DNSP CIRCUS ARTIST

The national diploma in professional circus arts certifies the acquisition of a professional qualification for working in the field of circus arts, whether as a performer or creator/director. It is a level II / European level 6 diploma, registered in the national register of professional certifications (RNCP). Integrated into the European scheme of higher education, it is obtained in conjunction with a university diploma or degree. As part of this double course, the Esacto’Lido has set up a partnership with Jean Jaurès University in Toulouse to award a diploma in the “performing arts – specializing in communication and interpretation in circus arts.“
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COURSE PRESENTATION

There are 3 years of study, the academic year is from September to June. These 3 years of higher education allow students to explore creative gesture, perfect their specialty and acquire the keys to becoming a professional circus artist.

The DNSP-AC curriculum forms a broad exploration through multiple stages of training :

FIRST YEAR  

  • integration of an innovative working methodology promoting a shared language that promotes a philosophy of respect for the person
  • acquisition of multidisciplinary skills : in addition to an individual specialty, each student must perfect various artistic disciplines: dance, theatre, singing, music, acrobatics and writing 
  • develop a creative awareness: students are encouraged to develop this through research work and regular public performances

SECOND YEAR

  • develop a personal circus writing : each student researches, defines and explores an individual approach to artistic creation.
  • defend an artistic signature : students participate in several public shows and collective performances

 THIRD YEAR

  • acquire knowledge of the professional environment : students meet professional networks and experiment with administrative, technical and communication tools
  • develop an individual artistic language
  • apply all the acquired skills and experiences into a professional context
OBJECTIVES

Objectives as defined by the professional and official certification framework.

I – Working as a circus artist

A – contribute to the implementation of a show or a circus performance

B – perform in the circus number or show

C – preserve individual physical integrity and that of others, ensure the safety of the workplace and equipment

 

II – Sustain and develop artistic creativity and skills as an interpreter

A – 1 – develop and enrich the techniques and vocabulary relating to the discipline

   – 2 – develop the fundamental technical and artistic components of the discipline

B – maintain and develop physical capacities

C – broaden knowledge of circus culture and other arts

D – develop autonomy and adaptability

 

III – Valuing your skills and building your professional career

A- know how to position yourself professionally

B – maintain knowledge of the socio-professional and technical environment related to the  profession

C – develop and expand professional relationships

D – if necessary, participation in the promotion of  work

LESSONS

The teaching team distinguishes between contributions, artistic exploration and support.

THE CONTRIBUTIONS refer to teaching related to the body, specialties, artistic creativity and to university courses.

  • specialty courses and internships
  • intake course
  • theory class
  • French learning support
  • FLE courses for non-French speaking first year students

ARTISTIC EXPLORATION refers to times dedicated to research and artistic awareness.

  • circus-related expression classes
  • artistic research course
  • Group creation time
  • artistic workshops

ACCOMPANIMENTS correspond to personalized working time devoted to the artistic development of students, considered in their social and personal dimensions.

  • implementation of a tour
  • individual interviews
  • evaluations
  • feedback from public presentations and research
  • integration tutoring

Time for presentations and meetings complete this training system :

  • Public presentations : participation in circus trials and large-scale artistic events such as  (CIRCa festival, Occitanie Fait Son Cirque En Avignon festival, tours abroad and in the Occitanie region, etc.) give students the opportunity to experience public performances and the professional world.
  • Openness and meetings : the training offered is based on the principle of openness and meetings with professionals working not only in the circus but other cultural fields. These opportunities offer professional immersion, European mobility, artistic discovery, cultural visits, meeting with other students and participating in conferences.
SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Each training semester is based around a succession of thematic weeks allowing students to evolve in a well-balanced annual rhythm. This organization aims at pacing the acquisition of skills and technical development over a set period . In this way there are 5 successive  thematic weeks throughout the year: mixed, specialty, circus and artistic essays in addition to options.

MIXED WEEK
Week composed of input courses and artistic exploration (specialty courses, theatre, dance, theoretical courses, research, etc.).

OPTIONS WEEK
Week allocating time for options (show management, security, writing, music, “more body”, transmission and public meeting). The student chooses 1 main option per year which is equivalent to 20 hours. Possibility of increasing time of chosen option in agreement with the head teacher.

SPECIALTY WEEK
Week dedicated to the student’s specialty with external speakers.

CIRCUS TESTS WEEK
Week devoted to research for the circus trials with the bias of leaving only 1 specialty course on Friday. Theatre and research classes continue.

ARTISTIC WEEK
Artistic internship week, no other classes take place except those programmed at the university.

 

Consult the annual schedule

THEORY LESSONS

The validation of the DNSP-AC is based on a double curriculum with the circus school and university. The performing arts course given at the university is composed of several teaching units including :  communication and circus interpretation.

  • UE 101 – 201 – 301 – 401 : knowledge of heritage, history of dance and circus
  • UE 202 – 402 : show analysis (a selection of shows to be seen as defined at the start of the year)
  • UE 107 : methodology
  • U3 307 – 407 : computer science education
  • lectures on the history of dance and seminars on the history of dance / jazz are also mandatory to validate the exams

The main objective of the theory lessons is to acquire a knowledgeable understanding of circus research and to learn how to write proposals and show reviews in the view of making grant and funding applications.

Find out more about the diploma in performing arts and communication at Jean-Jaurès University in Toulouse.

EVALUATIONS

As there is a double curriculum there are two different assessments organized by the university and the Esacto’Lido corresponding to the two different programmes.

