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Artist & Company Development Centre (ACDC)
Supporting professional and innovative circus artists and companies
Practice – Classes – Information - Devising – Rehearsal - Performance
“Circus Space is a key driving force behind Circus as a performing art. Our interest is in high quality, original and dramatic performance that integrates a developed level of physical skill. To this end we educate and nurture staff, artists and companies.”The Artist and Company Development Centre (ACDC) offers facilities and support to professional and innovative circus artists and companies in order for them to train, work, develop and expand their skills and knowledge in circus arts and to provide exceptional networking and performance opportunities to its members.
Our two main spaces, the Generating Chamber and the Combustion Chamber provide the finest facilities for circus training and creation in the UK.
Becoming a Member | Membership Forms | Practice Time | Practice Time Rates | Classes | Devising and Rehearsal Space | Performance | Information | Teaching | Staff BenefitsBECOMING AN ACDC MEMBER | Top
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Full membership of the ACDC is determined against an application form and, if applicable, an Assessment of Competence (AOC).
If your application meets our professional membership criteria, you will be invited to Circus Space for an AOC to gauge your professional competency and your ability to train safely and independently.Applications should include all of the disciplines that you would like to train in at Circus Space as you will only be assessed in and, if successful, permitted to practice those activities. If you wish to practice other disciplines in the future, we can arrange subsequent AOCs for you.
Members of a Circus Space recognised company or those who have been awarded a Degree or Certificate after two, or more, years of study at a member school of the European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (FEDEC), may not be required to undertake the AOC. If you think this applies to you or your company, please fill out the relevant section of the application form.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
• In line with Circus Space’s artistic vision, priority is given to professionals that we believe are producing artistically exciting and innovative work
• You need to demonstrate circus related professional practice through your application form and CV and/or other means
• You need to have attended an AOC, if applicable, and scored sufficiently against the criteria to show competency to be accepted as a member
• Additionally, we may provide a temporary membership for other professional artists i.e. directors, choreographers, dancers etc. if we feel they would be a useful support to professional circus artistsEvery two years, we may run inductions and/or refresher training in the use of Circus Space’s facilities. The next date for refresher training will be in January 2009 and will occur bi-annually after this time.
ACDC GUEST MEMBERSHIP
If you are a professional circus artist or company not based in London and would like to train at Circus Space during a visit to the city, you can apply for an ACDC guest membership for up to 7 days. The same membership criteria applies as with full membership, except you will not be required to undertake the AOC. You will need to be accompanied by a current ACDC member, we may be able to assist with this, and you will need to provide evidence of a high level of experience, especially for aerial work.
Further information is available on the Guest Membership Application FormGuest membership applications should be made in advance of your visit to Circus Space.
NB. All ACDC memberships are subject to approval by Circus Space and we reserve the right to refuse, suspend or cancel membership at any time, and to change the benefits offered.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE (PLI)
All full ACDC members are required to have their own Public Liability Insurance (PLI) or Equity membership. Public Liability Insurance is intended to cover you if you are found legally liable because you have injured a third party, or because you have caused loss of or damage to their property as a result of your actions. For more information, please speak to your insurance advisor.
When submitting your ACDC application you will be required to submit evidence of your Equity membership or your PLI policy information.MEMBERSHIP FORMS | Top
Professional Membership Application Form
Guest Membership Application Form
PRACTICE TIME | Top
As an ACDC member, you have access to daily Practice Time in our various studios including our dedicated acrobatics studio and our two main spaces - The Combustion Chamber and The Generating Chamber. The Practice Time schedule is emailed out once a week on a Thursday confirming Practice Time availability for the following week. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the Practice Time schedule, there are sometimes classes added at the last minute making specific equipment unavailable.You must pay for your daily Practice Time or present your carnet at reception before the start of any training session. Non compliance with this rule will result in you being banned from using Practice Time for a one month period.
ACDC ASSOCIATE GUEST (Non-Active)
Occasionally our members may require their project collaborators or other professional artists i.e. directors, choreographers, dancers etc. to view them during Practice Time. Should you need to do this, please contact Louise Dickson in advance for authorisation and to arrange for a Non-Active Guest Membership. There is no charge for this service and your collaborators are not authorised to touch any of the equipment in the spaces.PRACTICE TIME ETIQUETTE
The following must be adhered to at all times;
• There must always be at least two people in a space when anyone is training in aerial or acrobatic disciplines.
• Please use our equipment in a responsible manner.
