OPEN CALL: Circunstruction #14

Dear Dutch Based Circus Professionals,    

Circusstad Festival is looking for proposals from circus talent who would like to develop their idea into a full concept and take the first steps in their creation in September / October 2025. 
This will include a work-in-progress presentation on the 14th of November at Maaspodium in Rotterdam.

Circusstad Festival supports the Dutch Circus field and emerging circus talent. We co-produce and commission to challenge Dutch circus companies/makers to take an exciting step in their artistic development and we program Dutch companies with their shows and work-in-progresses during Circusstad Festival in May.

Circunstruction is the residency program of Circusstad Festival that supports new creations by emerging talent. It concentrates on developing a profound concept and the first weeks of creating the new performance. Next to that, we offer workshops that will help you professionalize your practice in the circus and performing arts field.  

Many of the former Circunstruction projects have ultimately performed successfully in the Netherlands and abroad, including Michael Zandl, Sinking Sideways, Lily & Janick, Harvey Cobb, Fenja Barteldres, Knot on Hands and more.

We’re looking forward to your proposals!
DEADLINE: 2 of March 2024

What we ask:   

– An idea for the content of a new circus performance and the interest to deepen out your idea/theme in correlation to your aspired audience.

– You live/work in the Netherlands, preferably in or around Rotterdam.

– You’ve graduated from Codarts or Fontys or have professional circus experience.

– Availability in September, October, and in the beginning of November 2024. (Make sure that you are free from 10 till 14 November).

What we offer:   

– Support by developing a profound concept.

– Budget for about 1 to 3 artists for creation (approx. 2-3 weeks) and performances, artistic advice (e.g. director/dramaturg), and a small budget for travel costs, costumes, props, set.

– Workshops in dramaturgical feedback, budgeting, fundraising, marketing/branding, assistance in making a simple light plan.

– Possibilities to do public try-outs and a in the end a professional showing at Maaspodium.

– Possibly more performing options during Circusstad Festival in May 2026. With the possibility to present your creation at the Dutch Circus Showcase.

Does this sound like the perfect challenge for you?   

Please fill out the google-form for  Circunstruction 14 (English or Nederlands) at the website of circusstad festival.

Link to google Form

DEADLINE: Sunday 2 of March 23:59!  

You are very welcome for a pretalk about the questions in the application form. Please don’t hesitate to send a short email to joerdis@circusstad.nl to make an appointment.

We are looking forward to discussing and reading your proposals.    