Auditions
How to apply
The first two UK GUITAR CIRCUS ensembles are launching in January 2010 in London and Birmingham, with a third branch in Manchester planned for later on in the year.
Applications for GUITAR CIRCUS London are now closed, the next set of auditions for our 2011 season will take place in Autumn 2010. Details will be released in due course. You can sign up to our free GUITAR CIRCUS newsletter here on the website to keep up to date with all our announcements.
GUITAR CIRCUS Birmingham is operating a rolling audition scheme during Spring 2010. If you are interested in auditioning to join this branch, please complete an on-line application form as soon as possible or contact the office for further details.
We plan to launch GUITAR CIRCUS Manchester later on this year. To register your interest in this branch please contact us with your details.
Am I eligible?
We welcome applications from guitarists aged between 12-19 years on 1st September 2009 who have reached a standard of Grade 5 or above. Successful applicants will be offered a place in the ensemble, which will rehearse on the second Sunday every month during term time. Before submitting your application please read carefully our conditions and fees page, especially regarding your commitment to the rehearsal schedule.
What do I do next?
An on-line application form is available on this website. To confirm your audition place a £12 fee is required – cheques should be made payable to The Arts Circus, and sent to the administrator at GUITAR CIRCUS, 17 Hyde Abbey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7DA. You can also register your interest in auditioning and keep up to date with all announcements by signing up to our newsletter.
What happens at the audition?
Nobody likes auditions, but we aim to make the process as painless as possible. Some of it might even be enjoyable! There will be two elements to your audition:
- a performance of a short solo piece of Grade 5 standard or above in front of the panel. This will give us a general overview of your technical and musical ability.
- A 2 hour trial coaching session as part of an ensemble with the other applicants. This is partly designed to test your sight-reading ability, but more importantly it is aimed at establishing how quickly you can familiarise yourself with your part, how you respond to musical direction, and how you integrate into the ensemble.
The panel will consist of the relevant musical director (Gary Ryan: London, Mark Ashford: Birmingham, Craig Ogden: Manchester) and the Executive Director of The Arts Circus: Helen Sanderson.
How long will it take?
- Applicants given a solo audition in the morning session will be required to arrive 30 minutes before their audition and remain until the end of the ensemble coaching trial at 2.30 p.m.
- Applicants given a solo audition in the afternoon session will be required to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the ensemble trial at 11.15 a.m. and will be able to leave immediately after their solo audition.
All applicants will be asked to bring a packed lunch.
Where do the auditions take place?
Venues and dates for the next round of auditions in Autumn 2010 will be confirmed in due course. Applicants wanting to audition for Birmingham in Spring 2010 will be advised of their audition date once their application form is received.
What happens if I am accepted?
After the audition we will write to you with the outcome and give you some written feedback on your audition. Successful applicants will be offered a place in the GUITAR CIRCUS ensemble which is subject to an annual review. Term time monthly rehearsals will take place from approx. 10.30 am – 4.30 pm on the second Sunday of each month.
Annual membership of GUITAR CIRCUS costs £240 which can be paid in termly installments of £80 per term or with Direct Debit (£20 per month). Revised amounts will be applicable to members joining later on during the Spring term.
A limited number of Guitar Circus bursaries are available to assist ensemble members who are unable to meet the cost of membership. If you require further details, please indicate this on the on-line application form. Please read all the conditions and fees info.
