Be yourself;everyone else is already taken.
– Oscar Wilde –
Who we are and
what we do
Be yourself, enjoy others.
Take risks, build confidence.
Be safe and have fun.
Castlemaine Circus has created an inclusive and accessible space and offers classes for all ages in Circus Skills, Aerial Arts and Parkour. We foster an environment where students can take safe risks, support each other and have fun.
Students learn all the fabulous skills and techniques of circus, aerial and parkour in a positive, collaborative environment. They develop physical and emotional skills including strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, self confidence and creative expression.
We celebrate diversity and provide a safe physical and social space for all ages, abilities, genders and cultures. Our philosophy, policies and procedures are all embedded with creating a Child Safe space.
Castlemaine Circus was established in 2013 as a direct response to ongoing requests from the community for childrens’ circus classes. Established as a not-for-profit incorporated association, by a committee of volunteers, classes started in February 2014.
We began with 3 classes a week and we now run 37 classes a week, enrol 400 students of all ages and engage 14 amazing trainers from the region. We run a student trainer program and celebrate each year with an end of year Celebration Week and Circus Show. We partner with other organisations to provide circus for the community, including Dhelkaya Health, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Castlemaine Secondary College and local primary schools.
It takes a community to make a circus, and it couldn’t have happened without the support of our start up funding partners, the outstanding generosity of families and the ongoing efforts of our passionate staff, trainers and board.
Staff
Sophie Easton – General Manager
Sophie has recently moved back to Australia with her family from Canada. She has a diploma in Circus Arts and has been working extensively in the Circus Industry as a performer, artistic director and teacher working in many countries all around the world for the past 20 years. Sophie is a founder and member of “The Lyttelton Circus Theatre Company” based in New Zealand and has worked as a Clown Doctor in hospitals and many other facilities using compassionate humour therapy for many years in different countries. Sophie is very passionate about The Arts, inspiring, educating and supporting future generations and Health and Wellbeing for all.
Caz Walsh – Enrolment Coordinator
Caz is not only one of our wonderful circus trainers, she is amazing in the office enrolling all the families and students into all the right classes. She will make sure you or your little one has a spot in a class if not straight away then asap.
Our Committee
Jane McCahon (Chair)
Kerry Bourke (Treasurer)
Armstrong Scherlies (Secretary)
Liz Stearne (Community)
Community
Partners
Castlemaine Circus would like to thank these people for all the generous support they have offered us.
2025 SUPPORTERS:
Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR ) – Extractor Fans to cool our venue
Red Canvas Productions – Rigging & Equipment, Popcorn Machine.
Oni Street Wear – Merch
Australian Government – Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Round 2. x3 Reverse Cycle units to heat & cool the venue.
2024 PLAYING ON THE EDGE – CIRCUS SHOW:
Regional Arts Fund – Australian Government Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
Meld Creative – Kathryn Hall, Show image design. Red Canvas Productions – staging and rigging. Music For All – Circus Band
Other lovely supporters: Castlemaine Secondary College – instrument and PA hire,
Cantwell Property – Billboard Sign, Wonderpants and Oni Street Wear – costumes and merchandise
2024 PARTNERS:
Artists for Kids Culture – FLO Social Parkour Program
Lions Club of Castlemaine – Extractor Fans to cool our venue
Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Energy Efficiency grant to install insulation
MELD creative – Kathryn Hall – Website creation
PREVIOUS PARTNERS / SPONSORS:
Mount Alexander Shire Council – Circus for Neurodivergent Kids, FLO Social Parkour Program, Hula Hoop for Seniors and Women, Arts Policy Bank for Youth organisations
Dhelkaya Health – LGBTIQA+ partnership circus workshops / circus classes for individuals
Maldon & District Community Bank – Partnership Grant, equipment
Rotary Club of Castlemaine
They have generously provided us with funds to purchase equipment, supported our fundraising activities and performances.(2016-19)
VicHealth – Hula Hoop for Teens, Women and Women over 60
Grant Victor-Gordon – Risk Management support
Donations
We are so grateful for all the generous support we have received through donations. They help keep us going, to pay for our wonderful trainers and our fabulous circus program.
We have had to cancel many classes during lockdown and some of our families have donated these cancelled class fees to the circus. We are so lucky to have these donations. It would be a long list to include everyone’s name but we know who you are!
THANK YOU ALL!
