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Bachelors

Academy of Circus and Performance Art

  • 4 years
  • English
  • Bachelor
  • Full-time
Tilburg

Get to know us

  • Open days
  • Experience the programme
  • And more...

Are you fascinated by contemporary circus? At ACAPA we educate young people with talent and motivation for the profession of circus artist. With our team of international teachers we offer a four-year study programme in a unique environment. Do you want to challenge yourself? Sign up for our upcoming audition!

About Circus and Performance Art

At ACAPA we work with students with an excellent technical level. You are encouraged to develop your personal artistic profile both as creator and artist in circus art. The education at ACAPA enables its students to start a professional career in various fields of contemporary circus and in other performing arts.You will become an artistic entrepreneur and receive the opportunity to build up your professional network.

You can read all about the disciplines and the teachers here at ACAPA.

Why this study in the Netherlands?

  • International qualified (guest-)teachers from the workfield
  • Exceptional training opportunities in a professional hall with modern facilities
  • You can work interdisciplinary with other studies of Fontys School of Fine and Performing Arts
  • Everyone is very committed
  • ACAPA Tilburg is located between London, Paris and Berlin. And only 100km from Amsterdam. We are internationally oriented.
  • We teach 14 different disciplines
 

What you will learn

We offer a 4-year, full-time study program with a pioneering, distinctive artistic shape. The international study program provides an globally recognized academic bachelor diploma of professional education as Circus artist, and has a qualified team and a clear mission. We also offer exceptional training facilities.
The study program focuses on:

  • Educating you as a versatile, highly-skilled circus artist who will find employment as performer and creator in various branches of the professional field of contemporary circus and circus-related performing arts
  • Developing your physical, technical, and creative talent to the highest attainable level
  • Giving individual, distinct, and clear-cut shape to your artistic profile
  • Stimulating both your aptitude and passion for individual and collective performance work
  • Encouraging and facilitating intensive contact with the professional field from the start of your study
 
Louise Galard, fourthyear student
"The freedom I had at ACAPA allowed me to explore the dance trapeze to a choreographic approach and develop a unique dimension to this discipline."

 

Study Circus and Performance Art at Fontys

Life at ACAPA is very inspiring. You’ll spend a lot of hours in the training facility which is well equipped and tailored to the needs of circus training. You are encouraged to develop your personal artistic profile both as a creator and circus artist.

Programme Video

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Trailer 2022

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Programme structure

The study programme in the first year consists of the following courses.  

·         Circus techniques

·         Group work

·         Dance

·         Physical theatre

·         Performance Art

·         General physical preparation

·         Floor acrobatics

·         Trampoline

·         Anatomy

·         Circus in context

·         Training methods and planning

·         Dramaturgy

·         Security, safety, rigging

·         Research and performance project

·         Group performance

An average study year starts at the end of August and runs until the second half of July. Normal school activities will last 40 - 42 weeks, including examination and production periods.

The study programme in the second year consists of the following courses.

·         Circus techniques

·         Group work

·         Dance

·         Physical theatre

·         Performance Art

·         General physical preparation

·         Floor acrobatics

·         Trampoline

·         Biomechanics

·         Circus in context

·         Training methods and planning

·         Dramaturgy

·         Security, safety, rigging

·         Research and performance project

·         Group performance

An average study year starts at the end of August and runs until the second half of July. Normal school activities will last 40 - 42 weeks, including examination and production periods.

The study programme in the third year consists of the following courses.  

·         Circus techniques

·         Dance

·         Physical theatre

·         General physical preparation

·         Floor acrobatics

·         Trampoline

·         Dramaturgy

·         Research and performance project

·         Group performance

·         Management and organization

·         Free part

An average study year starts at the end of August and runs until the second half of July. Normal school activities will last 40 - 42 weeks, including examination and production periods.

The study programme in the fourth year consists of the following courses.

·         Circus techniques

·         Dance

·         Physical theatre

·         General physical preparation

·         Floor acrobatics

·         Security, safety, rigging

·         Research and performance project

·         Group performance

·         Work placement

·         Management and organization

An average study year starts at the end of August and runs until the second half of July. Normal school activities will last 40 - 42 weeks, including examination and production periods.

 
Jannis Kaske, third year student
“The way the teachers work; a part is fixed but most of them are guest teachers, so you always have a great choice”

 

How to apply

Admission: from 1 October 2022
Admission deadline: 8 April 2023
Auditions: 15 - 17 May 2023
Register here for admission

Start your application for the 2023 Audition today

Prospective students have to register for an audition and upload the required video material before April 8. The purpose of this examination is to select talented students, who at the same time are most likely to meet the requirements of the education and the requirements of the profession. 

