Australian Circus and Physical Theatre Association::October 2007 Newsletter

Early Announcement for ACAPTA members:
2008 ACAPTA National Circus and Physical Theatre Conference
Adelaide, South Australia March 1-4 2008

ACAPTA's 2008 National Conference will be held during the Adelaide Festival, immediately after the Australia Performing Arts Market.

In 2008 the focus will be on CIRCUS ARTFORM DEVELOPMENT (ie. making new, world class and unique work). We are planning to hold masterclasses with Australian and International Circus and Physical Theatre directors such as:
• Cal McCrystal, director of Spymonkey's internationally acclaimed "Cooped", as well as the clowning for Cirque Du Soleil's “Zumanity” and “Varekai” www.calmccrystal.com
• Nigel Jamieson, Director for 2007 Green Room Award winning show, 'Honour Bound'. “Honour Bound is shatteringly good" (Sydney Morning Herald);
Further Australian and international guests will be confirmed in the coming months.

An additional focus will be TOURING AND SUSTAINABILITY (discussing, among other things, how to tour your shows and grow your company). We will conduct discussions with international contemporary performance promoters such as John Lambert www.johnlambert.ca- producer for Cirque Eloize , and other Australian and international producers attending the Australian Performing Arts Market.

There will also be a day set aside specifically for YOUTH, INDIGENOUS AND COMMUNITY CIRCUS convened by Kathryn Montgomery (formerly of Belfast Circus Community Outreach Programmes and NICA Indigenous Circus Programmes, currently a Melbourne-based freelance community circus worker).
We will be developing the detailed program and opening registrations in the next few months. Details will be first announced in the members newsletter as they come to hand and added to the conference section of the ACAPTA site as they are confirmed.

A highly practical 2 week course that combines skill development, training and creative development.
The program includes:
•Voice workshops with award-winning cabaret performer and voice teacher Gina Zoia
• Improvisation workshop with renowned performer and teacher Tony Osborne
• Acro training with gymnastic trainer Ben Moroney
• Grant writing and tips for getting your show off the ground with Legs management
•Creative development / developing material with Legs’ Artistic Director Debra Batton
The program offers the opportunity for physical performers to train their bodies, minds, voices and imagination. At the end of the fortnight, an informal showing (to the group) will be filmed so that each participant can take home a DVD to assist any future development of your work
Please see our website www.legsonthewall.com.au for a booking form and course timetable. For more information please call Melissa on 02 9560 9479 or admin@legsonthewall.com.au

The National Circus Festival presents the first:
Lone Star Materclass Program - January 2008

This first master class series is designed to bring highly trained professionals together, to work on skill development with a limited number of motivated participants. In putting together this performance training programme we have focused on the environment in which we will be working to maximise training possibilities.
Lone Star, where the Tasmanian Circus Festival is held, is truly a special place. Set amidst a vast forest, this natural environment is home to native birds, wallabies, echidnas, wombats and platypus. The ambience will be conducive to working on developing skills and at the same time provide a unique live in environment.

Swinging Trapeze with Ruby Rowat
Ruby's integrity to the art & virtuosity of circus distinguishes every performance, & is true in her approach to coaching. She has been privileged to train initially with Andre Simard, & more intensively with Victor Fomin, who's coaching method uses specific progressive drills for acquiring swinging trapeze tempo & technique into your body. Ruby has coached professional & aspiring performers in swinging
technique & in act creation in Montreal, Vancouver, Brazil, Tasmania, & now in Brisbane. Since her initial intensive training with Victor she continues to train with him between contracts. As Victor says, "There's no such thing as a poor student, just a poor coach."

Swinging Trapeze with Felica O’Brien
Felicia O'Brien is a circus performer who started her career in acrobatics as a gymnast before she was introduced to circus. Between 1997
and 2000 she took part in the Circus of Dreams training project, then trained various disciplines under Rita Van Opzeeland and toured as
part of flying troupe, Redirected Baggage.

Performance Technique : 23d - 28th January 2008

Viewpoints with Laura Sheedy
Viewpoints is a technique of theatre training and improvisation that articulates the two dominant elements performers and directors deal with on stage - time and space. Viewpoints allows performers and directors to function together spontaneously and intuitively, equipping theatremakers with skills to generate dynamic work, quickly. Performer and director Laura Sheedy (A Scam and a Strongman, Undercover, Adventures of Captain Frodo) began training and working with SITI in 1998. Since then, she has been utilising Viewpoints to create theatre works and run masterclasses in Australia and the US. This training intensive will immerse participants in the Viewpoints technique and
provide an invaluable resource for performers and directors of all styles and experience.

