place once a year
somewhere in europe and is similar but even more
fab than the British Juggling Convention. Here
you can do a huge variety of workshops, play
games, meet people, practise, see late night
shows and top acts.
One advantage over the British Juggling
Convention is that you might actually get a
suntan.
2010 33rd European Juggling
Convention, Joensuu, Finland 24th of July - 1st
of August
www.ejc2010.org
2.What qualifications can
you take in circus? 6/10
GCSE Equivalent - Arts
Award Bronze,
Silver, Gold, NCFE level 1-3, this can encompass
circus. Both the Silver / Gold are GCSE
equilvalents see the site below for details. It
involves a young person attending a project or
classes, going to see a professional performance,
researching a famous artist in the field and
organising a workshop / project . Check site www.artsaward.org.uk both
for how to run it and find the nearest
organisation doing this to you.
GCSE Equivalent - Performance
Skills, Circus Arts NCFE level 2.
You can learn acrobatics, trapes,
mime, juggling and performance. For this course
you will be involved in a public performance. In
Cornwall this is run by Circo Kernow and verified
by Cornwall college. Check site www.circokernow.co.uk
It is also possible to take circus
elements as part of performing arts
qualifications. In addition to this Circomedia
provides a BTEC for 16-18 year olds.
BTEC National Diploma in
Performance
Circomedia’s BTEC National
Diploma in performance is free to students aged
16 - 18. It gives students the opportunity to
study a wide range of performance disciplines.For more
information check out their website on www.circomedia.com
Circomedia provides a range of
courses for those aged 16 and over.
Circomedia is the Centre For
Contemporary Circus and Physical
Performance is based in Bristol -
Foundation Degree (FdA) in
Contemporary Circus and Physical Performance
This two year, full-time course,
run in partnership with Bath Spa University,
explores circus techniques to create new forms of
physical performance incorporating theatre,
dance, cabaret and outdoor theatre.
One Year Course
This one year full-time course
aims to develop the student as a rounded
performer. Although this is an intensive training
course the emphasis is on breadth rather than
intense specialisation.
3 Month Course
Join Circomedia's degree and
diploma students for a 3 month introductory
course. You will study alongside other students
on the one year diploma and two year Foundation
Degree courses. At the end of the three months
students may be given the opportunity to join the
one year course.
BTEC National Diploma in
Performance
Circomedia’s BTEC National
Diploma in performance is free to students aged
16 - 18. It gives students the opportunity to
study a wide range of performance
disciplines.
Act Creation Course
This course helps individual
performers to create / develop specialist acts or
pieces to a high professional standard.
For more information check out
their website on www.circomedia.com
Circus Space in London provides
The
Foundation and BA (Hons) Degree in Circus Arts
"The
Foundation Degree in Circus Arts is a 2 year
vocational degree course which aims to equip
students to find employment with existing
performing arts companies or to establish new
companies of their own. Students undertake an
intensive training regime of 38 weeks per year.
Upon
finishing the programme, students may then
audition for a place on a final one year
programme which will then lead to a BA (Hons)
qualification. "
For more information check out
their website on;
www.thecircusspace.co.uk
3. Where to buy circus
Equipment from.
Circus Into Schools recommends;
Ebay - You can
get some great discounts from Ebay especially on
unicycles and second hand stuff. However it is a
bit of a gamble and people can often end up
disatisfied. Sometimes the purchase isn't exactly
what the child wanted but was just cheaper.
Online Shops -
Circus4u make
fantastic colourful wooden circus equipment from
hold-on stilts to rolla bolla's. They can also
make equipment to order in school colours. www.circus4u.co.uk
Beard are great for reasonable
priced, meduim quality goods. They will also sell
at trade to wide range of groups.www.beard.co.uk
Butterfingers are
generally more expensive but you are buying top
quality goods. I would recommend buying through
them for the dedicated juggler or pro. It is more
difficult to get trade discounts through them. www.butterfingers.co.uk
Hawkin's Bazaar. Trade
through Tobar. Their juggling products are very
cheap but what you are getting is toy quality
rather than workshop / professional quality. The
only exception is their version of pedalgers rock
and don't break easily. www.hawkin.com and www.tobar.co.uk
Fire Toys - The best range of fire
equipments. www.firetoys.co.uk
Unicycle.com are fantastic for
their help and support. www.unicycle.com
4. How to Make circus
Equipment
How to make juggling
clubs.
I could explain it all but
actually it would be far easier for you to click
on this link and watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8apAP_FZ01U
How to make juggling balls.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-juggling-balls/
4. Where to buy circus equipment
from - work in progress
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