R&D Creative Lab for Contemporary Circus

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

These are some of the questions I anticipated participants might ask. If you have others, please feel free to email me or send a direct message on Instagram @Tranceonfire.

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Who is facilitating the Lab?

 

The Lab is facilitated by Jonathan Goh, a Singaporean circus artist and graduate of the National Centre for Circus Arts (UK).

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Who is this Lab for?

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The Lab is designed for performance artists, physical performers, circus practitioners, dancers, and movers, particularly those with prior experience in circus, movement, dance or physical performance.​

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Is there an age limit?

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Yes. As *SCAPE supports this Lab, applications are open to youth aged 18 to 35. However, a small number of places may be considered for applicants outside this age range.

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Can I apply if I’m not a Singaporean?

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Yes. You do not need to be a Singaporean to apply. However, as the Lab is focused on creating work in a Singapore context, applicants must be based in Singapore and have familiarity with the local context, as well as be able to attend all sessions in person.

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What can I gain from this Lab?

You will have the opportunity to explore circus as an artistic medium for storytelling, experiment with solo and ensemble creation, and develop your own creative process. The Lab also provides tools for devising and reflective practice, and experience in presenting work-in-progress within a supportive environment.

 

Why was this Lab started?

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To lay the foundations for a Singaporean contemporary circus collective that can create and tour original work rooted in our context.

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This Lab is Stage 1 of that vision: a space to experiment, research, and develop a shared language with potential collaborators. Stage 2 will be a residency, where a selected group of artists from this Lab will be invited to continue the process. Together, these stages are part of a larger plan to create a touring circus production that reflects Singapore’s voice on the international stage.

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When will the Lab take place?

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Dates: 20, 21, 27 October

3, 10, 17, 24, 27, 28 November (final presentation)

Time: 7.00–10.30 pm (2.5–3 hrs per session)

Venue: *SCAPE (Ground Theatre or Treetop Studio)

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Do I need to pay to join the Lab?

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No. Participation in the R&D Creative Lab is free of charge.

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How do I apply?

 

Applications are open via the form above

Sign here here

Deadline: 19 September 2025
Selected applicants will be notified by 26 September 2025

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Is participation guaranteed once I apply?

 

No. Applying does not guarantee participation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome.

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What is expected of participants?

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• Attend all 9 sessions 

• Active participation in both individual and ensemble work

• Contribute respectfully to the group process

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I won’t be able to attend one session, but I can make it to the others. Can I still join?

The Lab is designed as a continuous process, so full attendance is important. We ask that participants commit to all sessions. If you are unable to attend one due to unavoidable circumstances, your application may still be considered 

Please indicate this clearly in your form.

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​Is a high level of circus training required to join?

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No. While the Lab is especially suited to those with some background in circus or physical performance, you do not need to be highly skilled.

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What should I prepare for my 1-minute piece? Does it need to be circus-based?

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It would be good if your piece includes circus elements, but it does not have to be entirely circus-based. Think of it as a starting point: something you feel comfortable sharing, yet also something that challenges you or pushes you slightly beyond your comfort zone. This solo piece will serve as material for the work-in-progress presentation in the final session, and we will also use elements of it during the Lab to develop ideas further.

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Is the 1-minute piece used as an audition?

No. The 1-minute piece is not an audition, and you do not need to send it in with your application. If selected, you will bring it to the Lab where it will serve as a starting point for the sessions and be developed further towards the final work-in-progress presentation.

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 Are rigging points available?

 

No, the venue for this Lab is unable to provide rigging points. However, you are still very welcome to join. Part of the Lab’s focus is on exploring how circus work can be created and presented within limitations, and on changing our perspective on how we use our apparatus.​

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