Galway Young Artists Collective

Join the Galway Young Artists Collective (GYAC)

Level Up Your Circus Skills | Experience the World | Perform Like a Pro

Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland

Are you a young person passionate about circus and ready to take your skills to the next level? Then the Galway Young Artists Collective is your chance to shine.

This is not your average circus class. GYAC is a funded, advanced training programme designed for serious young artists who want to push boundaries, perform professionally, and connect with the international circus community.

What You Get as a Member of the Galway Young Artists Collective

• Bespoke skills development tailored to your goals – track your progress, see your achievements grow.
• Professional performance opportunities – including professionally directed shows.
• See world-class circus shows like Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall.
• Take part in youth exchanges across Europe – from Derry to Italy to Slovenia!
• Hands-on training with international experts like Peter Duncan and Hands Down Circus.
• Behind-the-scenes experiences at top institutions like the National Centre for Circus Arts, London.
• Fly high with flying trapeze workshops at Aircraft Circus.
• Train for free – fully funded by Arts Council Ireland.

What's Expected

To make the most of this opportunity, GYAC members should commit to:

• 6 hours of physical training per week (at Galway Community Circus or external providers such as dance/gymnastics classes).
• 80% attendance at GYAC sessions.
• Participation in show rehearsals and projects throughout the year.

At Galway Community Circus, we support your journey with:

• Weekly skill-specific classes in acrobatics, juggling, tightwire, stilt walking, and unicycle (Wednesdays).
• Intensive 3-hour Saturday sessions.

Why Join?

• Fast-track your circus journey with intensive, focused training.
• Build real performance experience with professional-level productions.
• Make lifelong friends and learn from artists across Ireland and Europe.
• Stand out in the circus world – whether you aim to perform, teach, or study circus arts professionally.

Auditions

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!

Audition information for 2025 coming soon!