Hello CaPT friends!

It may be cold outside, but the future is looking bright for Australian circus. As we roll into the second half of the year, there’s plenty to celebrate and look forward to—including big sector wins, exciting new resources, and fresh opportunities to connect and grow.

In this update: a new CEO for TNA, big news for Victorian circus infrastructure, and new resources for the CaPT community.

Warmly,  
Steph Speirs and the TNA Team

TNA News and Opportunities

Appointment of TNA’s new CEO
The Board of Theatre Network Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Amrit Gill as our new Chief Executive Officer commencing July 7, 2025. 

TNA Riggers Database
Our Circus and Physical Theatre Riggers Database is live! The database is for artists, companies, and venues to find CaPT riggers. Riggers can also list themselves for potential employment.

TNA’s Circus Insurance Deep Dives
A reminder that the two-part resource for CaPT artists and organisations navigating the current insurance market is still available on our website. This resource includes tools and information to help you understand insurance and secure the right coverage for your needs.

TNA 2024 Annual Report
Our Annual Report shares achievements and learnings in the past year. In 2024, we wrapped up our CaPT Initiatives, delivered in partnership with Creative Australia.

General News and Opportunities

Victoria

50 Perry Street Update
Flying Fruit Fly Circus has been appointed head tenant of the Perry St building, to be called Circus Centre Melbourne. It has been a long process and through our advocacy during this time, we’ve seen the enormous amount of hard work from everyone involved, especially staff at Creative Victoria and Circus Oz. This is an excellent outcome for the sector. Read the ArtsHub article about the announcement.  

Flying Fruit Fly Circus are hiring for Circus Centre Melbourne
FFFC are seeking exceptional individuals for two newly created roles for the new Circus Centre Melbourne: Circus Centre Manager, and Marketing and Communications Officer. Read more about the positions and how to apply. 

12-13 July – Women’s Circus Winter Creative Development Workshops
Join renowned performance makers, performers and directors Christy Flaws, Sarah Ward and Bec Matthews for a two day immersive experience and deep dive into ensemble-based performance. $120 full ticket and you must be a Women’s Circus member. 

15 July – NICA Callout for Submissions and Panelists for Australian Circus Summit
NICA’s Circus Summit will be three full days of industry discussion, collaboration, and connections. NICA is looking for expressions of interest for panel speakers and ‘living books’ from within the industry who would like to contribute to the discussions during the summit.  

National

1 July – CreateSA Grants (SA)
Up to $15,000 for artists and arts workers to undertake professional development. Up to $25,000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, groups, and orgs to support the creative development, production and presentation of new work. Artists and groups can also apply for funding for the development, production and presentation of new works.

Legs on the Wall Winter Open Training (NSW)
Legs is back with their winter open industry training. As always, no registration or payment required (donations welcome). Open training is for all physical training backgrounds.

5–12 July – Aerial Teacher Training Courses (QLD)
Aerial Wisdom is offering intensives in Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Trapeze and Aerial Hammock. Cost: $350.

8 July – Creative Australia First Nations Multi-Year Project Fund
$150,00 over 3 years to support First Nations communities, elders and established artists to pass on artistic and cultural knowledge to younger generations.

6-10 Aug – Wheel masterclasses with Eric Deschenes (QLD)
World-renowned coach Eric Deschenes (from Montreal’s National Circus School) is landing in Brisbane this August and running masterclasses in Cyr and German Wheel.

8 Aug – Free Grant Writing Workshop by Auspicious Arts
Join Auspicious Arts Projects for an engaging and informative online grant writing workshop tailored for artists who are either new to grant applications or seeking to brush up on their skills. It will be specifically centred around the Creative Australia projects grant round.

Adelaide Fringe Fund Grants
Applications are open for the Adelaide Fringe Fund Grants for participation in Adelaide Fringe 2026. Grants are distributed to support bold ideas, elevate diverse voices and encourage innovation. 

Adelaide Fringe Early Career Producer Mentorship – Mentor EOIs
Adelaide Fringe seeks EOIs from experienced producers who want to mentor emerging and mid-career producers. There is up to $2,500 to cover mentorship costs for both mentor and mentee.

International

South Australian Circus Centre seeks trainers for UFFO Trutnov (Czech Republic)
South Australian Circus Centre is assisting UFFO Trutnov to engage Australian-trained contemporary circus arts trainers. They are looking for trainers to teach for six months in 2026, at Czech Republic’s newest circus school for young people.

1 Nov – Workspace Brussels Performing Arts Residency (Belgium)
Up to three-week residency in Brussels to support research, experimentation and creation. Accommodation is provided. There is an honorarium of 750 EUR for travel and project expenses. 

Worldwide: International Circus Jobs
Jump on the Stage Lync jobs board for open jobs and callouts from around the world.

 

A roll call of congratulations to individuals, companies and organisations who have had good news. 

• Circus WA is moving to a permanent home!
  The SEC Substation in Fremantle, which has been empty for more than two decades is now set to become the premises for Circus WA and Fremantle Press. It will be the first permanent home for each organisation and a great opportunity to use a heritage space that’s been vacant for years. 
• Congratulations to the CaPT recipients of Green Room awards:
  • Outstanding Ensemble: In Place presented by Na Djinang Circus with Circa Cairns as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival. 
  • Outstanding Ensemble: Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Salvador Dinosaur and Parrot Ox as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival. 

Support & Resources 

Support Act offers 12 free counselling sessions for people working across the arts, with dedicated helplines for First Nations, LGBTIQ+, sexual harassment/abuse, and arts managers. Access support for work and non-work issues, including specialised financial counselling. 

TNA’s CaPT Resources include guides on Parenting in Circus, Contracts in Circus and Grants & Fundraising; CaPT-specific databases of companies, schools, producers & policies; and a compilation of CaPT-specific resources from across the world.

Auspicious Arts offers excellent resources including an arts funding calendar and useful tools and templates for finance and business in the arts.

TNA’s Resources has links to information and resources on Advocacy; Access & Equity; Sustainability; Fees, Rates & Working Conditions; Governance & Board; and Insurance.