Last updated: 27 June 2023

Next review: 17 March 2024

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Photo of young person peforming circus.

Photo credit: Liam Croucher

Are you someone who loves the energy and enthusiasm of working with young people? Are you someone who enjoys getting your hands dirty and engaging in physical activity? Perhaps you were a skateboarder, a street dancer, a parkour enthusiast, a sports player, or a gymnast in your youth. If any of these resonate with you, or if you're simply looking to explore a new and exciting opportunity, then we have just the thing for you!

This a unique and exciting opportunity to build your skills and ignite your passion for the performing arts. Provided by Future Formed in partnership with: 

We're excited to offer three paid placements to young Waltham Forest residents. You'll learn valuable facilitation techniques that can be applied across a range of entry-level performing arts classes. Techniques include dance, circus, drama, and sports activities. Don't miss out on this unique chance to grow as an artist and leader!

Successful candidates will receive weekly training from two of the UK’s leading circus facilitators, Ed Stephen, and Chusi Amoros. Candidates will also have access to networks across all partner organisations.

Application deadline: Wednesday 29 March interviews will take place in the week starting 3 April 2023

The training on offer includes

  • Weekly mentoring from Ed Stephen and Chusi Amorós
  • Free weekly skills training sessions - this project focuses on circus and performance skills - at the National Centre for Circus Arts. Usual cost is £185 and is taught by top physical professionals
  • Free DBS check, usually costing between £40 to £50.
  • Weekly shadowing of workshops
  • Paid practical opportunities to assist in sessions alongside a professional facilitator. Sessions are paid at £50 per session, which includes travel. Over the term you will earn between £500 to £1250 depending on the placement.
  • Networking opportunities
  • Tickets to live performances outside the borough
  • Additional visit to The National Centre for Circus Arts to learn about teaching practises and career pathways

By the end of your training you will

  • Feel more confident assisting performing arts classes with young people
  • Have developed basic skills in the area you are teaching
  • Have access to organisations that need a regular supply of teaching assistants leading to further paid work. Two of the three last placements are currently working as freelancers earning between £25 to £35 per hour
  • Have the option to develop your facilitation skills further
  • Have the option to develop your physical training further

About the mentors

Successful candidates will receive training from two of the UK’s leading circus facilitators, Ed Stephen, and Chusi Amorós.

Ed Stephen

Ed Stephen has taught circus, dance, and performing arts for the last 15 years. His sessions have ranged from pre-school classes with parents and under 5s, to advanced training techniques for young performers. He also runs professional development sessions for established circus and dance practitioners. With 'Nearly There Yet' he has toured the UK and worked with venues. Some of the venues include:

  • The Royal Festival Hall
  • The Roundhouse
  • The National Centre for Circus Arts

He has an in-depth understanding of the world of a freelance artist and practitioner. 

Chusi Amorós

Chris is a dancer, circus performer, and theatre maker. She runs the JL Circus programme in Haringey. She has a huge amount of experience working with young people with disabilities. She also has experience engaging minority communities in the circus.

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Circus facilitators at National Centre for Circus Arts

Photo credit: Liam Croucher

Who we are looking for

To apply you must be between the ages 18 to 30, and be living, studying, or working in:

  • Waltham Forest
  • Hackney
  • Tower Hamlets
  • Haringey
  • Redbridge
  • Havering
  • Enfield

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the creative sector. These include people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.

Essential criteria

  • Reliable and punctual
  • Interest in working with young people 
  • Interest in performing arts
  • Willing to undergo DBS check 
  • Open and willing to learn new skills and have fun 
  • Available Monday afternoons or evenings from April to July 2023 or Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday late afternoon from April to July 2023

Desirable

  • Experience in acrobatics, gymnastics, dance, or acting is a bonus but not essential to the role. We are more interested in candidates with the right attitude. 

Applicant criteria

Essential

  • reliable and punctual
  • interest in working with young people 
  • interest in performing arts
  • willing to undergo a DBS check 
  • open and willing to learn new skills and have fun 
  • Availability on Monday afternoons/evenings from September to December 2023 or Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday late afternoons from September to December 2023

Desirable

  • Experience in acrobatics, gymnastics, dance or acting is a bonus but not essential to the role. We are more interested in candidates with the right attitude. 

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 29 March. Interviews will take place the week beginning 3 April 2023 

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.