We offer free rehearsal space for circus companies and professionals as part of our Space Connect program, supported by Creative Victoria.
We understand the financial challenges faced by artists and independent companies. That’s why we’re reducing barriers by offering our fit for purpose circus training space at no cost. Space Connect eliminates costly training fees and expensive rehearsal space hire, providing participants with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
As part of this program, artists are able to request financial support to enable them to fully engage, for example support to access childcare, travel, interpreters and more.
We have two spaces available to book, the main training space and the front Community room. You can choose to book either or both, and also let us know whether you require exclusive use of the space or are happy to share with other circus companies. You can view pictures and specifications of the spaces here.
You can see information about the accessibility of the space and view a wayfinder video of Women’s Circus here.
If you’re looking for open training, click here.
Exclusive Use Residency:
Bookings for either our main space or community room to rehearse or develop work in a focussed environment. Work of Progress showings (or similar) can also be supported, and where possible we can also offer a hot desk in the office for a production manager or producer (or similar).
Shared Rehearsal Space:
Booking for individuals, collectives and companies to train and rehearse. The space is shared, and bookings will be monitored to ensure the space doesn’t get overcrowded. Depending on size of companies/number of artists and their needs, we imagine 2-3 companies could be using the space at a time.
See the indicative weekly Space Connect schedule below:
| Monday | 12:30 – 15:30 | 3 Hours | Open Training – All Genders |
| Tuesday | 09:30 – 15:00 | 5.5 Hours | Shared Rehearsal Space or Exclusive Use Residency |
| Wednesday | 09:30 – 15:00 | 5.5 Hours | Shared Rehearsal Space or Exclusive Use Residency |
| Thursday | 09:30 – 15:00 | 5.5 Hours | Shared Rehearsal Space or Exclusive Use Residency |
| Friday | 12:00 – 15:45
16:15 – 18:30 |
6 Hours | Shared Rehearsal Space or Exclusive Use Residency |
| Saturday | 16:30 – 18:30 | 2 hours | Open Training – Marginalised Genders Only |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 13:00 | 3 hours | Open Training – Marginalised Genders Only |
| 13:30 – 18:30 | 4.5 hours | Open Training – All Genders |
For Artists/Companies:
Space Connect is a transformative initiative from Women’s Circus providing free rehearsal space and open training sessions for both our members and circus professionals, supported by Creative Victoria.
We understand the financial challenges faced by artists and independent companies. That’s why we’re reducing barriers by offering our fit for purpose circus training space at no cost. Space Connect eliminates costly training fees and expensive rehearsal space hire, providing participants with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
At Women’s Circus, we believe in bold action to champion participation and representation in circus. As a part of that commitment, artists are able to request financial support to enable them to fully engage with the program, for example support to access childcare, travel, interpreters and more.
With this program, participants will experience stability, routine, and the freedom to explore their creative vision and expand their circus practice. Thanks to Space Connect, our doors will be open 7 days a week, rehearsal space will be available 4 days a week, and there will be over 10 hours of open training every week until June 2024*. Open training is available for both Women’s Circus current training members and circus professionals, and rehearsal space is available for circus companies and professionals.
Our shared rehearsal space offers the opportunity to collaborate and connect with other circus companies and professionals, while the exclusive rehearsal space allows artists to experiment and push boundaries without distractions.
Women’s Circus works to empower people of marginalised genders to shape community and culture through circus. It is core to our purpose and values to provide a safe and dedicated space for marginalised genders, so we offer some of our open training sessions for marginalised genders only. We have also opened some weekly open training sessions to all genders, inviting the wider circus community into our beloved space as part of the Space Connect program.
Space Connect is a vital investment by Creative Victoria supporting the Victorian circus sector, making a significant impact on artists’ practice and the sustainability of independent companies. Women’s Circus is proud to be partnering with Creative Victoria on this program to create positive, lasting and reverberating impact for individuals, communities and our organisation.
Space Connect will run from 10 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. This program is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
*Due to the existing Women’s Circus Programming in 2023 each week will vary in what sessions are available, however moving into 2024 more consistent space will be available.