The commission will select candidates on the basis of the following criteria:  

  • Circus technique, range of movement, dance
  • Co-ordination, flexibility,  control,  balance,  strength  
  • Physical condition  
  • Ability to collaborate and willingness to take instruction  
  • Motivation and commitment to the programme and profession  

Start your admission in two steps:

  • Step 1: fill out the admission form (click the 'Register here for admission' button above)
  • Step 2: start your admission at www.studielink.nl

Keep in mind that the DEADLINE for uploading your materials for your pre-selection is April 8 2023.

    The application process may differ for EU and Non-EU students, please read below what applies for you. 
    Questions about the audition, please contact us via fhkcircusaudition@fontys.nl

    Step 1

    First Round 

    Pre-selection - Admission audition form. Deadline  April 8 2023.

    Fill in the online admission  form above and  upload materials and video links (YouTube or Vimeo). 

    Introduction video

      1. Introduce yourself (first and last name). 
      2. Where do you live and what is your nationality?  
      3. What is your experience and/or discipline? (circus school, gymnastics, dance, theatre, do you have stage experience, etc.) 
      4. Do you have the required education to join a bachelor's programme? 
      5. Which discipline would you like to study at ACAPA?  
      6. What is your motivation to join our academy?

      Training/Performing video

      1. We would like to receive a (recent) video where you show your discipline/talent. The video can be part of a performance, training video, or other material where you show your skills.
      2. If possible, we would like to receive one video. If this is not possible for you, you may send a maximum of three.  
      • All together it should be 5 minutes maximum.
      • It is not possible to send your video's by e-mail. Upload a video to YouTube or Vimeo and send us a link through the admission form to view online.  
      • Video's should not be password protected. If your video is not publicly viewable, we will not be able to review your application.  
      • You receive the results of the pre-selection in week 17.  

        Second Round 

        Physical audition in Tilburg. May 15, 16 and 17. 2023

        • Only selected candidates are invited to the physical audition in Tilburg. If you are selected for the physical auditions, you have to attend all days. You can stay at a hostel, hotel or couch-surf at the circus house.  
        • During your stay, you will receive circus classes and training. Also individual talks will be held.  
        • Clothing advise: form fitting clothing (covering most skin) in which the physical lines are visible, clothing to warm up and indoor shoes. Piercings must be taped.   
        •  You will receive the results of the physical test and individual talks in June 2023.  

        Step 2

        Go to www.studielink.nl and follow the instructions on the website. Choose for the Bachelor Circus  and Performance Art, starting date September 1. 2023.

        Additional information  

        • Diploma & Grade list: Once you are admitted, Fontys will check your diploma at Nuffic, provide ACAPA with a certified diploma, by uploading the document in the form or take it with you when you are invited to the live audition.
        • Other pre-education: Talented prospective students with a different education have to take a test  to  prove the capability of studying at a higher professional education level. This also applies to the english language.  
        • Scholarship: Please note that the academy does not provide in a Scholarship.

        • Housing: Tilburg is a typical student town. Every year more and more students are comming. We therefore advise you to orientate directly on the rooms in Tilburg from the moment of registration to ensure that you are eligible for a room when your study starts. (From January to May) Suggestion 1, suggestion 2 and suggestion 3

          Back in Shape: In the first week at school we will provide you with start up program we call it 'Back in Shape’.  

            Living in the Netherlands: Study at Fontys, Parctial information, Financial matters, Working in the Nederlands

               

              Costs

              The tuition fees indicator helps you to determine the tuition rate for your situation. The information and tuition rates from this indicator are without engagement.


              Statutory tuition fees and institutional tuition fees

              A distinction is made between statutory tuition fees and institutional tuition fees. Only if you satisfy all statutory requirements regarding your nationality and if you have not yet been awarded a degree, will you be eligible for statutory tuition fees. Via the tuition fees indicator, you can secure an indication of the type of tuition fees that will be applicable in your situation. To do so, please make use of the indicator above.

              Distinctions are made between the following types of Institutional Tuition Fees:

              • Low institutional tuition fees
              • High institutional tuition fees


              Different types of tuition fees and Exemption Regulations

              These different types of tuition fees and the Exemption Regulations are fully detailed in the:

                  The amount to be paid may vary in accordance with the following situations:

                  • If you have enrolled in more than one course programme (at Fontys and/or elsewhere), it is possible that you may only be obliged to pay one set of statutory tuition fees.
                  • If you believe that you may be eligible to pay only the statutory tuition fees on the basis of information that may be unknown to us, please report this to your Course Department.
                  • If it later transpires that you do not meet the requirements for statutory tuition fees, you will be obliged to pay the (higher) institutional tuition fees and if this is the case, you will be notified accordingly.