Clown with Clare Bartholomew
Explore and discover the playful, childlike and ridiculous world of the clown. The emphasis of this masterclass will be the playfulness of the clown, complicite between each performer on stage and cultivating pleasure at being ‘seen’ by the audience. Through both individual and group work, each performer will find their own relationships to the task and discover what might work for them, be it in solo, duo or group performance. Clare Bartholomew is an actor, deviser, director and clown doctor. She has developed a number of award winning solo and ensemble clown and theatre works (One Mans Business, The Business, Die Roten Punkte) and is an accomplished teacher of clown and physical performance. Prepare to be silly, take a risk and have fun!

The Australia Council for the Arts' Theatre Board has been examining new approaches to supporting Australian theatre.
It has done this by a number of discussion papers and by engaging the theatre community in debate through a series of meetings, public gatherings and an online web forum.
The process began in April 2006 with the release of Make It New? The paper was widely circulated and forums were held around the country to encourage discussion.
A first communique was published in October 2006 outlining some of the general directions and a second communiqué was released in May 2007 inviting feedback on a first draft of 2008 funding programs.
A third and final communique has now been published in September 2007. It outlines the Theatre Board’s decisions on the matters raised in the Make It New? papers and consultations over the previous eighteen months.

The aim of the Make It New? project has been to strengthen theatre as a vibrant contemporary artform by:
• encouraging a diverse yet networked theatre culture within Australia
• sustaining a number of key organisations to be hubs in this network
• empowering an enabling infrastructure for artistic development.
The archives of the web forums held in both 2006 and 2007 are available via the Australia Council website.
Click here to download a copy of Make It New - Communique 3
For further information on the process, please email makeitnew@ozco.gov.au or go to
http://www.ozco.gov.au/news_and_hot_topics/hot_topics/make_it_new_consultations/

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Only a few nights left to catch some of the circus shows in this year's Melbourne Fringe Festival. For the full program go to www.melbournefringe.com.au

This Side Up have offered to let ACAPTA members see Controlled Falling Project for a special rate of $10! (only for tickets purchased directly at the Divine Carnival Circus Hub at the Northcote Town Hall). Mention this article.

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Another Divine Carnival event is Shuttlecock. See it!

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C o n n e c t e d
School Shows: Wed 24 Oct at 10.30am & 1.00pm
Thu 25 Oct at 10.30am & 1.00pm
Fri 26 Oct at 1.00pm
Public Shows: Fri 26 Oct at 7.00pm
Sat 27 Oct at 1.00pm & 7.00pm
Venue: Odeon Theatre, Norwood (cnr Queen Street & The Parade)
Connected features an extraordinary cast of 15 new and old Cirkidz artists in a fun and thought-provoking mix of physical theatre and contemporary circus. A cast of characters, people from different worlds but all looking for the same thing…
• Teenage boys pushing the limits (physically and socially) – there’s an accident waiting to happen!
• A troubled girl. She’s the coolest kid in the school, pretty and popular. Gorgeous on the outside, but how is she really feeling inside? The sharks are circling, but she’s not letting anyone know what’s going on behind her mask.
•A gang of girls, playful and innocent, exploring the scene, working out where they fit in the social spectrum.
• Then there’s the smelly kid. You know the one. He’s a bit grotesque, the outcast. Where does he fit in?
We watch these characters and more as they journey through a day. Armed with modern technology, and access to more information than ever before, these young people are more connected than ever …or are they?
Circus acts include:
Tumbling - Aerial Cloud Swing – Trapeze - Group juggling – Contortion - Hula hoop – Diabolo -
Mini Trampoline - Human Pyramids - and much more…

Ever want to run away with the circus? Well, these young people have! The Cirkidz Troupe presents its 15th feature theatre show.
This year, under the guidance of new Artistic Director Dan Aubin, members of the Troupe went back to the beginning and asked “What is Circus?”

Many answers came: Fun, strength, flexibility, courage, flight, technique, and determination. The list goes on. One answer stood above the rest and is in every part of the circus… connection. It’s not just a clever title.

