Presentation

The National Circus School seeks young people with a passion for the circus ready to develop their full potential.  The circus is an exceptional art form that embraces many different artistic techniques and disciplines. It also requires rigorous physical training from the beginning.  Aspiring young circus artists are invited to see if our preparatory program is the right fit for them.

The National Circus School offers this training program to young people between the ages of 9 and 13. The aim is to develop a solid base from which to move to the next level, the High School and Circus Studies program. As with any artistic discipline, the artist must begin training as early as possible in order to excel in the chosen art.

This program integrates an introduction to circus techniques, solid physical preparation and an artistic development component. Courses are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, for a total of 13 hours per week. Student performances are presented before an audience of parents and the public at the National Circus School in December and May.

Talented young people who are interested should forward their application for admission to the program.  Classes start on September 3 but applications will be accepted at any time during the school year.

For additional information, please contact Marilou Cousineau, program coordinator.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate wishes to pursue the full advanced training necessary to become a circus artist. In order to achieve this goal, students must commit to an intensive preparatory training, in addition to primary or secondary studies.

The candidate:

  • demonstrates proficiency in the circus arts, dance, a martial art or acrobatic sport with an artistic component, such as artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, diving, figure skating, etc.
  • has developed physical and psychomotor skills such as coordination, spatial orientation, flexibility and body awareness and is in excellent health
  • is enrolled in another local primary or secondary school
  • is available evenings during the week and on Saturdays, is able to manage spare and travel time effectively
  • demonstrates determination, discipline and creativity

 

Training Schedule

The program begins with a mandatory two-week training camp during the month of August. Regular instruction spans a 10-month period, with 13 to 16 hours of instruction per week divided into 4 or 5 sessions held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, and Saturday mornings.

  • Training Camp : August 9 to August 20, 2010
  • Fall Session : August 27 to December 17, 2010
  • Winter Session : January 4 to June 23, 2011


*Schedule subject to change

Registration Fees

Fees (in Canadian dollars)
Entrance Exam Participation Fee $25
Admission Fee $200
Incidental Fee $150
Tuition (payable in two equal payments) $1,900 per year

Fees include free access to the sports therapy clinic if needed.

How to register

dmission requirements

  • Excellent health (medical certificate may be required)
  • Successful completion of entrance examination
  • Completion of primary studies and successful completion of all levels preceding that to which the candidate wishes entry
  • Good academic standing



Registering for Entrance Examination
To take the Entrance Exam, candidates must complete the Entrance Exam Application Form, the General PFS Questionnaire, and attach all required documentation. It is important to send only one application per applicant and include all required documents, as well as entrance exam application fees.


Applications will be accepted at any time during the school year.

Information on Student Housing


Documents to enclose with entrance application

  • Entrance Exam Application Form completed and signed by the candidate and by the parent or guardian if the candidate is a minor
  • General PFS Questionnaire
  • Two passport-sized photographs (4 cm X 6 cm) signed on back by the candidate
  • A birth certificate*
  • Any certificates or transcripts confirming participation in an artistic or sports-related pursuit, relevant to School requirements*
  • The most recent transcript from the year in progress (copy bearing the seal of the issuing institution)*
  • If necessary, a DVD and "Part 6, Declaration Particular to Territorial Exemptions" of the Entrance Exam Application Form, signed by the candidate and a witness
  • A registered cheque, money order or bank draft in the amount of $25 CDN, payable to the National Circus School. These fees are non-refundable. Unregistered cheques will not accepted.

N.B. An incomplete request will be returned to the candidate who consequently will not be admitted to the entrance exam.

* Only legible copies of all documents are to be provided with the application. Candidates officially accepted into one of the programs must provide certified copies or originals of each document (originals will be returned to candidates via post).


Send Admission Documents to:

Registraire
National Circus School
8181 2nd Avenue
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H1Z 4N9

Preparing for the Entrance Exam

Classes start on September 3 but applications will be accepted at any time during the school year. The purpose of the test is to evaluate a candidate's potential and talent, and his or her capacity to acquire the skills at the level required by the program within the prescribed time.

Deadline to register for Preparatory Program (PFS): August 16, 2010.

Only candidates who have registered for the Entrance Exam and have received written confirmation from the School will be allowed to take the exam. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the audition.

For a full description of the Entrance Examination requirements : Entrance Examination Description Sheet

To take the Entrance Exam, candidates must complete the Entrance Exam Application Form, the General PFS Questionnaire, and attach all required documentation. It is important to send only one application per applicant and include all required documents, as well as entrance exam application fees.

Completed forms must be received by the School or be postmarked at the latest by the deadline date, postmark providing proof of same.