                  Paying in instalments

                  Collection will take place in a maximum of ten equal instalments on or around the 26th of the month. Depending upon the processing time required after your enrolment, the direct debit may need to be moved to the following month. If so, the amount outstanding will then be divided and added to the remaining instalments to be executed until and including the June instalment.

                  If paying the full sum in a single payment

                  If you commence your studies on 1 September, the direct debit pertaining to your Tuition Fees will be executed on or around 25 September. If you commence your studies after 1 September, the direct debit will be executed on or around the 26th of the month in which you commence your studies.

                  Non EU students

                  Incoming Non EU students will receive a payment letter from their study department which must be paid before the deadline. In the following academic years payment can be done by direct debit.

                  Non-Sepa

                  If you have a Bank account number, of which the bank is not situated in one of the SEPA countries, and you are a national of a country outside the EEA without an address in The Netherlands, then you will receive a paymentletter from Fontys via your course department.

                  The Dutch currency unit is the Euro (i.e. abbreviated to ‘EUR’ or ‘€’).

                  The average living expenses per month for a foreign student living and studying in Holland are between EUR 900 and EUR 1,100 per month. These living expenses cover rent, insurance, food, public transportation, books, clothing and other general costs. 

                  Dutch Immigration Service (IND) requires non-EEA students to proof they have access to € 11,520 per year (€ 5,760 per semester)

                  Costs within the first months upon arrival will be higher than all other months due to a housing deposit, intro week and books. Study books are usually bought at the start of the semester and therefore it is wise to reserve and have direct access to an amount at the start of the semester which can cover the price of all study books and the living expenses for the first two months. 

                  Before starting your study at Fontys, you must find suitable housing. Unfortunately, it is not easy for international students to find accommodation in the Netherlands due to the housing crisis. Start your accommodation search early. Please be aware that finding a place to live is your own responsibility. However, we are happy to assist in any way we can.

                   

                  Career opportunities

                  The education at the Academy for Circus and Performance Art enables you to start a professional career in various fields of contemporary circus and in other performing arts. It provides you with the aptitude to meet the requirements of an incessantly evolving art form on a professional level.
                  You will work in the field of circus, a large professional field that has evolved considerably, and that nowadays embraces various structures: circus, variety shows, street performances, site-specific work, circus theatre, visual theatre, amusement parks, events and more.

                  Read all about the disciplines we teach.

                  Also take a look at our digital stage. This is the place where our graduates introduce themselves.

                   

                  Fynn Neb, alumnus
                  With Panama Pictures, we created for three months and then we've been touring in the Netherlands.

                  Language requirements

                  For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required is explained in the table below:

                  TEST Bachelor's students
                  IELTS 5.5
                  TOEFL paper 525
                  TOEFL computer 196
                  TOEFL internet 70
                  TOEIC* 620
                  Cambridge ESOL FCE-C

                  The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.

                  Exemptions

                  Some applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test results:

                  • Candidates with a Dutch mbo-4, havo- or vwo-diploma.
                  • EEA/EU candidates with diplomas from certain countries are exempted from the language test. Find the list of diplomas and countries here.
                  • Applicants whose previous education was English-taught, and taken in a country in which English is an official language.
                  • Applicants whose mother tongue is English.

                  Educational requirements

                  As a prospective Bachelor's student you must have a diploma of higher secondary education that is equivalent to Dutch standards.
                  For Dutch students: VWO-, HAVO- or MBO 4-diploma (your diploma will be verified via Studielink).
                  Non-Dutch students: once admitted after the audition you will be asked to send a certified copy of your original diploma and grades list of your high school diploma, so Fontys can evaluate these.
                  Minimum level of foreign diploma’s:
                  - Belgium: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with a transcript (after 7 years BSO or after 6 years ASO/TSO/KSO).
                  - Germany: Fachhochschulreife or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.
                  - France: Baccalaureat
                  - Other nationalities: check if your diploma will be sufficient through this Nuffic website.
                  NOTE: you do not need to apply for a diploma evaluation with Nuffic yourself. Fontys will arrange this and you will be informed about it. The diploma evaluation may take 2 weeks.

                  Talented prospective students with a different education have to take a test to prove capability of studying at a higher professional education level.

                  Language requirements

                  For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required is explained in the table below:

                  TEST Bachelor's students
                  IELTS 5.5
                  TOEFL paper 525
                  TOEFL computer 196
                  TOEFL internet 70
                  TOEIC* 620
                  Cambridge ESOL FCE-C

                  The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.