Whether it’s the split second connection between a spinning club and the juggler’s hand, or the precariously balanced connection of a six person high human pyramid, a subtle look exchanged between two acrobats that cues a dangerously timed flip, or the rise of an eyebrow that lets the entire audience in on a character’s secret. These connections are all around us everyday as we work, play and go to school.

Modern culture is connecting more and more through technology. Amazing new gadgets give young people access to more information that ever before and it is being ingested at a higher frequency than ever. Multi-tasking young people are instant messaging while doing homework, playing games online and watching television at the same time.

This new generation is more connected than ever before…or are we?
Suitable for families and children aged 10 and up
Tickets Public Shows: $15 adult, $10 children/concession
Schools Shows: $7.50 per student
How to Book: Contact Cirkidz directly by phone 8346 5735, fax 8346 8555 or email circus@cirkidz.org.au.

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Flying Trapeze Intensives with Flying Trapeze Australia

As of the 8th October we will be running classes at Aqualink Box Hill. Classes are scheduled over the 10 week term.
Available Class times are:
Wednesday 10:00am - 11:30am
Saturday 10:00am - 11:30am and 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 1:30pm and 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Classes will have no more than 7 people

Cost: $350 for 10 classes
If you see a time that suits you please call Holly 0402 139 661 or email me ASAP.

We are also running classes for beginners on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 - 5:30.

It is your responsibility to attend the class once you are signed up. There will be no refunds for classes missed.
If Flying Trapeze Australia cancels due to bad weather, we will reschedule the class, if you're unable to attend the rescheduled class then you can jump into one of our other classes.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to call or email us.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Holly and Steen
Flying Trapeze Australia

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The Burlesque Ball 2007

Tickets now on sale!
Sydney - Saturday 27 October 2007 -The Gaelic Theatre

Brisbane-Saturday 24 November 2007-The Tivoli Theatre

Melbourne -TBA

FIRST RELEASE – Almost Sold OUT
General Entry: $79.00 + Booking Fees
VIP: $120.00 + Booking Fees

SECOND RELEASE
General Entry: $99.00 + Booking Fees
VIP: $140 + Booking Fees

The Burlesque Ball is back with a bang this year. With the best of Australia’s Burlesque and Vaudeville Artists, performing in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane.

Confirmed acts so far include MC The Birdmann, Rachel St James and Gypsy Wood, with a huge list of support acts about to be confirmed soon. MC The Birdmann (SYD/BNE)
Rachel St James (SYD/BNE)
Gypsy Wood (SYD/BNE)
Suzie Q (SYD)
Lorelei & Sarina (SYD)
Adam Mada (SYD)
Lauren LaRouge (SYD)
Lena Marlene (BNE)
Devotchkin (BNE)
Tigerlil (BNE)

Click for more info

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IgNobel Prize for Sword Swallowing Research

British radiologist Brian Witcombe, a consultant radiologist at Gloucestershire Royal NHS Foundation Trust, who discovered that sword swallowers suffer "major
complications" when they are distracted or while gulping down more than one
blade has been awarded an alternative Nobel prize.

Mr Witcombe attended the ceremony at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre
before an audience of around 1200, with thousands more watching on the web.
The prizes were handed out by real laureates during the annual event
produced by the science humour magazine, "Annals of Improbable Research".

With Dan Meyer of The Sword Swallowers Association International, Mr
Witcombe was cited for his penetrating medical report "Sword Swallowing and
Its Side Effects" that appeared in the British Medical Journal last
Christmas.
They studied the fate of 46 sword swallowers. "Sore throats are common,
particularly while the skill is being learnt or when performances are too
frequent," they wisely observed.
"Sword swallowers without healthcare coverage expose themselves to financial
as well as physical risk." Any hints on where Australian Sword Swallowers can get health coverage would be welcome!

Wanted - Creative Producer – Bounce Circus Festival
Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s vision is to ensure the greater Geelong region is renowned for its creativity, energy and engagement with the arts. To achieve this we are committed to establishing Bounce, an outdoor busking, circus and physical theatre Festival as an event of national significance. The inaugural Festival will be held in Geelong on 29 and 30 March 2008.
We are seeking an experienced and self motivated individual with strong networks in the circus, physical theatre and arts community both in Victoria and nationally. You will have the ability to work unsupervised and as part of an arts administration team. Your ability to communicate with staff, management and key stake holders is paramount.
This contract position has a varied and interesting range of duties including:
* The ability to create a uniquely original Festival with strong artistic and creative rigor
* Demonstrated ability in arts administration with an emphasis on events and projects
* An understanding of the need for future planning and strategic development of the Festival

This is a short term contract commencing immediately and finishing mid April 2008. Hours are negotiable and flexible.
All applicants should obtain a position description before applying by following the link below, or by phoning 03 5225 1213.

