Foundation (FdA) in Contemporary Circus and Physical Performance

September 2010 - July 2012

Leading to a Foundation Degree (FdA) run in partnership with, and awarded by Bath Spa University. This two 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. It aims to expose students to a wide range of disciplines and styles and incorporates circus, dance, theatre, cabaret and outdoor theatre. With a grounding in physical technique and skill it also explores the various cultural, historical ans social contexts in which these disciplines sit. The course will also teach students some of the technical, practical and logistical elements of working professionally as a performer, managing, staging and promoting their own work.

Year One

The aims of the first year are to enable students to discover and develop:

* A solid technical foundation in their chosen skill areas.
* Optimum performance range.
* Devising and choreographic skills.
* Optimum fitness potential.
* Understanding of the cultural and commercial context of their work.

Course Structure

The course is comprised of five main areas:

1. Specialist Choices
2. Performance, Movement, Voice and Creative Studies
3. Body Training
4. Complementary and Contextual Studies, including Practical, Technical and Academic theory
5. Practice and Evaluations

1) Specialist Choices
In consultation with teachers, two out of the four following areas are chosen as specialisations after an initial six week period. Specialisations involve weekly classes, structured practice, assignments, presentations and use of video. During the year each area of specialisation will have an intensive period of one week where much of the regular schedule is given over to the specialisation.

Aerial:
Students are given a thorough training in the safety aspects and conditioning fundamental to all aerial work. Having laid the foundation in static trapeze technique, students are then given taster classes in a range of aerial skills before choosing areas of specialisation from the following:

Solo static trapeze, doubles static trapeze, swinging trapeze (solo and doubles), hoop, ladder, cord lisse, Spanish web, tissu, cloudswing, introduction to bungees. Students also choreograph and develop their own routines.

Equilibristics and Manipulation:
During the initial six weeks the first module is a creative assignment with unusual objects. After specialisation students will work on intensive modules in the following areas:

Basic technique and creative use of balls, clubs and rings, hats, cigar boxes, object balancing and other "gentleman" juggling. The interactive use of juggling especially club passing.
Alongside these major areas students will train and practice in a selection of the following:
Unicycling, stilt walking, roller balancing, walking globe. Students also participate in workshops with specialist guest tutors.

Acrobatics:

Students will receive tuition in:

* Acrobalance - slow controlled balancing and pyramid work in groups of two or more.
* Tempo - dynamic pairs work including rolls, cartwheels, boosts and flips.
* Hand balancing - on the floor, equipment and other people.
* Tumbling - rolls, cartwheels, handsprings, back flips (at the discretion of the tutor).

Please note. The emphasis is on acrobalance, tempo and hand balancing work with tumbling as a complementary topic. Also we cannot guarantee a perfectly matched partner for pairs work.

To complement technique classes, students will also explore acrobatics through creative movement and dramatic use of acrobatics. Additionally students devise and choreograph their own routines. Students may be able to specialise further in term two at the discretion of the tutor.

Physical Theatre:

This specialisation is for those whose interest is in creating work that prioritises moods, emotions and ideas over presentation of skill. Subject areas shadow the performance programme but in greater depth. Emphasis is on development of content and construction as well as quality of performance.
Areas covered - masks, clown and stories.

2) Performance, Movement and Creative Studies

This section of the course covers the many skills necessary for working in different styles of circus and theatre. Influences include Jacques Lecoq, Phillipe Gaulier and Keith Johnstone. Classes work towards integrating course content with circus skills and physical theatre throughout the year.

Performance:

Interplay, Neutral mask, atmospheres, stories, group improvisation.
Use of objects, stage combat, relationships with partners, objects & spectators, provocateurs.
Integrating different circus skills with each other and with physical theatre, Outdoor Performance (circle shows, walkabout). Working on material to be presented at the end of year public showcase.

Movement:

Movement fundamentals: time, body, space, weight / tension.
Status, character movement and choreography.

Creative Studies:

As well as ongoing set creative assignments, students work on their own creative projects, devising their own pieces / routines during the second term. The aim of this project is for students to discover or develop their own creative processes. Weekly sessions with a tutor and input from core teaching staff provide feedback and guidance. The project culminates in a performance to an invited audience.

3) Body Training

Comprised of class and practice time.

Fitness Training:
Based on the principles of Pilates.
Individual fitness levels are assessed at the beginning of the course and again at periodic intervals to guide and monitor progress. Conditioning classes and tutorials allow time for a closer look at exercise technique and individuals needs. Daily fitness practice sessions help develop alignment, stamina, strength and flexibility.

Movement Technique:

Dramatic Movement and Mime
Introduction to choreographic principles
Introduction to Contact Dance
Introduction to Ballet technique

4) Complementary and Contextual Studies

Taught through a variety of media including lectures, seminars, demonstrations and debates, students will cover a range of complimentary and contextual subjects that will inform and supplement their practical work. These will broadly cover:

* Historical and Contemporary contexts and debates in Circus, Physical Theatre, Street Performance and the wider performing arts.
* Technical Theatre
* Health and Safety
* Individual, Social and Cultural contexts and debates
* The Performing Arts Business

Circomedia encourages students to read, watch videos, research and see live performance. This then informs discussion and lectures on the current context of circus, popular theatre forms and physical theatre. Other sessions are devoted to physiology, anatomy, injury prevention, first aid, massage, self-management and promotion.

5) Practice & Evaluations:

As with any skill, practice is an essential part of perfection. Practice sessions are a significant and integral part of the course and are compulsory, structured and usually supervised.

Circomedia operates a tutorial system which helps to create a supportive environment in which to discuss students' progress, achievements and difficulties. Every 5-6 weeks students have a one-to-one discussion of their work with a tutor.

As well as the end-of-year showcase students may also have an opportunity to present work at festivals and conventions. In the past these have included British Juggling Convention, Bath International Festival, Glastonbury International Arts Festival.

Year 2

The second year will concentrate on expanding a students repertoire, broadening their range of skills and styles, learning to create work for different markets and within different environments. Students will continue to study the wider contexts in which these sit, understanding the diversity of the sector and how to promote their work within that market.

Over the year students will create a broad portfolio of work whilst simultaneously concentrating on a specific project of their own devising which they will develop across both semesters. In addition to creating and performing, students will learn how to sell their work professionally and manage themselves as performers, as well as looking into marketing, legal, financial/funding, logistical and insurance aspects of producing and staging work.

Students will also learn the basic elements of teacher training, giving them a grounding in the principles required for delivering workshops within their chosen field.