In 2024, TNA conducted a survey about access in Australian Circus and Physical Theatre (CaPT). Our aim was to better understand the experiences of disabled people who work or train in the sector, to support advocacy for fairer and more accessible CaPT workplaces.

The survey’s findings are presented in TNA’s 2026 Access in Circus Workplaces Report.

The report notes that:

• Respondents most frequently reported barriers in circus education and training settings, followed by performing work with circus or arts companies.
• A recurring theme was expectations on the physical body and how techniques of circus training exclude disabled artists from accessing training.
• Structural barriers were prominent in the results, with lack of physical access, lack of supportive policies, and poor disability/accessibility awareness among the most reported issues.

TNA gratefully acknowledges Loki Rickus for his leadership and drive in establishing this project and shaping its direction. Loki is a circus professional with a disability, and a dedicated disability advocate, who brought his expertise as a member of TNA’s Circus and Physical Theatre Advisory Committee from 2021–23.

A word version of the full report is also available for download.