Sold to the Circus (14 to 21 years)

The national circus talent program

A collaboration between Tall Tales Company and Circus Rotjeknor with the participation of Fontys Circus and Performance Arts and Codarts Circus Arts

Do you dream of a future in the circus? Do you want to further develop yourself as an artist, creator, teacher, or performer? Then this is Sold to the Circus something for you.

This year-long program is designed for young people who want to get serious about circus and develop themselves broadly. You are welcome from any circus discipline: from acrobatics to juggling, from aerial work to unicycling, and everything in between. You don't have to be good at everything yet — motivation, curiosity, and commitment are most important. Read on for more information about the program.

 

A broad circus foundation

In the first half of the program, the entire group works together on a strong physical and artistic foundation. You take classes in, among other things:

• tumbling and handstand technique
• strength, flexibility and injury prevention
• theater, dance and improvisation
• movement quality and stage presence

In addition, there are regular guest classes (see the list at the bottom of the page) in various circus disciplines that change annually. Examples include Aerial Straps, Chinese Mast, Cyr Wheel, or Teeterboard.

These lessons help you become more versatile as a circus maker and provide you with skills that come in handy in many disciplines.

 

Deepening and choosing a direction

In the second half of the year, we split the group based on personal ambitions.

Do you want to audition for a circus program, such as Codarts or Fontys? Then you will receive a tailored track focused on your discipline and audition act. You will work on technique, presentation, and the components important for admission to a higher professional circus program.

Are you still unsure about your future in the circus? Then you will discover more about the other possibilities within the field, such as teaching, creating, and collaborating. You will also receive an introduction to didactics, for example.

 

For who?

Sold to the Circus is there for young people who:

• want to get more out of their circus practice
• be curious about a future in the circus
• want to grow as a performer and creator
• be open to discovering new disciplines and skills

You don't have to be a top dancer or acrobat to participate. Many circus students actually develop new skills outside their own discipline during their training. This program helps you build that broad foundation.

 

Official preparatory course

From the 2026/2027 academic year onwards, Sold to the Circus is an official preparatory course of Fontys Circus and Performance Art. This means that you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program. You will also regularly receive instruction from guest lecturers from this program.

 

Audition day

Are you really excited to follow this path, or do you still have some doubts? Then be sure to come to our audition day! This is a mutual introduction where we see together if Sold to the Circus aligns with your wishes, talents, and ambitions.

During the audition day on Saturday, July 4, you will be introduced to the program. The day is structured like a regular class day: you train, work together, and get a good idea of ​​what is expected of you.

We will make a selection after the audition day. If you are unfortunately not selected, you will receive targeted feedback and tips to help you move forward.

 

More practical information

The lessons take place at Circus Rotjeknor in Rotterdam, in the same building as Codarts Circus Arts.

The next audition day takes place on saturday july 4 from 14:00 to 20:00. Registration is possible. HERE.

Can't make it to the auditions? Then send us an email at lessons@circusrotjeknor.nlBut take the following into account:

• It is possible that the preparatory course is full after the auditions. In that case, we unfortunately cannot admit you.
• If there are still spots available, you can join the first lesson or two. These will still serve as an audition, so it is possible that you will still be rejected afterwards.

 

Teachers

Over the past year, there were classes from, among others:

David Mupanda – partner acrobatics (Codarts, Tête-Beche, Circa, Tall Tales Company)
Marc Glover – acrobatics and tumbling (Codarts, National Centre for Circus Arts)
Harm van der Laan – artistic development (Codarts, Tall Tales Company, Gandini Juggling)
Yannick Greweldinger – actor at Jakop Ahlbom Company, among others
Noemie Wagner – composition
Real Lenders – trampoline (Fontys, former trampoline gymnast, 10-time national champion, competed in the 2004 and 2012 Olympic Games)
Ray Cardoze – rope and physical preparation
Gasper – straps (Fontys)
Kim Hoogterp – dancer and dramaturg

 

Questions? Send us an email at: info@circusrotjeknor.nl

For Whom
Young people aged 14 to 21

Duration
30 Saturdays per season

Time
14:00 – 20:00

Location
Veerlaan (Fenix ​​I), Rotterdam

Costs
€ 800, -

Audition day
Zaterdag July 4, 2026