Serious Training in Circus Theatre
Kinetic Theory's Performance Program is designed to nurture the talents of aspiring circus artists by offering intensive skill and theatrical training as well as performance opportunities. Our performance program is unique, the only in the US that combines high-level circus training and physical theatre training . Our alumni are performing with professional circus troupes around the world (George Carden Circus, Circo Atayde Hermanos, Cirque du Soleil), showcasing their acts at festivals and competitions (Denver Aerial Acrobatics Festival 2011& 2012, Pole Art 2010 Stockholm, Sweden) and continuing education (Ecole Nationale de Cirque de Montreal).
Youth Circus Troupe - Ages 8-15
The Kinetic Theory Youth Circus is designed to help young and aspiring circus performers ages 8-15 develop a passion for performing that will enrich their whole life. The students learn a wide range of circus and performance skills including: acrobatics, aerial arts, hand-balancing, contortion, juggling and object manipulation, stilts and equilibristics as well as mime and clown. The Youth Circus trains year-round and performs two productions per year.
Pre-Professional Troupe - Ages 12-Adult (no age limit)
Kinetic Theory's Pre-professional Troupe is a high-level circus training and performance program designed for serious students that are ready to commit to their training. The troupe trains as an ensemble, working to further develop their acrobatic, dance and theatrical skills while specializing in a focus discipline: trapeze, tissue, hoop or other apparatus, hand-balancing, contortion, object manipulation or clown. They perform regularly at events around Los Angeles and in two full-length Kinetic Theory productions per year.
Professional Performance Studies - Ages 18+ (no age limit)
The first conservatory style program for circus-theatre in the US, this 2-year intensive program offers students with advanced-level circus skills professional quality training in theatrical circus performance with some of the top circus and theatre instructors in the world!
In the first year, a strong emphasis is be placed on creation, innovation and experimentation while also honing technique in movement and physical theatre, acting and improvisation as well as individual and ensemble acrobatics and dance. Students in this program train a minimum of 20 hours per week, focusing on their main discipline (trapeze, tissue, hoop or other apparatus, hand-balancing, contortion, object manipulation or clown) and work to incorporate theatre, storytelling and expression into their skill work.
Second year students focus on creating an individual act and an ensemble production. In addition to performance, students at this level learn all aspects of theatre from costumes and make-up to lighting, stage management, rigging and marketing. Students develop their personal portfolio and finish the program ready to embark on their careers as performers.
Kinetic Theory's performance students are given many opportunities to gain performance
experience and hone their craft as artists. We produce two shows a year in our studio, create original
shows for other venues and perform at events all around Los Angeles and Orange County. See our Performances
page.
For more information about our performance programs or to audition for the Youth or Pre-Professional Troupe, contact Artistic Director Stephanie Abrams
To apply for 2012-2014 Performance Studies Program you must:
- • be at least 18 years of age* by September 2012 (no age limit)
- • have a strong foundation in acrobatics, dance or theatre
- • be at an advanced level in your focus discipline
- • submit an application » download application form
- • submit an audition video that best showcases your abilities in both skill and creative expression
Applications and videos must be received by April 1. Qualified applicants will be invited to audition in person (if possible).
* Exceptions may be made for qualified 16 & 17 year olds that are home-schooled or finishing high school course work through independent study.
