Circomedia

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Does anyone on these boards know anything about this circus school?

[em]

Yep, i do!

What do you want to know?

Its in Bristol where i live, the course is skilled and theatre based,
www.circomedia.com and i went there 12 years ago......
can tell you more specifics... get in touch.....

[Evan Young]

I graduated from Circomedia. The school definitly has it's up and downs. From what I understand it's totally different from year to year. The worst part about it is it's location. Bristol fucking sucks ass. England sucks ass, and Bristol is really crappy. I was there in 2000/2001, and aparently it was more rainy and crappy than usualy that year, but I hated it. Fuck that stupid fucking country and everything it fucking stands for (I'm not bitter or anything).
If you want to be a street performer just go and work the street, you will learn more. If you want to be a circus performer go to circus school. There is a few lessons on street performing at circomedia, but they make you do your project in groups, and during the lecture part of the lesson all the hippies will bitch about how circle shows are formulamatic. That really pissed me off, all my classmates wanted to starve. They didn't understand that you can be origional and artistic within the contexts of actually entertaining people and getting paid.
I don't regret going to the school, I didn't like the direction some of the teachers were trying to push me, but I got something out of it.

P.S.-The England sucks stuff is all tounge and cheek. I hated living there over the winter, but I don't hate the performers there.

Any other questions?

[em]

Ouch!
sorry you had such a shit time....
i got a lot out of the course,it was a bit "rougher" when i did it, but had some awesome teachers....
it depends what you want to do, if you want to be a solo street performer for the rest of your life then yes, just get out there and keep at it, however, if you are looking for a change, or new skills, or maybe want to learn about working cooperatively in a group and making some physical theatre then it may "do the do" ......
if you let me know what you fancy doing with performing then i can help...i know of other schools too....
and if you know a few people, and don't mind the rain, Bristols fine!!

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Thanks, Em.

I've been a full time performer for the past 15 years, and hold my own on the street, with a circle uni/fire show, heavy on verbal comedy. What I seek is a creative environment where my peers are stretching and learning. I've gone about ten years now with the same show, but have been re-designing it, practicing new bits, for about six months. I plan to continue to work solo, an am attempting to fall in love with this work again.

[Steven Ragatz]

Since it is in your neck of the woods, have you considered the Celebration Barn? Check out:

http://www.celebrationbarn.com

for their summer schedule. It's like MotionFest, but with one teacher for weeks at a time. I had great experiences there in the eight workshops that I have attended as a student. It is definately a creative environment that helps to rediscover enthusiasm.

Steven Ragatz

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Thanks, Steve, I'm all over that like white on rice. Ever do an Avner workshop? Its been a back burner goal for me for since 87, so I'll do his winter ten day. Nice to see something that alive in the middle of dead season.

[Steven Ragatz]

I took a couple of classes from Avner way back in 1986 (I think?) Good stuff. He has a beautiful soul-energy that shows in his performing and teaching. Though I have not worked with her, respected authority says that his wife, Julie, is a wonderful teacher as well. I can't imagine that you could possibly go wrong with either.

Steve

[ 08-20-2002: Message edited by: Steven Ragatz ]</p>

[Vantage]

Celebration Barn!!!
Great place. I was born about 2 miles from it. I has been very active for years and brings in perfromers from all over. I have met several cool people there over the years. I have never taken a workjshop there but I know many people that have and they all thought that it was very well done and worthwhile.

Have to plug my HomeTown too. Norway Maine ROCKS!!! <img src="graemlins/square.gif" border="0" alt="[square smile]" />

James

[ 08-20-2002: Message edited by: Vantage ]</p>

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Who else?

I'm doing Waterloo Festival, and just asked Jim and Stitch at the opening dinner what they thought of my search for great teachers.

Ten days with Avner is doubtless a good call, and Jim added the idea that time with Tony Montanaro is well spent. (Murph directed me and told me this only 15 years ago, that didn't take long to figure out.)

A bunch of us decided to observe and critique each other's shows, writing down three ideas each, workshopping while working, a great use of festival time.

Who have you learned from, and what did they teach you?
Anyone know someone who is great with verbal comedy coaching?

[Butterfly Man]

This might sound implausible to some but I am (that's right, me) probably one of the most gifted directors of variety artists you can find, period.

I may not have the strips of a Berky or the stars of a Montenaro or the ribbons of Bob Fitch but I have their eyes, heart and mind.

In the past I have worked with Terrell & Takako, The Tweaksters (www.tweaksters.com) ..and will be working with Waldo-Woodhead starting Sept. 15-22 ... ask any one of them.

Watch me work my magic at a Motionfest critique session ... then talk to me.

I would love to work with you.

[Evan Young]

I've taken several workshops from Tony and Avner at the celebration barn. It's good stuff, and a nice area to visit as well.
Robert, I'll see you this winter in LA. I'll be getting there in October.
--Evan