Overview

Are you interested in taking your performance skills to a new and intriguing level? Cirque de la Ville Vivant - Contemporary Performance in Melbourne is a program designed by Swinburne University of Technology and Australia's National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA). Created for students with an interest in contemporary circus arts, this course will allow students to develop their physical skills through experiential learning in the Sidney Myer Circus Studio. They will also undertake studies in performance, dance, and cultural studies in classes held on-site at NICA and through excursions to some of Melbourne's principle cultural and performing arts venues. In addition, cultural and tourism related activities will provide students with an introduction to the city of Melbourne and an insight into Australian society and culture, including its business environments and multicultural lifestyle. Swinburne will provide an official transcript for one class, which transfers as 3-4 credits to the home institution (at the discretion of the home university)

Location

Swinburne University of Technology has a strong reputation in Australia and overseas as a provider of career-oriented education and as a university with a commitment to research. The University maintains a strong technology base and important links with industry, complemented by a number of innovative specialist research centers. The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is Australia's center of excellence and innovation in contemporary circus arts. NICA is dedicated to developing and nurturing talented young circus performers via a 3-year degree, the Bachelor of Circus Arts. NICA also offers short courses, social circus workshops, training programs, and houses the Circa NICA agency to service the community's circus entertainment needs. Melbourne has a spectacular combination of old and new architecture, elegant streetscapes, ethnic communities, and lavish parks and gardens. In addition you will find some of Australia's best eating and an excellent transit system. Melbourne's standing as the cultural capital of Australia with events such as film and food festivals, major art exhibitions, and musical extravaganzas.

Program Focus

The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to:

explore contemporary circus and physical theatre and its relationship within the Australian cultural environment.

harness existing physical and performance skills in a circus environment.

build awareness of circus as a growing artform and tool for engagement with young people.

experience a uniquely Australian style of contemporary circus, drawing from Russian, Chinese, and European styles.

experience the artistic and cultural landscape of the city of Melbourne.

The program runs for 20 hours per week. The week is broken down into the following:

Circus Training - 10 hours

Performing Arts - 3 hours

Dance - 3 hours

Cultural Studies - 4 hours

Program Content

In addition to the development of physical skills required of circus performance such as flexibility, handstands, tumbling, and partner work, students will practice ground, ground to air, and aerial acrobatics as well as dance and performance skills. Dance focuses are on ballet, choreography and contemporary dance, and contact movement. Performance focuses will include:

Playing and Complicite - Students will learn to develop their imagination and spontaneity through creative play.

Improvisation - Students will develop improvisation techniques in narrative, dramatic focus, and action by understanding the building blocks and techniques.

Characterization and Neutral Mask - Students will investigate neutral mask as a performance style and learn techniques for creating characters for performance.

The cultural studies objectives of the course are to provide participants with an experiential learning opportunity through immersion in the artistic life of the city. This subject comprises classroom based tutorials, off-site excursions, and key industry lectures. Visits to cultural institutions may include: Circus OZ, Melbourne Theatre Company, the Victorian Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Australian Centre for Moving Image, and Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.



In the final week of the course, students will present a performance piece in each area of study - circus, dance, performance - which demonstrates their ability to make the transition from skills to performance. Course assessment will comprise performance, folio, journal submission, and written assessment.

Program Highlights

•Immersion in city life of Melbourne, one of Australia’s most vibrant and fun cities

•Learn and train at the world-renowned National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA)

•Many Cirque de Soleil, Broadway touring show, and Olympic opening/closing games performers have learned their craft here

•Industry lecturers from, and field trips to, Melbourne’s famed cultural facilities, museums, and performance venues


Who It’s For

Open to all students of at least sophomore standing, whether majoring in or with just an interest in performance, dance, acting, or circus arts.

Fees

Program Fees

$4,840.00

Fee Includes

Accommodation, local transportation, daily breakfast, all lectures, presentations, workshops, field trips, and excursions. International airfare is an additional cost.

Fee Semester

The above fee is the estimated fee for Summer 2009. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Overseas Students: 0
Staff: 0
Total Enrolment: 0

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level. Dance, theatre, performing arts, and gymnastics majors, or those with an interest in those areas. Previous experience is not required. Students will be matched at a level appropriate to their background.

Required GPA: 2.50

University Specific Scholarships

Swinburne University of Technology is sponsoring one $500 AUD scholarship for the 2009 program. A scholarship application will be available once accepted to the program.