Often bringing colour and flair to our local events are the students of Circartus, the Wingham based circus school started by director Jill Watkins in 2009.
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More than 60 students are currently learning circus skills taught over 14 different classes per week.
It's a vibrant and creative community dedicated to keeping circus skills alive in the Manning Valley.
Not surprisingly behind the scenes it takes a team of passionate and dedicated individuals to make it all happen.
In 2019 a committee was formed known as the CAST (Circartus Association Support Team) made up of mostly students and parents. CAST, chaired by Wingham Brush Public School principal Kylie Seaman, works alongside Jill to keep the circus dream alive but new members are needed to help keep it going long term.
"We really need some people from the wider community to get involved," said Jill.
As students grow and leave, so do their parents and Jill would like to invite some help from outside the Circartus community to join CAST.
The team meets regularly - about once a month - usually at the Wingham studio.
People with public relations and administration skills are particularly needed and the team even has a position for a paid space manager.
"I know many people are hesitant to get involved in organisations," said Jill.
"But we really need help to keep circus alive in the local area."
Jill adds that the organisation is run as a team based structure.
Anyone joining the team will be fully supported and there are systems in place to make helping out simple.
"Our projects have structure so people can just jump on board and it's not complicated," said Jill.
We really need some people from the wider community to get involved
- Jill Watkins
Jill cites being part of a creative, friendly community as further incentive for someone looking to volunteer their time.
The Circartus performance troupe regularly performs at local events and even though things have slowed down a little due to COVID restrictions, there are still plans to perform somewhere in 2021.
A new bird costume is also on the horizon.
For further information about joining the CAST or to enroll in any of the circus skills classes, email circartus@gmail.com or call 0432 307 765.
