Circus skills workshop programmes

You choose! brightFX education offers a wide range of workshop options to suit different circumstances and objectives. Whether you need a taster course for maximum involvement, or an intensive masterclass leading to a memorable end of course show, we will provide what you and your children need.

Fun day
Allows the maximum number of children to see and try a wide range of circus skills.

The day starts with an introductory session at assembly, where the tutor can meet the children and demonstrate some of the skills that will be taught in the workshops. The day is then divided into lessons to fit into the school timetable. We normally suggest 45 minutes to an hour per session, slightly less for year one and nursery children.

• Warm up games
• Demonstrations of the equipment and the tricks that the children can try
• Small group sessions concentrating on different skills
• Final practise session on a favourite piece of equipment

Full day workshop
Provides a smaller group of children with more intensive tuition and supervised practice time.

Performance skills are introduced as well as technical skills. Timings can fit in with any timetable requirements.

• Warm up games
• Demonstrations of the equipment and the things that the children can try
• Small group sessions concentrating on different skills
• Practise time where children are encouraged to concentrate on one or two pieces of equipment to increase their skill level
• Introduction to devising a performance using their chosen skills
• Small group sessions devising a routine to perform
• Performance to the rest of the group to include a feedback system

Performance week
The performance week is a five day programme designed to give a chosen group of pupils a comprehensive grounding in basic circus skills, culminating in the production of a show to be watched by the rest of their school or college. Lessons will be tailored to follow any timetable requirements.

The first day is a regular workshop, with subsequent days building on the technical skills with one to one coaching and guided practise sessions. More advanced performance techniques are introduced as the group collaborates on the end of week show. The development of the show is peer-led with the brightFX tutor acting as facilitator rather than director.

• Devising individual and group routines to maximise their impact
• Programming a show and linking routines
• Stage awareness and blocking positions on stage
• Engaging with, and responding to, the audience
• Stage management and back stage organisation
• Evaluating their own and other peoples work
• Giving and accepting criticism in order to improve the whole group’s performances

Have-a-go circus
A "drop in" workshop that is suitable for fetes, festivals and summer activity days.

A designated area is set aside for the activity, normally a roped off area outside or part of a hall indoors. The tutor will bring a selection of equipment which is available for anyone to use. Roving one-to-one and small group tuition will be provided by the tutor.

Up to 30 people can take part at any one time. If volunteers are available to help keep the workshop space tidy, the tutor can spend the maximum time actually teaching! For busy events "door monitors" may be required to control a "one in, one out" system when the workshop is full.