TOP FAQ #1 
What do you learn in the courses?
Across the years of study, students will be taught circus and acrobatic foundations and their choice of specialty apparatus as well as theory components, group performance and technical production studies.

All NICA students have access to extracurricular activities and opportunities such as lunch-time Artist in Conversation sessions, and special ticket offers to performances around Melbourne.

As a NICA student, you will develop expertise in various apparatus and specialties. Here are some of the disciplines you might master:

• Aerial Arts: Aerial straps, aerial hoop, aerial silks, lollipop lyra, tippy lyra, swinging trapeze, corde lisse, cloud swing.
• Balance and Strength: Roue cyr, hand balancing, chair balancing, rola bola, teeterboard, tightwire.
• Juggling and Manipulation: Traditional juggling, diabolo, hula hoop, foot juggling, cigar box, manipulation, staff twirling, poi.
• Acrobatics: Solo and group acrobatics, hoop diving, trampoline, skipping rope.
• Unique Acts: Chinese pole, clowning, contortion, whip cracking, unicycle.

Bachelor of Circus Arts: Master two specialty skills.  Certificate IV in Circus Arts: Hone one specialty apparatus.  

Your training at NICA is not just about physical skills. You will engage in a holistic educational experience that includes:

• Theatre, Dance, and Movement: Courses that enhance your performance abilities and stage presence.
• Conditioning: Regular physical conditioning to build strength, flexibility, and endurance.
• Special Workshops: Opportunities to learn from visiting artists and industry professionals.
• Performance Assessments: Regular evaluations to track your progress and refine your skills.
  
  

TOP FAQ #2 
About student life at NICA

SUPPORT SERVICES
NICA students have access to a full medical team of Physiotherapists and Sports Doctors, who monitor and support students throughout the course of their training. Academic aid is available through Swinburne University of Technology, along with all the same support services that are offered to Swinburne students. NICA’s training crew are all former or current performing artists with a wealth of personal experience. They are highly knowledgeable and well connected to the local, national and international performing arts industry. Staff regularly update their certificates and teach with strict safety practices.

MOVING TO MELBOURNE
Each year, we see many students relocate to Melbourne to commence their studies at NICA. Some move from interstate, overseas, or regional Victoria. We have support services in place to ensure the transition to training is smooth and comfortable, and students can be assured that they are not alone in the experience.

Once meeting their cohort and finding their groove, students often find housing and move in together. Many acquire teaching, café, or bar jobs in their after-training hours.
NICA is located at 39-59 Green Street (Corner Green & Thomas Street Prahran VIC 3181). The building is easily accessed by Public Transport, with multiple points of entry via train and tram. The roads around NICA have limited street parking bays of up to three hours, and there are 24-hour carparks nearby. Students residing close to NICA often opt to bike ride or walk.

OUR BUILDING
NICA inhabits a state-of-the-art training space designed to facilitate extraordinary physical practise and the exploration of creative ideas. Our home is equipped with the following amenities:
» Two state of the art, purpose-built training spaces
» A multi-purpose movement studio, and a drama room
» A common area for studying or relaxing
» Apparatus and equipment
» Costume storage rooms
» Front desk reception
» On-site security
» Two bathrooms areas
» Changerooms
» Performance dressing rooms
» Courtyard
» Kitchenette for storing, refrigerating, and re-heating food
» Gyms equippment for training, recovery, and rehabilitation
» Filtered water stations
» Ice machines
» Storage cubes

ABOUT THE AREA (Prahran, Melbourne)
NICA is conveniently located off Chapel Street which is home to grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, public transport services and taxi ranks, general supply stores, chemists, medical centres, emergency services, and many other necessities.

TOP FAQ #3 
Student fees

Certificate IV: In 2024, the full fee of Certificate IV was $15,760 AUD.

Bachelor degree: In 2024, the yearly fee of Bachelor degree was $17,000 AUD.

The fees listed above are indicative of the cost of study in 2024 and should be treated as an estimate only. Fees are subject to change for units studied in future years.

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Searching for other answers?  We have more FAQs here.

Want to talk to a human? 
Reach out to our friendly auditions team at auditions@nica.com.au 

Photography by Rob Blackburn

Published 08 August 2024