1-YEAR intensive development
cIRCUS ARTS
A highly practical course led by world-renowned contemporary circus artists at our specialised circus centre. Immerse yourself in contemporary circus practices and leave with a professional showreel.
This course equips you for a successful career in circus arts.
NEXT COURSE STARTS: 8TH SEPT 2025
what will you learn?
Our professional development courses are unique.
Working in partnership with in-resident international touring contemporary circus company, RoguePlay, you will work with highly experienced professional performers and teachers throughout. This means you not only have direct access to expert skills knowledge but also the professional working environment. This course really is about building a career pathway.
You will learn
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Advanced aerial acrobatics in your chosen discipline
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Floor based acrobatics and partner work
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In depth knowledge of the working body and injury prevention
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Aerial rigging and safety
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How to find work- touring, auditioning and act work such as cruise ships
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Choreography and composition
You will devise and perform act, duo and solo work and finish the year with a professional photoshoot and showreel.
WHICH SKILLS?
AERIAL
Silk/Tissu
Corde Lisse Rope
Straps
Static Trapeze
Dance Trapeze
Aerial Hoop
GROUND
Handstands
Acrobatics
Free running/parkour
Tricking
Contemporary Dance
Breaking
HOLISTIC
Injury Prevention
Anatomy & Physiology
Aerial Rigging
Choreography
Finding Work
Act Creation
your 1 year journey
TERM 1 (September- December)
In the first term, from September to December, the main emphasis is on enhancing skills and physical fitness. It is crucial to ensure that the basics are mastered in your chosen art form, and that you have a good understanding of your body to train safely and reduce the risk of injuries. This is also why you will gain injury prevention and anatomy training, in order to understand your body, what your own limitations are and how to overcome them safely.
The skills chosen for the first term will encompass a minimum of one aerial apparatus and one discipline based on the ground. Additionally, dance instruction will be integrated into the curriculum.
TERM 2 (Jan-March)
Moving on to the second term, spanning from January to March, your skills will be refined as you prepare for both group performance and solo act creation under the guidance of experienced performers and Directors. You will choreograph, build skills as a team and be given the opportunity to preview your work for feedback. Throughout the term you will continue advancing your skills training in your chosen disciplines, pushing your level towards professional.
This term will also provide you with practical skills to find work and understand the industry landscape.
TERM 2 (April-June)
During the final term, from April to June, the focus on rehearsal and refinement. You will polish your solo act and group performance ready for performance at TILT Festival in July. You will also have professional photoshoot and showreel focus this term so that when you leave us you feel ready to go into the world of circus arts work.
It really is a jam-packed schedule, equipping you for beginning a career in circus arts or for applying for further training. Watch out for our BTEC and BA Circus degrees coming in 2026.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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Invert in the air and without jumping from the ground
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At least 1 pull up
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Put weight on your hands on the ground. For example: hold a handstand (with or without a wall) for 30 secs
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Experience in physical activity (this does not need to be aerial but could be gymnastics, dance or other physical form)
DISABLED APPLICANTS are very welcome, and we will discuss your entry requirements on an individual basis. Please feel free to apply and we can discuss specific needs post-application.
To apply you will need to send us:
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A completed online application
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Video examples of your training/performance (this does not need to be professionally shot. Phone video is fine)
why train at wmcc?
West Midlands Circus Centre, is dedicated exclusively to Circus Arts & Physical Theatre, established in 2013.
WMCC is renowned for high level teaching, world renowned artists and teachers and exceptional professional knowledge.
Uniquely working with international touring contemporary circus company, RoguePlay, you will have direct access to professionally training and performing artists, train in the same location and even witness open rehearsals and talk with the performing team. It really is an immersive space with extensive professional experience.
Together, RoguePlay and WMCC are on a mission to train artists to enter careers in Circus Arts & Physical Theatre, create and deliver Contemporary Circus training and performances for all levels, all abilities and disabilities, and add to the cultural economy of our City.
OUR FACILITIES
Inclusive and accessible. Everyone is welcome
A beautiful Grade 2 listed building nestled inside its own small private grounds, West Midlands Circus Centre is an old Quaker Meeting House, perfect for focused aerial training.
Our Big Rig has 7m's height and accommodates all kinds of aerial disciplines, including lunge line and counterweight facilities.
The Little One is perfect for acrobatics and flexibility in particular with a soft matted floor. The Little One also suits solo and partner training.
The gardens really make WMCC unique. Set in a highly accessible location, the surrounding gardens with oak trees, grassy spaces and a small pond, really provide the wellbeing spaces needed when doing focused training. The gardens provide a sanctuary to clarify your mind or just enjoy a coffee on those sunny days.
WMCC is disability accessible, equipped with an onsite coffee shop and large entrance hall with desks for study.
The Centre benefits from off street private parking and just 6 minutes walk from the busy Fiveways station and main Birmingham ring road.
WHERE ARE WE?
Just 6 minutes walk from Fiveways station and a few minutes from the bus and tram line, WMCC is easy to get to.
Surrounded by eateries, bars and coffee shops, we are also just 15 minutes walk from the City Centre Central Library.
There are plenty of affordable accomodation options close by and a quick bus ride to student centre, Selly Oak.
COURSE COSTS
We are a non-profit organisation and have costed our courses responsibly , ensuring you get high level teaching and specialist facilities.
1 year courses cost £5995 in total.
Pay in full or by 3 instalments.
If you choose instalments then a deposit of £450 is required on application. Followed by £2775 three months before starting and £2770 no less that 1 month before the course start date.
APPLY NOW
Please fill in the form below. Once completed, you will be directed to pay the £450 deposit to confirm your place.