Circomedia Academy for Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre
Founded in 1984, Circomedia is a world-renowned centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre training in the UK. We believe in promoting circus in Bristol and beyond.
Our BTEC and Degree courses combine high-calibre skills tuition and body training with the development of creative thinking, presentational flair and business know-how. As a result, our graduates develop into accomplished creative artists that challenge the perceptions of circus and physical performance.
We curate a fascinating and innovative performance programme from our venue in the heart of Bristol. In the grand Georgian surroundings of St Paul’s Church, you can discover some of the most exciting circus, physical theatre, and dance companies from the UK and beyond.
Our adult classes cover a range of aerial and acrobatic disciplines and are designed to cater to all levels. We are home to one of the largest Youth Circus in the UK with over 500 students.
At Circomedia, we believe in the transformative power of circus arts. For years, we’ve brought the thrill of aerial silks, the joy of juggling, and the balance of tightwire walking to 7500 children and young people across Bristol.
Much of our equipment has served us well but is now reaching the end of its life. To continue offering access to high-quality, safe, and accessible training for more generations to come, we need to replace our essential circus equipment. This isn’t just about equipment; it’s about keeping the joy of circus alive in our communities. We have a fundraising target of £3000. Please visit our Crowdfunder today!
Celebrating our 30th Anniversary
2024 is Circomedia’s 30th Anniversary, as well as being our 20th year in our iconic St. Paul’s Church venue – it is a year for celebration!
As the first circus academy in the UK, we are excited to spend this year both reflecting on our past, and looking forwards to the next 30 years.
In Autumn 2024, our programme of live shows is dedicated our Circomedia alumni. We will be showcasing the talents and professional works of a number of our alumni, as well as welcoming old friends back to our stage and celebrating the creativy of our local community.
If you would like to support Circomedia and help us to continue delivering circus education and experiences to Bristol and the world, please consider gifting us a donation today. Thank you.
Introducing Our Academy
If you want to study circus with physical theatre and develop as a new kind of performer, then look no further than Circomedia. Our Circus Academy offers a range of full-time courses delivered in partnership with City of Bristol College and Bath Spa University. We are proudly based in the vibrant city of Bristol, famous for its thriving performance industry and links to the wider circus and theatre community.
Find out more
Adult Classes
From complete beginners taking their first tentative steps into aerial, to those of you who long ago mastered the ropes, our excellent teachers will help you discover and develop a passion for circus skills.
Why not use our new classes menu page to explore all of our classes and search by discipline, level, venue, and day of the week.
See all of our classes
Hire Our Venue
Our dramatic Georgian church in the centre of Bristol offers a beautiful venue for your wedding, Christmas party, conference, or another special occasion. With a full theatre grade lighting rig, professional sound and tech support, and access to a huge range of world-class circus entertainment, there really is no one who can do it quite like us…
Find out more
Youth Circus
Circomedia Youth Circus is one of the biggest in the UK with over 300 students. It offers children aged 2 – 18 the chance to enter the extraordinary world of contemporary circus and physical theatre through weekly classes and a series of circus camps held throughout the year. Our groups cater to all different ages and abilities and you don’t have to have previous experience!
Led by our professional circus tutors, our after-school sessions offer a varied programme of acrobatics, aerial skills, manipulation and equilibristics, and performance skills. Children will try everything from diabolo to trapeze over the course of the year, and develop their coordination, build physical and mental resilience and make friends in a relaxed, creative environment.
