23.01.25
Open Call for Youth aged 12-17: Join the Galway Young Artists Collective
Do you dream of performing? Are you passionate about circus, dance, theatre, gymnastics, or other performing arts? Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Then the Galway Young Artists Collective is the perfect opportunity for you!
The Galway Young Artists Collective (formerly the Youth Ensemble) is a unique and exciting opportunity for talented and dedicated young people aged 12-17 who are serious about their craft, aspire to professional careers in the performing arts, and are ready to take their performance skills to the next level.
This programme is an intensive adventure filled with training, exploration, performance opportunities, and amazing professional development experiences.
This programme delves into the exciting world of contemporary circus, a dynamic art form that blends many different artforms – including theatre, dance, and gymnastics and more. It's the perfect way to expand your artistic horizons and develop unique skills that will set you apart.
The Galway Young Artists Collective is more than just a circus programme – it's a rigorous artist development program designed to nurture and prepare you for a future in the performing arts. We're committed to investing in your growth and providing you with the tools and experiences you need to succeed.
This programme is generously funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, making it an exceptional opportunity for young artists to access high-quality training and unique experiences at minimal to no cost.
Auditions for this programme occur only once a year. This programme is open to young people who participate in different art forms (theatre, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, etc.) You do not have to be a Galway Community Circus member to apply!
Don't miss out on this rare chance to elevate your artistic journey!
The deadline to apply is 12:00pm on Wednesday, 12th of February 2025.
If accepted into this programme, participants will:
- Learn from the pros: Work with professional circus artists and directors who will coach you and teach you what it’s like to perform at a high level.
- Get exclusive professional development opportunities: Potential opportunities include a summer youth exchange in Slovenia, a trip to the Festival of Fools in Belfast, the opportunity to attend the Irish Youth Circus Gathering hosted by Cloughjordan Circus Club, and performance opportunities throughout the year. Our recent group took a trip to London to see Cirque du Soleil, and this opportunity and others like it may also be available. (Opportunities are dependent on funding and spaces available).
- Build Skills: Take on fun but challenging routines while improving discipline, time management, and focus.
- Performance Opportunities: Be part of exciting live shows; gain confidence and experience performing in front of audiences.
- Stay Fit and Get Strong: Circus training helps you build strength, flexibility, and fitness while having fun and learning new tricks.
- Be Part of a Team: Work together with others in a friendly, supportive group where everyone helps each other shine.
- Real-World Preparation: The programme instils practical skills that extend beyond the circus, preparing members for future professional or creative endeavours.
- Unwavering Commitment: This is a challenging programme that demands dedication, consistent effort, and a genuine passion for performing. While previous experience is valuable, what truly matters is your commitment to learning and growing.
- Proven Dedication: You should have a strong foundation in your chosen art form (circus, dance, theatre, gymnastics, etc.) and a proven track record of consistent training and practice.
- Unwavering Attendance: Regular attendance at weekly training sessions (Wednesdays and Sundays) is crucial, along with consistent independent practice.
- A Performance Mindset: While this programme emphasizes exploration and learning, you must be eager to perform and ready to showcase your skills in a professional setting.
Please note: Selected performers must be prepared to commit to regular rehearsals and performances throughout the season, attending at least 85% of all scheduled rehearsals and performances. This is a significant commitment, and we expect all troupe members to take it seriously.
To apply to be a part of the Galway Young Artists Collective, you must complete the application form and email a video of yourself to davi@galwaycircus.com by 12:00pm on Wednesday, 12th of February 2025.
Click here to fill out the application form.
After you’ve filled out the application form, you need to record a video of yourself and send it to davi@galwaycircus.com. The video should include:
- Personal presentation (1 minute): introduce yourself
- Personal motivation (1 minute): tell us about what motivates you to be a part of the youth circus performance troupe
- Creative exercise (2 mins max): This is your chance to show off your creativity! You know how to do something that no one else can do, and we want to see it. Show us a party trick, a dance, a song, a fun movement – anything that shows off your unique creative flair. This does not have to be related to circus techniques. Be sure to think about the beginning and ending of the exercise.
Please note: It is encouraged that you include all sections (personal presentation, motivation and creative exercise) in the one video, but if you feel more comfortable writing out your personal presentation and motivation, this can be written and included in the email you send with your creative exercise video. You MUST send a video of your creative exercise to be considered for the Youth Performance Troupe.
Participants who are successful in the first phase will receive an email confirmation by Friday, 14th February and will then be invited to audition at Galway Community Circus on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st of February between 1:30 and 4:30pm.
Pre-Audition Process:
Before auditions, all applicants must complete the pre-audition requirements, as listed above.
Auditions:
Auditions will take place on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st of February between 1:30 and 4:30pm. Be ready to demonstrate your abilities and participate in a group workshop that will challenge your skills and teamwork. Please refer to the audition criteria document below to see the minimum criteria of movements to be executed in the audition. Please keep in mind that applicants do not have to be proficient in all movements mentioned below. Just do what you can!
Requirements:
Open to youth aged 12-17. While prior circus experience is not required, a strong commitment to learning and a serious attitude toward training are essential.
Important Dates
Deadline to apply: 12:00pm on Wednesday, 12th of February 2025.
Email to successful applicants: by Friday, 14th February 2025.
Auditions: Thursday 20th, Friday 21st of February between 1:30 and 4:30pm.
Parents and selected participants meeting: Wednesday 26th of February 5-6pm. (Parents and selected participants should attend this meeting to familiarise themselves with the programme, training and performance dates and to agree on the terms of the project).
If you have any questions about the application and/or audition process, please email davi@galwaycircus.com.
| Day | Time | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 4:45-7:45pm | 26.02, 05.03, 12.03, 19.03, 26.03, 02.04, 09.04, 30.04, 07.05, 14.05, 21.05, 28.05 |
| Sundays | 2-5pm | 02.03, 09.03, 16.03, 23.03, 30.03, 06.04, 13.04, 04.05, 11.05, 18.05 |
| Easter Break, Tues-Fri (mandatory) | 10am-5pm | 22.04, 23.04, 24.04, 25.04 |
| Tech Rehearsal & Show Day (mandatory) | TBC | 30.05, 31.05 |