• Do not adjust, move, install or otherwise tamper with any rigging equipment, machinery, or electrical equipment without approval from the relevant member of the Operations Team.
• Maintain an awareness of and respect for work at height. If anything or anyone is mobile in the air, do not place yourself underneath them.
• Do not enter the training spaces before the start of Practice Time, even if the space appears to be empty. Please see our reception team or Louise Dickson if you have any queries or concerns.
• Allow plenty of time to clear away all equipment and vacate spaces on time to enable the next class to begin their session. Times stated for the end of Practice Time are when you should be leaving the space and not starting to clear away.
• Please take a collective responsibility to ensure that everything is put away at the end of Practice Time. If you see equipment left out that you have not used (including mats) please help to put it in its appropriate place. Guidelines for equipment storage can be found in each relevant space.
• Respect other users by maintaining a professional working environment.
• Be flexible and respectful towards all appropriate activity that is taking place during Practice Time, including 1:1 classes and other artists training.
• Turn off mobile phones when in any training spaces.
• Each space is equipped with a basic stereo system. Please do not remove any of the stereos from the spaces. If you require assistance, please contact Louise Dickson or visit our reception team. Please note that some of our machines do not play burnt CDs.
• If you need to rehearse to music please consider using a personal stereo. If you need to have amplified music please keep the volume and number of repetitions to a minimum.
• No eating or drinking (except bottled water) in any training spaces.
• Circus Space is a non-smoking building. This includes the courtyard.PHOTOGRAPHY
If you need to have photographs of yourself taken during Practice Time, please contact Louise Dickson for authorisation. Please note that flash photography is not permitted, except in pre-agreed circumstances.From time to time you may be asked to assist Circus Space with press and publicity. This vital coverage helps us to ensure our high profile and supports our marketing strategy that in turn supports the Artist & Company Development Centre and enables us to maintain low prices. You may be asked to talk to a journalist or agree to be photographed training or performing in one of our spaces. You are entitled to opt out but we would be grateful for your co-operation at these times. Details of where publicity may be used are available on request.
RIGGING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT
The Artist and Company Development Centre is able to provide a limited service for members who want to have their own equipment rigged at Circus Space. Please contact Louise Dickson in advance. Rigging requests will not be dealt with on the same day.Although many ACDC members are competent riggers, only designated Circus Space staff are allowed access to the grids. We can only allow staff who are familiar with the current grid layout and existing equipment to undertake any rigging work; this also is a condition of our insurance policies. Dispensation for other riggers may be given but only in advance following a request to Louise Dickson.
EQUIPMENT STORAGE
We have limited storage facilities available at Circus Space but we may be able to accommodate some of your temporary equipment storage needs relating to your training. Please contact Louise Dickson if you require any assistance.FREE LOCKERS
ACDC members can hire a free locker for use whilst training at Circus Space, subject to availability. Lockers can be hired on a term by term basis only, except in exceptional circumstances. Consecutive term hires may be possible if there is not a waiting list for lockers.
A deposit of £10 is required, refundable when the locker key is returned on the stated date at the end of the term. When returning your locker, please ensure that you leave it clean and empty.If keys are not returned by the end of the day on the final date of hire, you will forfeit your deposit. Lockers will be checked the following day and any items not removed will be disposed of.
SHARED PRACTICE TIME
In support of up and coming circus artists on the Degree programme at Circus Space, a portion of the early evening ACDC Practice Time (Mon-Fri) is designated as Shared Practice Time. This provides the opportunity for our Degree students to be inspired by and network with other professionals circus artists in preparation for their own crossover into the world of professional circus arts upon graduation.BABIES & YOUNG CHILDREN AT CIRCUS SPACE
Please note that other than children or young people attending classes on our youth programme, or other designated classes, babies, children or young people under the age of fourteen may not enter practice rooms at any time, other than ticketed performances.Children under the age of fourteen must be under the supervision of an adult at all times, and may wait for parents attending or teaching classes in the reception area with their parent or carer.
Young people of fourteen or over may wait for parents in the Reception area unsupervised, but must behave appropriately. In the event of unacceptable behaviour that comes to the attention of staff, the parent will be located and called from their class, and the young person may be asked to leave, or banned from waiting unaccompanied in the future. Staff may need to see proof of age if
there is any doubt about a child waiting unaccompanied.The reasons for introducing this change is concern about safety, both for the child or young person, and for the safety of all class participants, who might otherwise be distracted during their lesson or practice time.This policy is effective from 1st June 2007.
