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Circus and Performance Art

Circus and Performance Art

Your future

Our education enables you to start a professional career in various fields of contemporary circus and in other performing arts.

Start your career

You will work in the field of circus, a large professional field that has evolved considerably, and that nowadays embraces various structures: circus, variety shows, street performances, site-specific work, circus theatre, visual theatre, amusement parks, events and more. 

Two student from the HBO programme Circus and Performance Art performs with aerial ropes

What work can you do

We see our graduates work in a various working field. This is what we see most:

Work in high-profile shows around the world. They may specialize in various disciplines such as acrobatics, aerial arts, juggling. Performers work under the direction of circus directors or choreographers, showcasing their skills in a variety of venues, from traditional circuses to contemporary productions.

As circus creators, graduates can develop innovative and captivating circus acts and shows. This role involves: conceptualizing performances, choreographing routines and bringing creative visions to life on stage. Circus creators may work independently or collaborate with established circus companies to produce unique and engaging spectacles.

Graduates can pursue careers in circus rigging, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of circus equipment. Their responsibilities include: Setting up aerial apparatus and rigging systems, inspecting and maintaining specialized circus equipment and collaborating with performers and directors to implement technical aspects of performances.

Many graduates find fulfilling careers as circus educators, sharing their knowledge and skills with aspiring performers and enthusiasts. This path may include: instructing at circus schools, running workshops for various skill levels and developing educational programs to introduce circus arts to different age groups.

Fontys Circus graduates can find diverse opportunities within the broader cultural sector. These roles may include: arts administration, event management and cultural programming for theaters, festivals, or community organizations. In these positions, graduates can incorporate their circus arts expertise into various cultural contexts, contributing to the promotion and integration of circus arts in different settings.

Follow a master's degree after your bachelor study programme

Are you eager to learn more? Do you want more depth in your profession? Then the master Performing Public Space is a good fit. The international Master Performing Public Space (PPS) is designed for artists from a variety of art disciplines, who currently focus on public space as their artistic environment.

Student experiences

Circus was for me a way to approach my working life using my body, I then discovered that it could be way more!

Cecilia

Alumnus

I started circus when I was 16. When I approached it the first time I was not aware of how many working possibilities this field could open up. I started it with the aim of becoming a performer/interpreter and came out of the 4 years of studies as a creator and technician/rigger as well.

During the studies, I developed technical skills on my circus apparatus, I learned how to approach artistic creation and additionally I developed rigging competences focusing my minor on rigging, both by getting the certification and practicing during festivals with internships. I’m self employed in the art scene covering different roles: I’m a performer, interpreting roles in different productions as a straps artist, I’m a rigger and light/sound technician for circus/theater productions, fairs and concerts and I’m also a creator developing different kind of art forms, from performances to installations involving in them my technical skills and my artistic researches.

If I think about circus, I see a group of people creating, working and living together. I see circus as a family where everyone has a main competence but still supports the main goal, while always growing . I believe this concept can be translated to different art fields, since as a recent graduate I found myself creating as much as taking care of other various aspects such as productions, marketing, technical competences,... all of these kinds of knowledges nourish my person and my art.

March 2026

Admission timeline

Wondering what's to come after applying for this programme? Go over the entire admission process.

Circus and Performance Art

Admission timeline

Wondering what's to come after applying for this programme? Check out the entire admission process.

  • Start your orientation

    Have you attended a study orientation event already?

    Take a look at our orientation events
  • Register

    Register for the course via Studielink

    Studielink
  • Admissions assessment

    For this course, you will first complete an assessment. More information can be found under Requirements & application.

    Studielink
    Please note: You can only be admitted once you have successfully completed this.
  • Complete your payment

    The tuition fees indicator helps you to determine the tuition rate for your situation.

    Everything about finances
  • Arrange student housing

    Fontys can offer housing for a limited number of international students. Fill in the housing application form before the deadline (June 15).

    More info about housing
  • End of August

    Get to know Fontys and your fellow students during Purple Introduction week.

    Take a look at your introduction programme
  • 1 September 2025

    Start study programme

Study choice events

You can sign up for online and live events throughout the academic year.

Open Day

Wondering if this programme is right for you? Visit our Open Day and find out! Meet students and teachers, learn more about the programme through presentations and take a walk around the campus. Check the full programme and register today!

Open Day

October 25, 2025

Do you have a question?

We are happy to help.

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