The Catapult Festival is GOING TO BE action packed! Below is a description of some of the activites involved. Also, check out the Events section of the festival program to see what else will be happening in this exciting line-up for 2012!

Spirit of the Circus.

The Spirit of the Circus is a 45 minute session held at the start of each day. A theme for the day is introduced, participants are given time to share their perspectives on this theme and then a whole group warm-up follows. Any housekeeping for the festival is also announced during this time.

Past themes have included:

• How to enourage: inclusivity, safety, non competitiveness, respect, daring, emotional and intellectual growth, self esteem.
• How to manage: Young bodies and minds undergoing development in a circus environment, Behaviour management, Relationship of a youth circus to the community and schools.

In 2012 we will have 3 x 45 minute “Spirit of the Circus” sessions.

TEAS Sessions

T=Training
E=Education
A=And
S=Sharing

These are facilitated share sessions of skills, ideas and concepts. These “workshop” sessions focus on the practical exchanges between teachers/trainers and youth participants. This model is based upon is the sharing of skills and knowledge conducted by FEDEC the European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (La Fédération européenne des écoles de cirque professionnelles) that has led to the development of the Basic Circus Arts Instruction Manual. (This manual can be downloaded from the FEDEC website). Catapult tailors this model to suit the Australian youth circus and physical theatre movement. 

 Past sessions have included:

• Theatricality & meaning 
• Aerial training
• Slapstick and Clowning
• Adagio
• Safety, first aid and rigging
• Manipulation

In 2012 we will have 12 x 2 hour “TEAS” sessions.

Think Tanks

These forums are a chance to discuss and brainstorm big ideas, industry issues and future strategies surrounding Youth Circus and Physical Theatre. These sessions are facilitated by industry leaders.

In 2012 we will have 6 x 2 hour “Think Tanks”.

 

Buzz of the day

This time isdedicated to sharing the information and skills gathered throughout the day. It’s a chance to come together, share afternoon tea, network and exchange information. Like the ‘Spirit of the Circus’ session, “Buzz of the Day” will have an overarching theme that will direct the conversation and action. This is a new session for 2012.

In 2012 we will have 3 x 90 minute “Buzz of the Day” sessions.