- Senior Management TeamDOGS AT CIRCUS SPACE
No dogs are allowed inside the Circus Space, except guide dogs.PRACTICE TIME RATES | Top
Assessment of Competence (AOC) & ACDC Induction........... £30
Full details of the AOC can be found on the Full Membership application form.
If your application is approved and you are granted full or guest membership, you will be required to attend a one hour induction into training at Circus Space. This session will include a guide to using our equipment, health & safety matters and a discussion of your membership package.
Daily Practice Time £6.50 per day For infrequent Practice Time users, you can purchase Daily Practice Time from reception, valid on the day of purchase only. This will allow you the use of our training spaces and facilities including the Circus Space library for a full day. Regular users should consider purchasing a carnet to take full advantage of discounts on Practice Time rates.
Guest Daily Practice Time £10 per day Professional circus performers who have been approved for guest ACDC membership can train at Circus Space for up to 7 days. If you would like to train for a longer period you should apply for full ACDC membership.
Carnets
The carnet offers a value for money and flexible way of paying for your Practice Time and rewards our regular users with discounts on Practice Time rates. Carnets can only be used by the named member and are valid from the date of purchase for use within the non-extendable periods stated.
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15-Session Carnet £60 The 15-session carnet is valid on presentation at reception for entrance to Practice Time, the Circus Space library and PC and internet use for a total of 15 days at just £4 per day. The 15-session carnet is valid for an 7 month period from the date of purchase.
30-Session Carnet £100 The 30-session carnet is valid on presentation at reception for entrance to Practice Time, the Circus Space library and PC and internet use for a total of 30 days at just £3.33 per day. The 30-session carnet is valid for a 6 month period from the date of purchase.
45-Session Carnet £135 The 45-session carnet is valid on presentation at reception for entrance to Practice Time, the Circus Space library and PC and internet use for a total of 45 days at just £3.00 per day. The 45-session carnet is valid for a 5 month period from the date of purchase.
60-Session Carnet £160 For heavy Practice Time users the 60-session carnet offers exceptional value for money with discounts that give you 60 days of training at just £2.67 per day. Valid on presentation at reception for entrance to Practice Time, the Circus Space library and PC and internet, the 60-session carnet is valid for a 4 month period from the date of purchase.
Booking Bays & Equipment for Practice Time prices£5 per 30mins
ACDC members with specific training needs can make a booking to reserve a bay and/or piece of equipment for exclusive use during Practice Time, ensuring that your training time, space and equipment is secured in advance.Bookings are £5 incl. VAT per 30 minutes for a bay and/or equipment, except where a significant amount of space/preparation is needed where more may be charged.
Circus Space reserves the right to limit the number of bay, space and equipment bookings per person and to cancel with a minimum of 5 working days notice.
For bookings, please email Louise Dickson.Equipment Hire
For all enquiries regarding the hire or supply of equipment, other than equipment already available for Practice Time, please contact the rigging team by emailing rigging@thecircusspace.co.uk.
CLASSES | Top1:1 CLASSES
1:1 classes are available to ACDC members in a range of disciplines and taught by a range of highly skilled Circus Space approved teachers. If you would like to book a 1:1 class, please contact Louise Dickson for full details of disciplines and the availability of teachers. Classes may be booked up to two weeks in advance and payment must be made upon booking. Contact Louise Dickson or phone 020 7729 9522 x227.1:1 CLASS RATES
£15 per 30 minutes / £30 per hour.You must pay for your daily Practice Time membership separately, or present your carnet at reception on the day of your class. For 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1 classes, the cost of a 1:1 class can be divided amongst the participating artists; one artist should take responsibility for making the payment and must be able to inform reception of the full names of each person doing the class. Additional bay and/or equipment can be hired in accordance with the ACDC Practice Time rates stated above.
Cancellation Policy: Classes must be cancelled at least three week days prior to the day of the class. E.g. a class booked for Wednesday must be cancelled by the previous Friday. Payment for classes cancelled with less than three weekdays notice will not be refunded. In exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of Circus Space, a cancelled class may be rebooked and taken within 5 weekdays.
