National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA)

Our next round of Audition Masterclasses is coming up 📣
Join us for one, or both! Earlybird & bundle pack discounts apply.

July 9 | Circus Skills⁠
🔸 Refine your technique in the audition skill categories: Handstands, Tumbling, Strength, Flexibility, Trampoline
🔸 Receive feedback on your progress and suggested areas of training
🔸 Increase confidence for audition day and meet the NICA Staff

July 10 | Performance Skills⁠
🔸 Learn how to personalise the audition dance choreography and rehearse the sequence
🔸 Develop your unique presentation style
🔸 Receive guidance on refining your specialty act and performance skills
🔸 Undertake a specialty workshop with NICA trainers and apply creative processes to apparatus
🔸 Formal Q&A in-person and livestreamed

Visit the link in our bio, or head to www.nica.com.au/auditions

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Feature Artists
Gemma Troung .t__
Zahnee Kimmel

Photography
Max Neal
Dan Rabin .rabin

“We can accommodate any specialty... except Wheel of Death.” — Alex Gullan, Circus Operations Coordinator at NICA

The opportunities are endless.

PS. If you don’t see your specialty on this list - don’t worry (we simply couldn’t fit them all)!

Want reassurance that we can accommodate your specialty? Reach out to our auditions team at [email protected]



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Credits to our incredible photographers over the years:
Cameron Grant
Theresa Harrison
Dan Rabin .rabin
Aaron Walker
Rob Blackburn
Asrinasmara Sastradipradja .sas_photography

To explore more about these amazing shows, artists, and creatives, visit our archives at www.nica.com.au/archives

Free Circus Industry Training Opportunity, Wednesday 17 June

NICA, Circus Centre Melbourne, Women’s Circus, Nexus, Ruccis, and Circus Spot are teaming up to offer a free training opportunity, delivered by independent, female-led organisation, On The Cusp .au

On The Cusp specialises in providing evidence-based sexual violence prevention and respectful relationships education to the arts and hospitality industries.

While a lot of workplace sexual harassment and sexual violence training is aimed at management level, the impacts are often most deeply felt by people working on the ground level.

This session is being offered specifically to performers, trainers, technicians, stage managers, riggers, arts workers, and independent members of our circus arts sector.

Making safer artistic workplaces is a whole community effort, and we hope that this workshop will offer us practical tools for recognising and responding to unsafe behaviour, creating a better working environment for all.

The workshop will take place:
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
10:00AM - 2:00PM
National Institute of Circus Arts

The training is free and RSVPs are essential. To register for one of NICA’s allocated places, please email [email protected].

There are limited spots remaining, so please get in touch ASAP if you would like to participate ❤️

au






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📸
Ensemble cast 2023, ONEIRIC

Save these important dates 📝⁠
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Empty Bodies (2016)⁠
Photography by Aaron Walker⁠
Featuring Jack Wilde and ensemble students

APPLICATIONS OPEN
Want to study at NICA in 2027? Grab that dream by the horns and steer it towards the spotlight.
 
Apply to Audition before 14 August 2026.
Visit the link in our bio, or head to www.nica.com.au/auditions
 

 
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Photography by Rob Blackburn
Feature Artist Holly Muir

THIS. Or nothing.
That moment you knew there was no other life for you.
 
Applications open on Monday 1 June.
Prepare for the life of your dreams.
 

 
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Photography by Rob Blackburn
Feature Artist Jaran Latona-Phasuk .lp

Audition applications open 1 June - 14 August 2026 ✨
To support you through the application process, NICA has prepared a comprehensive Audition Application Guide.

You can download the full guide from our website: nica.com.au/auditions

Want to get started before the portal opens? Use the guide to begin planning your application and gathering your materials ahead of time.

If you need any assistance, please contact the team at [email protected] 📧



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Photography by Dan Rabin .rabin
Feature Artist Maya Davies

SAVE THESE DATES⁠ 👇️⁠
Planning for your future with us? Here are the key dates you need to know if you’re embarking on your this year.

In 2026, we are hosting three Audition Masterclasses for prospective students seeking additional guidance and support when preparing to audition for NICA.

MASTERCLASS DATES:
April 10 | Early Prep⁠
July 9 | Circus Skills⁠
July 10 | Performance Skills⁠
(All Masterclasses will be held at NICA)

AUDITION DATES:
28 September - 3 October 2026
(Auditions are a two-day commitment at NICA)

If you cannot attend in-person, you can opt to submit a video audition.

Enrolment into Audition Masterclasses is opening soon! Watch this space for announcements 📣

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Original photography by Cameron Grant
Feature artist Dhani Johnson

NICA’s Artist Residency Program is back! 💚
Applications are now open for the 2026 Residency Program. We want to hear from independent circus and physical theatre artists and groups in the process of developing new acts or shows.

How will we support you? By offering free access to one of the most vital resources: space to train and create⁠ ✨️

There are six key dates in the 2026 program, with the first Residency kicking off in July.

To apply, visit www.nica.com.au/NICA-artist-residency-program



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Photo by Rob Blackburn