What to Know

Dates: August 16-18th & August 23-25th, 2024
Location: Skyloft Center for Movement (Lenexa KS)

During the first weekend (August 16-18th), artists will have the opportunity to present a solo or group act for the Circ.S director, select Circus Scorpius Senior members, and the other auditionees. Those who demonstrate a strong ability to perform and good understanding of their craft will be invited to attend the second weekend (August 23-25th) for fitness evaluations and collaboration assessments. People will only need to do one day of each weekend, not all six days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I want to participate in the May 2025 stage show, do I have to audition for Circ.S?
A: No, these August auditions are only for those wanting to be part of the whole student company experience, with weekly company rehearsals and additional perks and commitments. Auditions for non-Circ.S members for the May show wil be held in November.

Q: Can my parent/friend/child/sibling watch my audition?
A: No, auditions are closed to non-participants.

Q: If I have performed in a Circ.S show before, do I still need to audition?
A: Yes, now that Circus Scorpius has partnered with Great Plains Circus Center, this company is a new iteration of Circ.S and starting with a clean slate.

What to Expect

For the first round of auditions (performances), artists will present their acts one after the other in a relatively random order. (Contortionists will be closer to the end.) A few moments will be given between each piece to allow for the director and other coaches to write notes. While everyone will clap after each artist presents their act, neither the director nor the coaches will give any feedback or indication of thoughts. Please do not ask them for notes afterwards. If you would like feedback from your audition, you may email the director one week after the conclusion of all auditions.

For the second round of auditions (fitness and collaboration), coaches will take you through numerous exercises to assess your strength and flexibility. The inability to do a specific drill does NOT disqualify you from being in the company. That said, a certain level of fitness is required to qualify for certain disciplines in stage shows. Here are examples of what may be examined on a fitness evaluation day:

Strength: dead hangs, standard climbing, pull-ups, leg-lifts, skin-the-cats, straight arm straddle inversions, prone plank, side planks, tricep push-ups, squat hold at wall, sit-ups

Flexibility: square splits, middle splits, straddle/pancake, pike stretch, bridges

After the fitness assessments are complete, auditionees will participate in some group activities to demonstrate how well they work with others. A good attitude goes a long way!

What to Prepare

First, make sure to register to audition here by filling out all requested information as directed by August 10th. Second, familiarize yourself with the company and expectations by reading through this page as well as the Circ.S Overview page.

For the first weekend performance auditions, please prepare an act that meets the following guidelines:

• 2-3 minutes in length

• circus discipline (or dance if you also have at least some experience in a circus discipline)

• focused on performance quality, not just skills

For the second weekend, you need not prepare anything, however, it can be beneficial to start working on those fitness skills well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does my act have to be a solo?
A: No. You can audition with a group piece, even if the other people in the group are not wishing to audition for Circ.S.

Q: Do I need to wear a costume?
A: No, you can wear whatever you are comfortable in that allows you to perform your piece without restriction.

Q: Can my piece be longer than 3 minutes?
A: No, your music will be cut off at 3 minutes whether you are finished or not.

Q: Can I improvise?
A: Yes, but it is not advised.