ACDC DANCE & MOVEMENT CLASSES
Dynamic Yoga with Susanne Lahusen
Tuesdays 11.15am – 12.45pm (Top Studio)
£45 per term / £9 drop in
Term Dates 2008: 23rd September - 28th October and 4th November - 9th December
Dynamic Yoga is taught by renowned teacher Susanne Lahusen and is Astanga-based with many variations added to Asanas and sequencing. Susanne has over 20 years of teaching experience in Yoga, Pilates, Anatomy, Alexander Technique, Gyrotonic® and other release-based approaches and the class will leave you feeling stronger and longer!Pilates Matwork with Sophie Oldfield
Thursdays 4pm – 5pm (Top Studio)
£40 per term / £8 drop in
Term Dates 2008: 25th September - 30th October and 6th November - 11th December
Sophie teaches an open level Pilates mat-work class, focusing on core strength, stability and postural alignment. The class also addresses muscular and physical imbalances related to circus-based work.
Sophie is a professionally trained dancer, aerialist and certified Pilates instructor. She has recently returned to the UK from touring with Cirque du Soleil.ACDC dance and movement classes are open to Circus Space members on any of the programme areas and visitors to Circus Space. Visitors will be required to fill in a form to become a Circus Space member. Membership is free. You must be 18 years or over and can make a block booking or drop-in payment. Payment must be made at Reception before the start of any class. For further enquires, please email Louise Dickson or call 020 7729 9522 x227.
DEVISING & REHEARSAL SPACE | Top
In addition to ACDC Practice Time, we also have hireable private studio space available, in particular our dedicated Creation Studio.
The Creation Studio occupies the core of the new Energy Centre and has been designed specifically with performers in mind. It provides an excellent resource for artists and companies making and rehearsing work.
In addition there are affordable workspaces available for lease. For further information, please click here.To make an enquiry about hiring the Creation Studio, Combustion Chamber, Generating Chamber or any of our studios, please contact Jane Castree on +44 (0)20 7729 9522 ext. 268 or email hires@thecircusspace.co.uk
PERFORMANCE | Top
Circus Space is expanding its programme of cabarets and performances to include showcases of new work, scratch performances and, in the long term, full-length productions. If you have an original piece of work that you would be interested in presenting at Circus Space, please contact Daisy Drury at daisy@thecircusspace.co.uk
INFORMATION | Top
CIRCUS SPACE LIBRARY
Within the Practice Time daily and carnet memberships, you may also use the Circus Space library with a selection of books, videos, DVDs and other resources available on a reference basis (Mon-Fri), desktop computers and the internet.ACDC E-NEWS
If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive the weekly ACDC E-Newsletter with information on professional development opportunities, jobs and performance opportunities and other circus related information, including regular updates on Practice Time availability, please email Louise Dickson.ACDC NOTICE BOARD
Located at Circus Space next to the entrance to the Generating Chamber & ground floor changing rooms, the ACDC notice-board advertises ACDC members’ up-coming shows, job opportunities with short deadlines, master-classes and professional development opportunities and any messages relating to Practice Time or membership.
If you would like to advertise on our notice board, please post literature to Louise Dickson at Circus Space, Coronet Street, London N1 6HD or email Louise Dickson.TEACHING | Top
If you would like to be considered for inclusion on the ACDC approved teacher’s list to teach 1:1 classes to ACDC members at Circus Space, please contact Louise Dickson.
CIRCUS SPACE STAFF BENEFITS | Top
• Permanent and fixed term administration staff are entitled to receive free Practice Time subject to (if appropriate) an Assessment of Competence (AOC) and induction.
• Teaching staff on permanent or fixed-term contracts who are contracted to work (and complete) 48 hours or more per 12-week term are entitled to receive free Practice Time subject to (if appropriate) an AOC and induction. This benefit is offered one term in arrears.
• Teaching staff on permanent or fixed-term contracts who are contracted to work (and complete) from 36 hours up to 48 hours per 12-week term are entitled to receive 50% off the standard Practice Time rates subject to (if appropriate) an AOC and induction. This benefit is offered one term in arrears.
• Guest teachers at Circus Space who are contracted to work for up to a maximum of three weeks only are entitled to receive free Practice Time for the duration of their contract, subject to (if appropriate) an AOC and induction. This benefit is offered during the duration of the Guest teacher’s tenure at Circus Space.
Guest teachers on a contract lasting more than three weeks (but for less than 36 hours during the course of a twelve week term) are entitled to 50% off the standard Practice Time rates subject to (if appropriate) an AOC and induction. This benefit is offered during the duration of the Guest teacher’s tenure at Circus Space.
All staff must log in at reception before the start of any ACDC training session and if applicable pay for Practice Time prior to the start of training.
For authorisation to practice, please contact Louise Dickson.