Richard Sullivan (Circus Showcase) Interview
Hey Richard, welcome to Impulse Gamer, a place about games, movies, tech and even the circus!
You’re currently 20, what made you decide to run away and join the circus (e.g. NICA)?
It all started with my local youth circus program Circus West, which I joined in 2006 in Dubbo NSW. It was so much fun that I pursued it throughout my schooling, and after graduating moved to Melbourne to come to NICA.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of your studies?
Physically the course is very demanding, and the long hours make it very tiring.
Is it possible to teach someone with no coordination like myself to juggle?
With enough time and focus you can definitely learn, starting with breaking it down to its simpler components and building from there.
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve juggled or most items?
I’ve once done a 5 club 5up pirouette into backcrosses, it’s a pretty insane trick every throw has to be spot on. I can also flash 7 clubs, 8 rings, and 8 balls. A Flash is the same amount of throws and catches as objects, for example a 7 club flash is 7 throws with 7 catches of 7 clubs.
What made you decide to juggle?
A friend of mine in Circus West who I looked up to juggled. I thought it was cool and I wanted to be as good as him so I decided to learn.
Your latest show, Circus Showcase 2013 opens soon, what are you most looking forward too?
As we are doing around 14 shows, I’m looking forward to being in front of an audience as much as possible.
How much training have you and the other students put into the show?
We have rehearsals Monday to Friday 9-5 for at least 10 weeks prior to opening night.
What can we expect from the show?
Hot as circus acts and skills! A variety of fun and contemporary acts with lots of different skills.
How does NICA work in terms of grades etc?
We are graded on theory subject as well as physical assessments. We receive a Bachelor of Circus Arts through Swinburne University so we have subjects which we need to pass in order to receive our degree.
Once you finished at NICA, what do you think the future will hold?
Hopefully a fruitful career with lots and lots of performance, and hopefully international travel.
Who inspires you most as a Circus Performer?
Wes Peden is an American Juggler who I admire and draw a lot of inspiration.
How much training do you do every day?
I try to get an absolute minimum of 1 hour but ideally I put in 4-5 hours a day
Thanks for being part of Impulse Gamer Richard and good luck with the Circus Showcase for 2013!
CIRCUS SHOWCASE 2013
Directors: Megan Jones and Meredith Kitchen
27 November to 7 December 2013
NICA National Circus Centre
39 – 59 Green Street, Prahran
Session dates and times:
Evenings: 27, 28, 29, 30 Nov and 4,5,6,7 Dec at 7.30pm
School matinees: Fri 29 Nov & Wed 4 Dec at 1.00pm
Saturday matinees: 30 Nov and 7 Dec at 1.30pm
Adult $30 / Conc $25 / Child U16 $20
Family (2 adults & 2 children) $80
Groups (min 10) $20pp
Primary & Secondary school groups (min 20) $15pp
Bookings: www.nica.com.au
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