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 from February to April 2027. This will include a work-in-progress presentation on 21 April in CC Amstel and a presentation during Circusstad Festival in the period of 28.4 until 2.5 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 at the beginning of May.

Circunstruction is the residency program of Circusstad Festival that supports emerging talent. The trajectory was created to bridge the gap between graduating from a professional circus education program and the professional field. It concentrates on developing a profound concept and the first weeks of developing the new performance. Next to that, we offer workshops that will help you to professionalise your practice in the field of circus and performing arts.

Many of the former Circunstruction projects have ultimately performed successfully in the Netherlands and abroad, including Julia Campistany, Knot on Hands, Sinking Sideways, Harvey Cobb, Simon Granit Ossoinak, Fenja Barteldres and more.

We are looking forward to your proposals! DEADLINE: 31 July 23.59

What we ask:   
– An idea for the content of a new circus performance and the interest in deepening your idea/theme in correlation to your target 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 from February until the beginning of May 2027 for showings and workshops about dramaturgical development.

Make sure that you are free on 20 and 21 of April and during Circusstad Festival from 28 April until 2 May 2027 (the day will be decided later).

What we offer:  
– Support by developing a profound concept.
– Budget for about 1 to 3 artists for creation (approx. 2-3 weeks) and performances, and a small budget for travel costs, costumes, props, and set design.
– Workshops in dramaturgy, budgeting, fundraising, marketing/branding, and assistance in making a simple light plan.
– Showings to get feedback from the working field.
– Performance during Circusstad Festival in May 2027. With the possibility of presenting your creation at the Dutch Circus Showcase.

Does this sound like the perfect challenge for you?   

Please fill out the Google Form for Circunstruction 15 (English or Nederlands) at the website of Circusstad festival. https://forms.gle/eb1WMTY4LfGRNk9D6

DEADLINE: Friday 31, of July 23:59!

Until 15 of July you are welcome to a pre-talk 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.

Jördis Cordua – talent development & Menno van Dyke – artistic director