The Founding Story of CircArts Geelong

A Spark in 2007

CircArts began as a simple idea in 2007: to create a place where kids could play, explore, and express themselves through circus. Back then, we were known as Kidsplace Circus School — a small program in Geelong with a handful of students, a couple of mats, and a big dream: to help young people grow stronger, more confident, and more connected through circus arts.

Growing with Our Students

As the years rolled on, the community grew. Our students weren’t just learning to juggle or climb silks — they were learning courage, resilience, teamwork, and joy. Parents told us that circus was the highlight of their child’s week. Students were sticking around for years, some even asking for more training so they could perform or coach one day.

By 2014, we knew we’d outgrown the name Kidsplace. We weren’t “just for kids” anymore — teens, adults, and whole families were joining us. That’s when we became CircArts Geelong, a school dedicated to circus as an art form, a sport, and a lifestyle, whether you are an artist or an enthusiast.

From Classes to Community

CircArts became more than a training space. It became a place where people find belonging.

  • Beginners come to try something fun and discover hidden talents.

  • Advanced students work towards ambitious goals — big shows, big tricks, big dreams.

  • Adults rediscover play, creativity, and strength they thought they’d lost.

We introduced performance programs, leadership pathways, and industry experiences to give our students real opportunities to shine.

From Local Classes to World-Class Artists

CircArts has become a launchpad for incredible achievements.

  • In 2024, one of our alumni, Charli Meath, broke TWO Guinness World Records in aerial hoop — proof of just how far circus can take you.

  • Our Emerging Artist Program now takes performers from training at the studio to performing on professional stage, launching their own shows in places like Adelaide Fringe Festival and their acts at the International Youth Circus Festival Lithuania

  • Many of our past students are now professional circus artists, coaches, and performers inspiring the next generation.

Today & Beyond

Now, with more than 250 students training every week, multiple youth and adult shows each year, and a team of passionate coaches, CircArts Geelong is a thriving community hub. Beginners discover their hidden talents, advanced students chase ambitious goals, and adults rediscover their creativity, fitness, strength and fulfillment for their inner child.

Our mission is simple:

To help people of all ages grow through circus — physically, mentally, and creatively — and to create a space where everyone feels like they belong.

And we’re just getting started. As we prepare for our next stage of growth, we are excited to build new programs and we are committed to keeping the heart of CircArts the same: playful, professional, inclusive, high achieving yet positive and inspiring.

CircArts will always be a place where play meets professionalism, where challenges turn into triumphs, and where ordinary people do extraordinary things.