Youth Circus
For Youth
Youth Circus is our membership-based circus arts education programme for children and young people ages 5 to 24. Registration for 2025 spring term classes now open!
Autumn term typically starts the 3rd week of September each year and runs for 12 weeks (no classes during midterm breaks).
Winter/spring term starts the 2nd week of January and runs for 18 weeks (no classes during midterm breaks and bank holidays).
Click here for detailed information on registration, terms and fees.
Click here to see our registration and fees page.
Alternatively, you can email us at info@galwaycircus.com if you have a question about cost.
We also offer Access Awards to assist individuals with financial or other constraints to apply for a reduced rate or free classes. To apply for an Access Award, please fill out the form below and submit to info@galwaycircus.com.
GCC Access Award Application Form (docx)
At our Shantalla location in Galway City, we offer classes for:
- Toddlers aged 1-4 and accompanying adult
- Families - with children ages 4 yrs+, and siblings 1-3 years can join
- Youth aged 5-24
At our Eastside location at Mervue Community Centre, we offer classes for:
- Toddlers aged 1-4 and accompanying adult
- Youth aged 5-12
At our Tuam location, we offer classes for:
- Youth aged 5-12
Click here to read more about all of the circus classes on offer.
No, all our classes are filled from the beginning of term, therefore we cannot accommodate the switching of classes.
If you need to change the day of the weekly class you or your child attend, please email info@galwaycircus.com for assistance.
Yes. Every year we host 4 European volunteers as part of the European Solidarity Corps (formerly European Voluntary Service) programme. We recruit 3 assistant circus tutors and 1 arts administration assistant. The European Solidarity Corps programme at Galway Community Circus lasts 11 months, starting in September and finishing at the end of July.
We have a recruitment process that begins in the spring of each year.
To apply, you can send your cover letter and CV to esc@galwaycircus.com.
Click here to read more about the European Solidarity Corps programme at Galway Community Circus.
The areas of circus we work on are equilibristic/balancing, juggling, manipulation, aerial, acrobatics and clowning as well as stage presence and performance.
No, age should never stop you from trying something new!
No! There are basic health questions that we ask at registration, but your fitness level should not affect you joining us. Our classes are suitable for all body types and fitness levels.
Yes, we welcome and can support children and young people with additional needs in our circus classes.
Please contact info@galwaycircus.com or call 0851117224 so that we can discuss the best possible fit for your child.
No. We ask for parents to walk the child into the class, which is acknowledged by the tutor. The parent may then leave the Circus and come back 5 minutes prior to the end of class and wait outside the Circus Hall. Galway Community Circus tutors will then open the doors of the Circus Hall and remain there to ensure each child is collected by their parent.
We begin the first class with a group contract, ice breaker games, learning each other's names through games and exploring basic circus skills.
Wear comfortable, yet fairly tight-fitting clothing, as loose clothes might get tangled on equipment. Tracksuits and long leggings are a good idea. Please make sure there are no zips or sharp objects on your clothing, as these can damage the equipment. Similarly, all jewellery must be removed before class starts. Shoes are not to be worn in the Circus Hall, so please bring grippy socks or prepare to be barefoot. Remember to bring a bottle of water!
No. Galway Community Circus endeavours to allow our members to take ownership of their classes therefore no spectators are permitted. We do hold open classes and performances for parents so they may see everything their child is learning. Parents will be notified of these events.
No, Galway Community Circus endeavours to allow our members to take ownership of their classes therefore no spectators are permitted. We do hold open classes and performances for parents/guardians/carers/friends so they may see everything their friend is learning at the Circus.
For special circumstances please contact info@galwaycircus.com.
We occasionally host specialised circus activities for youth and adults throughout the year. Click here to see our events page and see what's on during your visit.
Please contact us at info@galwaycircus.com if you would like to train or meet with anyone from the Circus.
You can sign up for our email newsletter, which we send monthly, or follow us on social media.
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