the programme
Are you creative, physically orientated, are you in for a challenge and independent and enterprising? Do you have a passion for the circus and aspire to a career in the circus world? Perhaps the Codarts' Rotterdam Circus Arts study programme is something for you.
The bachelor study programme Rotterdam Circus Arts given by Codarts, University for the Arts is the first and only study course for circus artists in The Netherlands at Professional level.
The circus study programme trains artists and performers who are capable of more than ‘a few tricks’. It demands much more ambition and potential.
As a student you are expected to use your craftsmanship and skills to develop circus acts with added artistic value. After your graduation you can work in various market segments like cirque nouveau, variety theatre, the entertainment industry, location or street theatre and the traditional circus in or outside The Netherlands.
The bachelor study programme Rotterdam Circus Arts is a fulltime study course lasting four years. You will be trained to become a professional performing artist with at least one circus speciality. In addition, you are taught a broad basis of circus techniques to ensure your versatility. After successfully completing your study, you can work in your chosen profession. You have the capability of working as independent circus artist or as a member of a collective.
Content of the study programme
The study programme consists of a single propedeutic year and a main phase of three years. The propedeutic year is the same for all students. The main phase concentrates on developing a student’s individual talent. The fourth year is a practical year that is concluded with a group production and an individual performance.
Working with animals is not a profession you can learn during the study programme.
The study content is based on the following departure points:
1. Integration of creativity and craftsmanship
2. A high-grade professional performance quality
3. Confrontation with professional practice
4. A specific circus arts profile
5. Broad versatility
The propedeutic phase
During the propedeutic phase, the basis is laid for further study progress in the main phase. The first year focuses on a broad introduction to different circus techniques and acquaintance with the work field. During the first year, you as a student must prove you possess sufficient talent and stamina.
The main phase
The main phase follows on the propedeutic phase, this takes three years. In the main phase you choose a circus discipline as specialization. In the beginning we offer all the specialisations of the circus arts in the main phase, except the flying trapeze. Your final choice depends on your skills and talent.
During the second study year, you continue training in a wide range of circus techniques. You keep training yourself in a wide range of circus techniques; however this special training intensifies as the study course progresses. Your own responsibility for the (artistic) choices you make also increase. On the basis of your own capacity, you develop an artistic vision and a singular speciality in order to create a distinct profile for yourself in the professional market. The last year of the main phase consists of a studio year. During the studio year you work towards realising two professional productions; an act based on your chosen speciality and a full evening’s entertainment made collectively with your fellow students.
Because the Rotterdam Circus Arts study programme is part of Codarts, University for the Arts, a natural alliance is entered into with the Rotterdam Conservatoire and the Rotterdam Dance Academy. This makes it possible to realize projects in collaboration with other art disciplines within the college. It allows you to choose minors like music, dance, music theatre and choreography. In this way you can expand your skills and use these in defining your position in the professional arena. Some pre-knowledge and talent for the minor you choose are necessary.
Per year different project weeks will be scheduled. During the project weeks, we invite internationally renowned guest teachers to work with students from all study years. The language of the course is English.
Tuition Fees
The statutory tuition fees for the 2008-2009 academic year are € 1565,-.
For more information download our brochure here, the extended version of the text here, or send an e-mail to circusarts@codarts.nl.
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