Training and Development for Circus Professionals on Canada’s West Coast.

Running away with the circus has taken on a whole new meaning in the last few decades. TUC Studios is the West Coast’s home for professional circus arts technique, performer development and general quirkiness. There are several recreational and youth programs in our local area, our studios address the needs of those who are taking it one step further to the professional performance stage.

TUC studio time is a combination of group based, semi-independant and independent training and rehearsal depending on the person, abilities, goals, and the disciplines which they are focused on. Ninon heads up the this component of the Underground Circus with a focus on strength, conditioning and flexibility.

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A Day in the Life...

We start our days with circus specific strength, endurance and flexibility exercises.Technical training commences after this with a focus on act specific moves and techniques. During technical training people learn how to execute moves properly, how an where a move can go wrong and how to safely prevent injury and recover during a performance.

Throughout all training, from conditioning to act development, there is alway emphasis on the end result being a professional quality performance. Even during the most demanding strength training, care is taken to control breathing, fluidity and/or rigidity of movement, body position and lines and last but not least facial expression.

Familiarity with equipment, rigging practices and structure safety is also reviewed on a regular basis for both inside the studio space and performance scenarios in a variety of venues.

Training

Self Directed Training/Rehearsal for Adults

Our training and rehearsal times are an opportunity for people to come and train in a self directed manner. A Studio Lead will be on-site to oversee activities. Often our Leads will guide a group of individuals through exercises or be available to assist with specific needs but direct training and coaching is not guaranteed during these sessions.

Learn more about Open Training

Cross Training

Professionals (and semi-pros) in other artistic, performance and sports diciplines, such as dancers, ice skaters and stunt performers, also benefit greatly from cross training in circus based techniques.

We cover everything strength and core fitness to partnering lifts and aerial acrobatics.

Learn more about Cross Training by contacting us directly.

Safety & Technical

Safety during performer development is a major part of our studio time. The body must develop the strength and flexibility to create a safety buffer not only for personal safety but also for the safety of those around.

Our training stresses safety though the physical and mental distractions that can and will occur during a performance.

Rigging

Much of what we do as circus artists depends on our ability to safely hang aerial acts in a wide variety of venues and situations. Workshops in rigging and safety equipment are offered on a semi regular basis.

These workshops allow performers and technical crew members to gain important knowledge and hands on experience with rigging equipment, best practices, and circus apparatus specifics.

Learn more about Rigging Workshops by contacting us directly.

NEW! Book Training
and Studio Rentals Online

Visit our booking page for more information and details.

Training/Rehearsal: We a have a regular schedule however the majority of our Studio Leads (those with the keys) are professionals involved in shows and events. Because of this our schedule is fluid, and yet consistent, and yet fluid.

Fees

Want to join our training/rehearsal sessions and enjoy our awesome studio space? Here is a breakdown of our fees…they’re pretty simple.

Drop In: $20.00/session

Drop In members are welcome to come as much or as little as they want throughout the year. Keep in mind our schedules are fluid so if you haven’t been in for a while touch base with us to get the current open training schedule.

Monthly: $120.00/mth

Monthly membership allows access to a preselcted morning/evening/weekend open training session.

One on One: Varies by coach

One on One training for individuals and groups is available upon request. If you would like more information please contact us at info@undergroundcircus.ca or 604-521-8131

Studio Rental

Do you need a space to train privately, rehearse for an upcoming event, or film a promo video? Studio rentals are available to fit your needs. Contact info@undergroundcircus.ca for scheduling details and availability.

Main Studio

Our Main Studio is located on the first floor of our space. It has a painted wood sprung floor and gymnastics style blue mats that cover 3/4 of the room length. The blue mats can be easily rolled up to reveal the wood floor. We have anywhere from 4-6 rigging points setup on a regular basis on fixed points and/or pully systems.

Loft Studio

Our Loft Studio is located on the second floor of our space. This room is more private and separate from the rest of the studio spaces. It has painted wood floor and mirrors along one wall.

Blackbox Theatre

In our Main Studio we have black draping that can be lowered into the space to create a blackbox theatre setting. Some basic stage lighting is available as well. Our blackbox theatre is perfect for photo and video shoots or intimate stage shows. Other equipment, props, and technical staff are also available for an additional fees.

Private Functions

If you would like to hold a private function at the TUC Studios we welcome the opportunity to host you and your guests. For information on private functions, available equipment, and extras please contact us.

Training FAQ’s

I don't know what circus arts I want to try.

If you are interested in pursuing circus arts in a professional environment but have never tried anything circus related we welcome you to come to one of our group based drop in sessions to try out a variety of disciplines. From their you might find one you love, one you hate, and a few that are interesting but you aren’t really sure yet.

How much training to be a professional?

Our standard answer is ‘How long would it take to become a professional tennis player? A professional pianist? How much would you expect to practice?’ Becoming a professional in any discipline depends on a number of factors, there is no cut and dry answer. There are, however, a number of factors that typically shorten the time required to get to a professional standard of circus artist. For example, if a person already has a dance or gymnastic background their bodies will adapt more quickly to the physical demands of circus arts. If you are unsure of your abilities or suitability there is no better way than to come to a group based drop in session and let us guide you and give you some feedback.

What about recreational programs?

We like to be clear on this without sounding harsh or snobbish; we don’t provide recreational training (at this time). There are many programs in the local area who do this very well, we have chosen to stick to the professional side of things.

That being said, we welcome people who are not professionals, who have never done circus or who are currently training in a recreational program to participate in our group based drop in sessions. Our goal is to introduce people to professional training and help them develop along this path. Some who enter our Studios love the transition, others decide that the intensity of professional training is not where whey want to go. We won’t hold it against you if you are the latter…come…try…and decide for yourself.

Visit our FAQ’s page to read more…