ESSCA

FEDEC member since 2024

Here at ESSCA, we aim to support those with high hopes of becoming circus artists with a keen sense of business skills combined with the ability to perform in front a wide variety of different audiences. Through this course, they will be able to market themselves as performers of various degrees, whether this be through agencies or self-employment or regular employment.

The East Sussex School of Circus Arts was first birthed as an idea, by Renato Pires, during the early days of Acting Moon Events. Renato, a circus artist with a dream, saw a vision that would later develop into ESSCA in 2019. Since then, ESSCA, (East Sussex School of Circus Arts), has become a renowned organisation that combines a wide variety of performing arts skills with the gifts only granted through circus training with connections worldwide. Built from the ground up on the former campsite of Knockhatch Adventure Park located in Hailsham, East Sussex, England which was just waiting to be fulfilled of its full potential.

Mission

Through our many connections, we aim to have a steady support system for our young artists to explore. With this, they will be able to plant the seeds of relations and watch them grow into a mighty wealth of individuals and organisations to have on their sides to help further develop them into the artists they wish to be.

Being the first and, for now, the only sixth form college of circus arts in East Sussex, we aim to create a wide family and partnerships of circus specialists across the UK. This will lead into an increase in the many standards and representations of circus arts throughout. Additionally, by reaching out to other countries, through ESSCA internships we aim to also increase awareness of circus arts and artists across the globe as both performers and their eventual audiences.

Training offered

Professional and Preparatory Circus Training Program:

1. BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Diploma)  2 years
2. BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Diploma)  1 year

* Level descriptors as per the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework

• BTEC Diploma in Circus Arts – 1 Year (Module E collaborative performance across the disciplines, Module F- Performing Arts Industry): This one-year program allows the students to explore different elements of both circus styles, traditional and contemporary. This way, they get a feel for the two and can learn early on the perfect way to blend them together to perform to their full potential whilst exploring their own talents and skills. For the opening few weeks of the course, the students are given a feel for the various forms of circus arts available to them. The focus from this then turns into their first performance set at the end of October. It is here where they can show off what they have learned whilst also looking at where they can improve and, more importantly, where they are most comfortable.  This will lead into the student’s eventual choice of specialty. As the course goes on, the students will learn elements from the performing arts combined with business skills and presenting their final discipline in a group collaboration in front of a prestige panel of judges.
• BTEC Extended Diploma in Circus Arts – 2 Years (Module G- Duo performance and self-promotion Module H- collaborative performance project): This second-year program will allow students to focus further on their previously chosen specialty. Year two will also offer them a chance to explore a second discipline by allowing each student the opportunity to develop the extra discipline they considered perhaps during the first year. The students will have to work on the business side and produce a show,  They will be responsible for all forms of the production side of the business and every other element that goes into putting on a professional show.

Admission

(for both Professional and preparatory program)

Entry requirements

• Over 18 years of age
• High school diploma or higher education diploma (not mandatory)

Selection procedure

• Physical (strength and flexibility)
• Acrobatic/Gymnastics
• Theatre
• Movement
• Individual act (maximum duration of 3 minutes)
• Individual interview

Disciplines taught

• Gymnastics
• Acrobatics
• Hand to hand
• Handbalance
• Trampoline
• Movement
• Flexibility
• Physical preparation
• Aerial hoop
• Aerial Rope
• Aerial tissue/Silks
• Cloud Swing
• Dance trapeze
• Straps
• Nets
• Hammock
• Juggling
• Rola-bola
• Unicycle
• Walking globe
• Stilt Walking
• Tight Wire
• Teaching methods /leading a class
• Theatre
• Planning a career

Theoretical-Practical Subjects:

• Circus History
• Health and Safety
• Business Management skills
• Roles of a producer
• Injury Prevention
• Presentation Dossier Design
• Video Book Creation

Learn more about this member

Founded in 2019

Management

• CEO / Head Principal: Renato Pires
• Head Teacher - Head of Pedagogical: Ross Norman-Bint
• Head Compliance Coordinator: Stacey Pires
• Deputy Head Designated Safeguarding Lead: Martin Keightley

School year

September to late July

Teaching language

English (standard) - some teachers may speak Portuguese/Spanish

Location

East Sussex School of Circus Arts
Hailsham, BN27 3GD
England