University teaches circus skills

Trapeze artists: pic Bath Spa University

Students will present their work to an invited audience

Students at Bath Spa University are being offered the chance to take a new degree course in contemporary circus and physical performance.

Lessons cover a full range of skills, including trapeze, juggling, acrobatic skills and learning how to be a clown.

The first intake, of 25 students, has enrolled and is beginning preparations for work in a variety of settings such as theatre, the circus and festivals.

They will also learn how to promote and stage their work and manage themselves.

Street theatre

The two-year foundation degree course is run in partnership with Circomedia, a centre for circus with physical theatre, based in Bristol.

The course comprises five main areas including acrobatics, aerial and physical theatre, performance and voice, body training, technical theory and practice.

Students will present pieces of work to an invited audience at the end of the first year and will take part in street theatre and performing at live events such as the Glastonbury and Bath Festivals.

On successful completion of the course, students can apply for a 'top-up' qualification to a full BA (Hons) degree.