Questions & Answers about Cirkusgymnasiet
Read the answers to some frequently asked questions about the Upper Secondary School of Circus (Cirkusgymnasiet) or click on the videos to hear the schools artistic leader Daniel Gulko answer.
How do I apply to the Circus Upper Secondary School (Cirkusgymnasiet)?
Information regarding the admission process is available at St Botvids Gymnasium (high school). Admission is based on both grades and an entrance exam.
Is previous training or experience in circus arts required for admission to the program?
Some students who enroll in the Circus Upper Secondary School (high school) have previous training in the circus arts, others have practised parkour, figure skating, gymnastics or theatre. Prior to admission, an entrance exam takes place, to give us a clearer picture of you and your potential. This program includes a great deal of physical training, so it’s essential that you enjoy this. However, this doesn’t mean you need to have swung from a trapeze before you apply.
Do I have to be a resident of Stockholm?
No, The Circus Upper Secondary School accepts students from all over Sweden as well as Denmark, Norway and Finland.
Who are the teachers?
By and large, our teachers are professional performers with higher education in circus and dance.
Why does instruction take place both at Cirkör and St Botvids Gymnasium (high school)?
Academic subjects are taught at St Botvids Gymnasium (high school) in Hallunda south of Stockholm; circus instruction and training take place at Cirkörhuset (Cirkör House) in Alby. In general, students spend half the day at their desks and the other half in the circus hall.
How much time is spent training circus?
About 10 hours of training are scheduled per week. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to practice a few evenings per week.
As a first-year student you will focus to a large degree on physical training and safety. In year two, you will choose a circus discipline to immerse yourself in and will also experience performing in front of an audience. In your third year, you will have ample time to deep dive into your chosen discipline and to run your own projects, with the goal of becoming independent.
Why study at the Circus Upper Secondary School?
The circus high school is the right place for those who desire physical training in their daily lives but at the same time want room for creativity, creating and discovering themselves.
What are my options once I’ve completed my studies?
Once you have completed the Contemporary Circus Upper Secondary School program, you will be able to continue to higher education or pursue a career as a circus artist. Many former students currently work professionally with circus and performing arts, while others have become firefighters, dentists and academics. Regardless of whether you want to become a doctor or a juggler, the Circus Upper Secondary School for Circus may be the place for you.
Can I get help with accommodations?
The municipality has access to a few apartments where students can rent a room. The rooms are provided by St Botvids high school. Applicants from outside Stockholm County can put their names on the waitlist for these rooms.
It is important to understand that these rooms are entirely self-catering and that students who reside there are entirely responsible for themselves. No school staff is employed as house mother or house father.
Unfortunately, there are not always enough rooms for all applicants. The school therefore recommends that applicants also seek alternative accommodations.
Are injuries common?
We work hard to prevent injuries through basic strength training and preparatory classes where safety surrounding all practice that takes place in the circus hall is a primary consideration. Injuries such as sprains and similar do occur, but more serious injuries are less common.
How big are the classes?
Most classes have about 16 students, but we admit up to 24 each year.
All about the entrance exam!