Study location	Hungary, Budapest
Academic field	Performing Arts 03.3 (ISCED 2122)
Type	Bachelor, full degree studies
Nominal duration	6 semesters
Study language	English
Awards	BA
Course code	Arts
Accreditation	FNYF/140-2/2022.

Entry qualification

High school / secondary education (or higher) Professional experience in a field of circus arts, which must be demonstrated in the portfolio. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Hungarian. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university. A certified translation of the high school graduation certificate into Hungarian or English must be uploaded.

Language requirements	English Accepted proof of proficiency: FCE or CAE, IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 79+

Other requirements

At least 2 reference(s) should be provided. A motivation letter must be added to your application. Please write about your relationship and/or personal connection to circus. How did you get involved in circus and what are your plans for the future? Please write us why you want to participate in the Circus Arts BA program of BCDC, what you expect from the programme? A relevant portfolio is required. (1) Portrait photo (2) Brief chronological CV (pdf format), in which you should cover the following topics, by listing your experiences chronologically: 1. Education and Training 2. Skills 3. Professional experience (3) Health questionnaire: Fill in the health questionnaire available on this link, sign and upload it in pdf format! drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yxN5BAWKmSEFxopVr-GXNA7mUF0ttRlf?usp=share_link (4) Videos (4.1) Introduction: introduce yourself in a few words. In a couple of words, tell us about yourself, who you are, where you come from, what kind of dancing (and circus arts) you have done in your life. Or tell us about anything you think we should know about to get to know you better. (max. 2 minutes) (4.2) Please upload a video of your professional work in which you can be clearly identified. The video can be an improvisation, a rehearsed piece, or an extract of a performance (max 3 minutes). (4.3) Please upload a video of you demonstrating your proficiency in one or more dance and/or movement techniques. (4.4) Learn and Reorganize: please take a look at this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w2G_uw5ToQ Learn it then reorganize it. It’s important to get familiar with the movement, however the goal is not to copy the sequence, but use the given material as a base, play with it freely and make your own set. You can use the movement material in its entirety but also in parts, as you like. All solutions are welcome, we are not interested in how well you can copy, but how you can utilize the movement material in a creative interpretation. (max. 3 minutes) (4.5) any extra knowledge, e.g., ground and /or aerial acrobatics – silk, aerial hoop, – hula hoop, monicker, sault, juggling, bungee, skate, etc. (max. 3 minutes) (4.6) Physical fitness, strength and flexibility assessment. Please read through the task list here and make a video recording of yourself doing the task list. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rsZZag_J_lfAEAeeJD0-SAklghBZWs1x?usp=sharing (5) Online personal interview The audition process includes an online personal interview, the date of which will be agreed with the applicant. No material is requested to be uploaded for this point.

More information	bcdc.hu/en/education/higher-education

Overview

The goal of the Circus Arts BA program is to prepare talented individuals who wish to pursue a performing arts career in the world of circus. During the program, students receive comprehensive practical and theoretical training, enabling them to excel on the international stage in various circus shows, theatrical productions, and other events. Students in the Circus Arts program can choose from roles such as acrobat, clown, or ringmaster, depending on their dedication and interests.

Our goal during the three-year program is for students to acquire practical, technical, and performance skills that will enable them to present their art at a high standard. Acrobat artists will take the stage with ready-made performances, while clowns will develop a unique style through the use of humour and performance techniques. As key figures in circus performances, ringmasters establish the connection between the audience and the performers, while possessing comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the circus world. Upon completing their studies, circus artists will graduate with a BA in Circus Arts, ready to showcase their art on international stages.

During the program, we place great emphasis on the harmony between individual and group work, as well as on fostering creativity, awareness, and independent artistic activity. Our students not only gain proficiency in areas related to circus arts but also acquire skills that are transferable to other fields of the arts. Trained circus artists work in a dynamic, international environment and have the ability to leave a lasting impression on the world’s stages through their art.

The bachelor’s program is open to anyone who is willing to fully commit and is ready to unleash their passion for circus arts with maximum intensity.

Programme structure

Aerial Acrobatics
Acrobatics
Agility (juggling, balancing etc.)
Genre-specific Practical Training
Circus History
Safety Management and Techniques
Dance: Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary Techniques
Strength Training and Stretching
Yoga
Anatomy
Art and Music
Production Creation
Individual and Group Practice
Research
Rehearsals
In-House Performances
Public Performances

Career opportunities

Acrobat Artists
Acrobat artists have numerous career paths available to them, both in traditional circus performances and in the world of contemporary theater, festivals, international productions, shows, and television programs. They often collaborate with international troupes and circus theaters, where their specialized technical skills, acrobatic abilities, and stage presence are essential for success.

Clowns
For clowns, the unique combination of humour and performance art opens up a wide range of career opportunities. The role of the clown in traditional circus performances is to establish a direct connection with the audience. Clowns can perform in circuses, theatrical productions, international circus festivals, create their own shows, appear in children’s programs, television productions, and even take on roles as social or therapeutic “clown doctors.” Mastery of interactivity, creative humour, and improvisation allows them to connect with audiences of all ages.

Ringmasters
Ringmasters play a central role in circus performances, overseeing the flow of shows and connecting individual acts with the audience. Their strong communication skills, performance style, and comprehensive knowledge of the circus world make them key figures in circus troupes. Throughout their careers, they have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in international circus performances, festivals, and as hosts. In the profession of a ringmaster, dynamic presentation, versatility, and smooth organization of performances are essential.