                  Exemptions

                  Some applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test results:

                  • Candidates with a Dutch mbo-4, havo- or vwo-diploma.
                  • EEA/EU candidates with diplomas from certain countries are exempted from the language test. Find the list of diplomas and countries here.
                  • Applicants whose previous education was English-taught, and taken in a country in which English is an official language.
                  • Applicants whose mother tongue is English.

                  Visa

                  As a non-EU/EEA student, the Netherlands will require an Entry Visa* (MVV) and a Residence Permit. Fontys will apply on behalf of its students for these documents. We recommend you start the process early, i.e. approximately three months before you plan to enter the Netherlands.

                  *except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA and Vatican City State.

                  Educational requirements

                  As a prospective Bachelor's student you must have a diploma of higher secondary education that is equivalent to Dutch standards.
                  For Dutch students: VWO-, HAVO- or MBO 4-diploma (your diploma will be verified via Studielink).
                  Non-Dutch students: once admitted after the audition you will be asked to send a certified copy of your original diploma and grades list of your high school diploma, so Fontys can evaluate these.
                  Minimum level of foreign diploma’s:
                  - Belgium: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with a transcript (after 7 years BSO or after 6 years ASO/TSO/KSO).
                  - Germany: Fachhochschulreife or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.
                  - France: Baccalaureat
                  - Other nationalities: check if your diploma will be sufficient through this Nuffic website.
                  NOTE: you do not need to apply for a diploma evaluation with Nuffic yourself. Fontys will arrange this and you will be informed about it. The diploma evaluation may take 2 weeks.

                  Talented prospective students with a different education have to take a test to prove capability of studying at a higher professional education level.

                  Language requirements for Dutch students

                  For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required. As an applicant with a Dutch MBO-4, HAVO- or VWO-diploma you can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test.

                  Educational requirements

                  As a prospective Bachelor's student you must have a diploma of higher secondary education that is equivalent to Dutch standards.
                  For Dutch students: VWO-, HAVO- or MBO 4-diploma (your diploma will be verified via Studielink).
                  Non-Dutch students: once admitted after the audition you will be asked to send a certified copy of your original diploma and grades list of your high school diploma, so Fontys can evaluate these.
                  Minimum level of foreign diploma’s:
                  - Belgium: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with a transcript (after 7 years BSO or after 6 years ASO/TSO/KSO).
                  - Germany: Fachhochschulreife or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.
                  - France: Baccalaureat
                  - Other nationalities: check if your diploma will be sufficient through this Nuffic website.
                  NOTE: you do not need to apply for a diploma evaluation with Nuffic yourself. Fontys will arrange this and you will be informed about it. The diploma evaluation may take 2 weeks.

                  Talented prospective students with a different education have to take a test to prove capability of studying at a higher professional education level.

                   

                  Agenda

                  Sign up for one of our events. There's no better way to find out if this study programme is right for you! Visit a webinar from the comfort of your home or meet us live on campus. Whichever you choose, we hope to meet you soon.

                  Open Day
                  November 4 and 5, 2023
                  Programme

                  Save the date, so you can experience our campus atmosphere during our upcoming Open Day. Whether you prefer informative presentations or campus tours by our teachers and students, there will be something for everyone. Interested? Let us know, and we will notify you as soon as registration opens.

                  Save the dates below for our Open Days:

                  • November 4: Eindhoven and Venlo
                  • November 5: Tilburg
                  • November 25: Extra Open Day exclusively for Physiotherapy and Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy in Eindhoven.

                  Meet the student
                  Would you like to have a conversation with students? Are you curious about their experiences? What do they like most about the programme, what do they find difficult? What is it like to study in The Netherlands and at Fontys?

                  Then sign up for 'Meet the student' by sending an e-mail to fhkcircus@fontys.nl.

                  Recording - Vodcast: Life as a Circus Student

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                  In this video, Rika, Ricky, Johannes, and Leire will answer several questions.

                  1. When did you start practicing circus? (14:56)
                  2. Why did you decide to study circus? (21:00)
                  3. What happens if you get injured? (26:26)
                  4. Is the body shape important? (30:28)
                  5. What does a normal day look like? (32:25)
                  6. Are apartments expensive? And do you work next to your studies? (37:53)
                  7. Can you explain the relationship with your classmates? How do you work together for example? (41:41)
                  8. Can you tell a little bit about the international circus life as a student? (45:23)
                  9. Was it hard to study in the beginning because of the language (academically)? (47:28)
                  10. What is your favorite subject at the academy? (49:57)
                  11. Do you listen to music while training? (52:20)
                  12. What are your dreams for the future? (53:28)

                  Enjoy watching!

                  Download the factsheet

                  In the factsheet you will find the most important programme information at a glance.