Position Description PDF

Applications for this position close at 10am Thursday 18 October 2007 and should be marked ‘confidential’ and addressed to:
Tineke Barry, Administration Manager
Geelong Performing Arts Centre
PO Box 991
Geelong 3220
Or sent via email to employment@gpac.org.au

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Expressions of interest sought for inaugural Bounce Festival
Buskers, Physical Theatre and Circus Performers
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from artists, both established & emerging who have a key focus on performing work of a physical nature.
Expressions PDF
Email to employment@gpac.org.au

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CALL FOR ARTISTS - SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL 15-17 February 2008

The Sustainable Living Festival Creative Program showcases performance, film and visual art celebrating and inspiring ecologically and socially sustainable communities. The Festival takes place at Federation Square, Melbourne over 3 days each February, attracting in excess of 100,000 people. The Festival is produced by the Sustainable Living Foundation, a not-for-profit community based organisation.

The Festival’s creative program invites submissions from visual artists, performers, writers, musicians and filmmakers.

Submit your application online: www.slf.org.au/festival/participate/artists.
Deadline for Submissions: 31 October 2007

For Further information:
www.slf.org.au/festival
Email: create@slf.org.au
Or phone the Sustainable Living Foundation
Ph: 03 9249 1888

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Circus Oz / ACAPTA Fringe Award

ACAPTA and Circus Oz have again joined forces to present an industry specific award for one of the growing number of circus and physical theatre acts that take part in the Melbourne Fringe Festival each year.
Last year the Fringe judging panel was so overwhelmed by the talent on offer that a decision was made to split the award between two groups.
This is the second year that the Circus Oz/ACAPTA Award has been presented by Fringe.
We have placed a few flyers in this issue that have been sent to us by ACAPTA members. For more information go to www.melbournefringe.com.au

Look out for:
The Divine Carnival at Northcote Town Hall
Opening Night Carnival
The League of Sideshow Superstars III
A Smorgasbord of Circus
A Stab in the Dark
Bucket of Love
Circuside
Controlled Falling Project
Domestic Bliss
Harry and Me
Shuttlecock
Team Loko's Introduction to Circus
Tastes Funny
Apples and Oranges and other matters

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Position: General Manager – Circus WOW

Status: Part-time – 3 days per week or 2 days + 2 x _ days
Salary: $450.00/wk
Reporting to: Circus WOW’s Management Committee & the General Membership
Closing Date: Fri 26th October 2007
Circus WOW is a unique Women’s Community Circus with a year round workshop program in stilts, new clown, acro-balance, aerials, tumbling, object manipulation, and fire. The company also creates thought provoking circus and physical theatre that energetically affirms women’s lives in the Illawarra. Circus WOW is looking for someone with vision and industry leadership experience to work with a committed volunteer management team, to implement the next exciting phase of the company’s development and a commitment to realising Circus WOW’s many opportunities and potential within the community.
Our Mission Statement:-
Circus Wow aims to provide opportunities for women from all backgrounds to acquire physical, performance & technical skills while working in a safe, non- competitive & supportive environment.
It presents ideas of feminism & social change to the wider community through dynamic, innovative, hi-quality circus & physical theatre performances & workshops.
Candidates interested in applying for the position are asked to obtain an application package by contacting 02 4283 5555 or circuswow@hotkey.net.au

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Circus Monoxide Big Top Regional NSW TOUR:

Oct 5-14: Wollongong Season (presented by the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre - Merrigong Theatre Fringe Season)
Oct 18-21: Paramatta Season (presented by Paramatta Riverside Theatres)
Online booking available for all shows - go to the Monoxide website for details
www.circusmonoxide.com.au
Other projects:
RichMix Series: monthly artist talks, master classes, works-in-progress showings. Contact Jane Davis, Monoxide Associate Director, to receive updates: jane@circusmonoxide.com.au / 02 4285 0701

If you would like anything added to the October Newsletter please email details to ACAPTA. We will make every effort to include it but to be certain that there is sufficient notice contact us 6 to 8 weeks prior to your event.

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