What is Youth Circus?
A Youth Circus programme provides opportunities for artistic, personal and social growth in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere.
At Galway Community Circus, Youth Circus refers to our membership-based circus arts education programmes for children and young people which focus on the artistic, social and personal development of participants. Delivered in an out-of-school setting, our youth circus programme consists of regular classes, performance opportunities, masterclasses, exchanges, camps and outings.
We are currently offering Youth Circus classes in Galway West (Shantalla), Galway East (Mervue) and Tuam.
At our Shantalla location in Galway City, we offer classes for youth ages 5 to 24. Classes are held by age group. Classes typically run for 30 weeks throughout autumn and spring and participants learn a variety of circus skills in each class. For more information on specific classes, click the links in pink below.
Flea Circus: Our Flea Circus introduces children aged 5 to 7 years to circus arts through a variety of fun games and activities. At this young age, the principles of teamwork, self-belief and understanding can have their foundations, paving the way for further development as they grow older.
Junior Circus: Our Junior Circus classes are designed for young people aged 8 to 11 years. We engage in the various disciplines of circus, including aerial, manipulation, balance, acrobatics, clowning, as well as stage presence.
Tweenies Circus: Tweenies Circus classes are designed for young people aged 12 to 14 years. Classes offer the participants a chance to learn a wide variety of circus skills and focus on their favourite ones. The areas of circus we work on are equilibristics and balancing, juggling, manipulation, aerial, acrobatics and clowning as well as stage presence.
Senior Circus: Our Senior Circus classes are designed for young people aged 15 to 17 years. Classes offer the participants a chance to learn a wide variety of circus skills and focus on their favourite ones. The areas of circus we work on are equilibristics and balancing, juggling, manipulation, aerial, acrobatics and clowning as well as stage presence.
Pierrot Circus: Pierrot Circus is designed for young people aged 18 to 24 years. Our young adults, the Pierrot group meet twice a week and devise their own learning according to their interest in the circus, supported by one of our artists in residence.
Youth Aerial: Youth Aerial is designed for young people aged 8 to 17. Participants gain practice in trapeze, aerial rope, aerial hoop, cocoon, tissue and harness work.
At our Westside location we are also currently offering shorter, specialised courses for youth age 12-17: Youth Acrobatics, Funambulism, Object Manipulation and Unicycle and Stilts.
We also offer Toddler Circus, for ages 1 to 4 years with an accompanying adult, and Family Circus, suitable for ages 4+, with siblings ages 1 to 3 years. Toddler and Family Circus classes run for 12 weeks.
We are delighted to offer a pilot Youth Circus programme in Galway East in autumn 2024.
For information on specific classes, click the pink links below.
Toddler Circus (East): Toddler Circus classes are for ages 1 to 4 years with accompanying adult, offering a fun and engaging environment where children can enhance their balance, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and strength through age-appropriate activities like juggling, tumbling, and interactive games. This class also provides an excellent opportunity for parents to bond with their little ones, creating joyful memories while supporting their development.
Flea Circus (East): Our Flea Circus introduces children aged 5 to 7 years to circus arts through a variety of fun games and activities. At this young age, the principles of teamwork, self-belief and understanding can have their foundations, paving the way for further development as they grow older.
Junior Circus (East): Our Junior Circus classes are designed for young people aged 8 to 11 years. We engage in the various disciplines of circus, including aerial, manipulation, balance, acrobatics, clowning, as well as stage presence.
Classes are held at the Mervue Community Centre.
We offer limited Youth Circus classes in Tuam, Co. Galway. For information on specific classes, click the pink links below.
After a very successful pilot programme of circus classes in Tuam in 2022, Galway Community Circus is continuing to run Youth Circus classes in Tuam. The new year will see a further step taken toward a permanent second space for Galway Community Circus in Tuam, and we will have limited classes while we work on a suitable space for our members.
Flea Circus in Tuam: Our Flea Circus introduces children aged 5 to 7 years to circus arts through a variety of fun games and activities. At this young age, the principles of teamwork, self-belief and understanding can have their foundations, paving the way for further development as they grow older.
Junior Circus in Tuam: Our Junior Circus classes are designed for young people aged 8 to 11 years. We engage in the various disciplines of circus, including aerial, manipulation, balance, acrobatics, clowning, as well as stage presence.
Classes are held at The Family Centre (TUSLA Building) Sports Hall, Dublin Road, Tuam, Co. Galway H54 AH75.
Bursary Awards
Galway Community Circus wants to ensure that circus education is accessible to every child in Ireland. We offer Bursary Awards to assist individuals with financial or other constraints to apply for a reduced rate or free classes.
To apply for a Bursary Award, please fill out the application form below.
For registration prices and fees, click the button below.
Read our anti-bullying code here.
Our annual Youth Circus programmes are strategically funded by Arts Council Ireland. Our Youth Circus Galway West and East programmes are supported by Galway City Council. Our Youth Circus Tuam programme is supported by Galway County Council.
