CIRCUS ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Think Circus will offer a six week intensive programme designed to support ground-based circus artists who are at a pivotal point in their careers. This initiative is born out of consultation with the pool of 60+ circus artists Think Circus works with, who consistently identified a clear goal to make artistic work and a lack of opportunities to do so. Our ambitions are to increase the number of artistic circus projects and performances, provide a route into established productions and to elevate the confidence of artists.

The Flourish programme will include a mentor for each artist, networking, a showcase, ensemble theatre training, workshops in the business of circus, and masterclasses, tailored to the artists’ disciplines and aspirations.

We do not charge a fee for participation in the Flourish programme. For 2027, we are able to offer six artists a bursary of £1,000 each as a contribution towards their time participating. To receive this bursary, at least 80% of the core programme must be attended. Applications will close at 23.59 on Friday 4th December. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 14th December. Decisions will be announced by 18th December 2026.

Eligibility:

• Artists applying should already be working in circus arts professionally or have recently completed relevant education.
• Artists should be 18+ and based in Scotland
• Artists should have a ground-based circus discipline they can focus on during the programme. We will not have aerial rigging available. Example disciplines include: acrobatics, acro-balance, juggling, hula hoop, diabolo, staff, hand-balance, stilt-walking. 

We will prioritise access to Flourish for artists who have not recently had a similar opportunity in the last year, those who can benefit most from the programme, and those who might face barriers to accessing such activities. 

If you are not successful in gaining a place on our subsidised programme, a limited number of extra places may be offered for participation in masterclasses, as well as access to online circus business training.