Circus Artists of Tomorrow . . . WANTED!

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Montreal's National Circus School (NCS) is taking to the road again, this time for its official Entrance Examinations. Students receive a general academic education recognized by the Ministry of Education and world-calibre circus arts training.

Dec 20, 2010 – Montreal's National Circus School (NCS) is taking to the road again, this time for its official Entrance Examinations. The move is a follow-up to the recent and highly successful trans-Canada tour to pre-select talented young people. The young circus artists of tomorrow that the School selects receive a general academic education recognized by the Ministry of Education and world-calibre circus arts training. They are then ready to pursue a career that will take them to the four corners of the planet as part of the ensembles of leading circus companies.

A candidate who wishes to experience this adventure of a lifetime must submit an application on or before midnight January 15, 2011 and pass an Entrance Examination (audition) during the month of February in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver.

A unique school, an enviable reputation
Since 1981, the National Circus School has carved a unique standing among the world's great circus schools. Renowned for the excellence and versatility of the artists it trains year after year, the placement rate for graduates has held steady at more than 95 percent. The majority of this country's young professional circus artists have trained here, making it a leader in the development and dissemination of circus arts. The NCS also has contributed to the emergence of such companies as Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize and The 7 Fingers, whose performances are applauded around the world.

Young people from across the country
With new dormitories for high school students, the School continues to confirm its position as a leader on the national scene in both preparatory and higher education in circus arts. Young people residing in any Canadian province who wish to receive high-level training in circus arts now have access to excellent student resources on the School's campus.

Registering for the School's programs
The deadline to apply to be considered for the NCS programs is midnight January 15, 2011. The selection process takes place in earnest across Canada through the Entrance Examinations (auditions) held in February in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver for the High School and College programs, as well as the Preparation for Advanced Training program. The purpose of these auditions is to evaluate a candidate's potential and skills, and their ability to complete the program. The ideal candidate has previously practiced circus arts, dance, a martial art or acrobatic sports such as artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, diving or figure skating.

The training
The National Circus School offers a complete education in circus arts, from preparatory programs to the Circus and High School Studies program, to the College-level Higher Education in Circus Arts program. 

For young people between 9 and 17 years of age, summer camp provides an intensive introduction to professional training and a chance to experience circus life at the School. The School also offers a college-level certificate program for teachers and instructors of circus arts.

Bursaries
For the past three years, the National Circus School Foundation has provided bursaries to assist talented students who lack sufficient financial resources. Any student enrolled in the School may apply for the grant. For the past two years, the Foundation awarded more than $100,000 to 57 bursary recipients.

For a full description of the audition process, to obtain application forms or for all further information, see nationalcircusschool.ca, or contact us at info@enc.qc.ca, toll free at 1 800 267-0859.

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"An explosion of talent"      
- La Presse, Montréal

« The National Circus School is one of the best circus arts training facilities in the world and attracts the best students form here and abroad, plus staff of top notch instructors."
- The Gazette, Montreal

"A higher-education institution that, through training not only artists but also instructors and trainers . . . has greatly contributed to the development of the circus arts."   
- Stradda, France

« Because Montreal is home to the (…) prestigious National Circus School, founded in 1981, it's a place where circus is always in town, what one observer envisions as "a sort of Silicon Valley of the circus arts"".                           
- Los Angeles Times, USA

« Circus has a very different look in Canada and beyond, a phenomenon that can be credited in good part to the National Circus School… »               
- The Globe and Mail, Toronto

Requests for interviews should be directed to the person representing for your area of the country. Interviews may be arranged with School staff or with a student coming from your region.

Ontario   
DW Communications
Dianne Weinrib   
416.703-5479 dw@dwcommunications.net

Québec   
Karine Cousineau Communications
514.382-4844
karinecousineau@bellnet.ca

British Columbia
Helen Yagi
604.736-5517
hyagi@shaw.ca

Maritimes
Carol Doucet
506.384-6897
caroldou@nbnet.nb.ca

NCS Contact:
Christophe Rousseau   
National Circus School
514.982-0859