With the current economic climate and increase in unemployment affecting everyone in the UK it comes with no surprise that many of those eager to crack into industry sectors become more prepared to up and move sticks to land the ideal job.
But to what cost does this have to our British born industries. When economists and government officials discuss the ‘foreign drain’ on our home grown talent, how many of them are thinking about the unique and crafted performers that Britain so tentatively nurtures every year.
The umbrella of performing arts is often conceptualised as an all-encompassing cabaret of music, dance and physical theatre-however far too often we forget to remember that Britain is home to one of the largest circus communities in Europe. From the grace of flying trapeze, through to the sensual skill of contortion, there is nothing as seductive as the circus.
Within the UK Circomedia in Bristol and Circus Space in London attract thousands of students every year, keen and eager to specialise and develop this timeless craft. Under represented within British media the call for graduate work is competitive or non-existent. With the demand for performers coming from abroad Britain loses its highly trained circus performers to troupes abroad.
In an interview with the Observer, Daisy Drury, director of development at Circus Space comments that ‘the text based theatre tradition’ within the UK often limits graduates who are find it easier to find employment abroad, particularly in Europe where a tradition of visual and circus entertainment Is much stronger.
Whilst many British performers have become advocates for the UK within internationally renowned powerhouse Cirque du Soleil the Arts sector is becoming dedicated to keeping British talent on home turf. Occupying a strong presence within the Olympic Games 2012, BBC test cards and nationally through music festivals, circus is finally getting people to stop and notice it.
Roll out Circus Maximus; the UK’s first ever circus competition.
Co-ordinated by Underbelly ProductionsUnderbelly productions and Circus Space, this live competition will see acts competing for the chance of a lifetime. On offer:
- £5,000 cash prize
- Two week s free rehearsal space at Circus Space
- First look agreement with Underbelly Productions to produce a body of work for a live show.
Free to enter, anyone from professionals to hobbyists can compete. With a focus on creativity, originality, entertainment value and delivery this is a show with no boundaries.
Those interested in applying are required to submit a 5-10 minute video of the entire act they wish to perform as part of the competition. If shortlisted by a panel of judges into the heats, each act will be required to perform in front of a live audience inside underbelly’s iconic upside purple cow enclosure on the Banks of the Thames outside London’s Southbank Centre in May, warming us all up for a grand final show on Saturday 1st June, 2013.
Interested?
Applications must be submitted online at: www.underbelly.co.uk/circusmaximusapply
by 23:59 on Sunday 24th March, 2013. Acts shortlisted for the heats will be announced on Wednesday 3rd April, 2013 on their basis of their eligibility, ability, originality and variety.
Committed to making this available for everyone contributions for travel and accommodation expenses at the Heats and Finals are available. For more information about the competition, including venue plans and technical availability for rigging and production visit the website or contact circusmaximus@underbelly.co.uk
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