Theatre / Circus
New circus award launched in Bristol
Some 32 years after the UK’s first professional circus school opened in Bristol, the Richard Award for Circus Arts – the first circus award in the UK – is launched this month.
The award has been conceived to commemorate Richard Ward, the founder of Fool Time, Bristol’s original Centre for Circus Skills and Performing Arts and the pioneer of professional circus training in the UK. Fool Time opened on April 1, 1986 in a converted church hall in St Pauls, Bristol and was operational from 1986 to 1993, reforming and relaunching as Circomedia in 1994.
The award will invite applicants who have trained in the circus arts at any of Bristol’s training centres. Seven acts will be shortlisted from the applicants, all of whom will perform to a public audience at Circomedia on November 10, 2018.
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The winner will be decided on the night by a panel of circus professionals. The audience will include potential employers, agents and managers scouting for new talent. All those shortlisted will receive support to develop their performance or business development skills. The overall winner will also receive a cash prize and have their name included on the Richard Award Trophy.
Richard Ward, founder of Fool Time, Circomedia’s original incarnation
The showcase performance evening will be the final event in Bristol’s Circus 250 calendar. This year marks the 250th anniversary of circus’ origins – which are credited to one Philip Astley, a retired army major who defined the ubiquitous circus ring and started performing acrobatics on horseback after leaving the army. Bristol, with its strong circus credentials, has been one of six UK cities selected to host official anniversary events.
The award has been developed by Audrey Michel (co-founder and co-director of Fool Time 1986-1993), Helen Crocker (co-Founder and co-director of Circomedia 1994-2010) and Janine McCretton, former Fool Time student and performer.
Audrey said: “We are really excited to launch the award and to celebrate Bristol’s immense circus heritage in both training and performance. Both Fool Time and Circomedia have attracted students from all over the world and Bristol has a reputation for physical performance creativity, training excellence and innovation.
“None of this would have been possible without the trailblazing efforts of Richard Ward. Sadly Richard is no longer with us to see how his legacy has become part of defining Bristol’s rich culture so this award will not only recognise his achievement but commemorate the man who changed so much for so many.”
Applicants for The Richard Award can apply at www.therichardaward.org.uk
Top pic: Circomedia
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