The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) presents their graduate showcase titled Muse, from December 4 -7 at the NICA National Circus Centre, Prahran.
Curated by Tegan Carmichael, devised by NICA’s third-year students, with artistic consultancy by Alonso Pineda, Emma Pursey, and Donna Dunmire, the show asks: “Where do our artists find threads of inspiration? The moments that spark a surge of creativity that compels them to create new things?”
Answer: In music. In nature. In emotion. In other artforms. In moments of quiet observation. In other artists’ interpretation of life. In their mentors. In their muses.
Twelve artists lay their cards on the table – revealing and expressing the catalysts of innovation through the tools of their craft: aerial straps, dance trapeze, Chinese pole, roue cyr, hand balancing, hula hoops, diabolo, hoop diving, aerial rope, and swinging trapeze.
Tegan Carmichael, Acting Head of Circus Studies, NICA, said: “Throughout their time at NICA, this cohort have demonstrated great enthusiasm in increasing their performance skills. “Working with different industry professionals to experience various theatrical genres from mime, horror, and comedy, they are now applying hard learnt lessons to their very own contemporary circus creations.
“Following on the momentum of a spectacular Fringe season, we anticipate an impressive final showcase before they graduate NICA and celebrate their next stage of development as they continue down unique individual paths.”
The National Institute of Circus Arts is Australia’s Centre of Excellence for training in contemporary circus arts. It is one of eight national arts training institutes and offers Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts.
Graduates of NICA have gone on to pursue exciting careers both locally and internationally and have contributed to the development of Australia’s vibrant circus arts industry.
Event Season: December 4 – 7
Time: 7.30pm evenings and 2pm matinee
Venue: NICA’s Guang Rong Lu OAM National Circus Centre, 9 – 59 Green St, Prahran.
Duration: 75 minutes
Tickets: $15 – $40 plus booking fee. Discounts for groups, concession, Mob tix and under 30s.
Seating: General Admission
Bookings: nica.com.au/performs
Warning: The show contains loud music, strobe lighting, and smoke haze.

• Cheryl Threadgold