UNIVERSITY EVALUATION PROCEDURES
The general principles of course assessment at Jean Jaurès University in Toulouse are governed by the curriculum testing charter adopted by the Commission de la Formation de la Vie Universitaire (CFVU). For DNSP-AC students, depending on the teaching units, there are either written or oral assessments or written course project work. These continuous assessments are based on compulsory attendance. 

THE ESACTO’LIDO EVALUATION PROCEDURES
The school’s pedagogy, based on the principles of new education, advocates the concepts of autonomy, exchanges and team work. These principles are reflected in the assessment procedures where the student’s personal assessment is considered  equally to that of the teachers.
The school  does not have a classic method of evaluation and features a marking system based on four areas of progression.

EDUCATION AND STUDENT LIFE

STUDY REGULATIONS
Study Regulations establish the essential rules for life at the Esacto’Lido. Enrollment at the school automatically implies full acceptance of these regulations by the student.

UNIVERSITY REGISTRATION

Students enrolled at Esacto’Lido must enroll at Jean Jaurès University in Toulouse.

Tuition is free, only fees related to the university course are requested: contribution to student life (CVE: 92 € in 2020) and registration fees (170 € for the year 2020-2021). It is essential to complete the CVE in order to be able to enroll at the university.

Scholarship holders or beneficiaries of an annual allowance grant are exempt from the contribution to student life.

Moving to and living in Toulouse is the student’s responsibility. The school does not provide accommodation or food.

VISA APPLICATION

Visa applications for foreign students must be made upon validation of admission. Foreign students must apply for their visa on the France-visas site (a long-stay visa equivalent to a student residence permit (VLS-TS)).

VLS-TS validation: within 3 months of your arrival in France, you must validate your VLS-TS and pay a tax in addition to the visa fee. The online process allows you to be a regular resident and to be able to cross the border into the Schengen area. 

STUDENT SUPPORT

CROUS aid

– grants based on social criteria: awarded according to your family situation and income

– ad hoc assistance: assistance for students who temporarily encounter serious difficulties (assistance awarded by a commission on file)

– an annual allowance for students who encounter on going difficulties: this aid is reserved for students who are not eligible for grants based on social criteria. Financial aid can be allocated to students in a situation of proven independence (not benefitting from parental support), in the event of family rupture or in the event of resumption of studies. The specific annual aid cannot be combined with a grant based on social criteria.

For more information on CROUS aid: www.crous-toulouse.fr

Housing assistance

To help you pay your rent and your expenses you can benefit from housing assistance. To determine if you are eligible, you can simulate an application for housing assistance on the site www.caf.fr

Other aid

University social services can also assist you in obtaining various aid:

– free travel pass

– food aid

– financial assistance for a driving license

– biannual loan of a computer (request to be made to the IT System Department (DSI): dpo@univ-tlse2.fr or on site, Presidency Building (entrance opposite the MDS2 amphitheater)

 

SUPPORT WITHIN THE SCHOOL

Administrative Support

Throughout the year students benefit from support with administrative procedures related to student life. A reference person (pedagogical secretary) within the school is available for help concerning: Caf, social security, regularization of the situation, medical appointments, etc. This support has been put into place to enable students to continue their studies without having to face  difficult administrative procedures.

Educational support

As well as administrative support, educational support is offered to students to during their time at university. In addition to the support courses given by Ghyslaine Belmonte, Karine Saroh is available  for students who require help on issues related to  teaching organization and exams (use of the ENT, contact with teachers and researchers, spectators, follow-up to conferences, etc.).

Medical service

The department of sports medicine at Purpan University Hospital (Toulouse) carries out medical visits at the beginning of every school year. A talk on the importance of nutrition is also programmed annually.

A medical service within the school is also available to students. Every two weeks, a specialist sports doctor is available by appointment. If required, medical treatment can be administered or a referral to another specialist can be requested.

Commitment against discrimination

The Ésacto’Lido is committed to developing common lines of thought for employees and students regarding issues of discrimination and all forms of harassment. The aim is to provide the school with a mechanism to prevent inequalities in order to :

– prevent discrimination by identifying and monitoring everyday practices that could lead to a breach of respect and equality that everyone deserves.

– set up a neutral space for the identification and expression of these problems

– develop a space for dialogue and consultation

– identification of criminal behavior and organize its sanction

CONTACTS

Crous de Toulouse-Occitanie
58 rue du Taur – Toulouse
crous-assist-social@ac-toulouse.fr
0 806 800 131 de 9h30 à 15h30 (prix d’un appel local) ou 05 61 12 54 52

CAF de Haute Garonne
24 Rue Riquet –  Toulouse
3939 ou 0810 25 31 10 (0,06€/min + prix d’un appel local)

Welcome Desk
41 Allées Jules Guesde – Toulouse
welcomedesk@univ-toulouse.fr

SELECTIONS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Qualifications : level 4 baccalaureate or equivalent DAEU (diploma for access to university studies)
  • Age : 19 to 26 years old (25 years old on 12/31/2020)
  • good level in specialty
  • French (spoken and written) is essential in order to follow university courses

Special cases : if you do not have a level 4 diploma, you must provide the last obtained diploma with confirmation of grades, teacher’s references supporting your application in addition to professional certificates confirming experience (internships, employment contracts, etc.)

STEP 1
For annual applications an online form (application page) is available from December to February.

STEP 2
Successful candidates are invited to a 1 day interview in May. This day is organized around 4 themes : the dynamic body (flexibility, tone and acrobatic ability), the body in motion (dance), the scenic body (theatre), circus technique (presentation demonstrating the individual level of artistic research).

STEP 3
At the end of this day, around 25 candidates are invited to a 4 day internship in May. During this internship, they participate in collective and individual research-oriented workshops as well as expression and dance workshops. A written assessment takes place at the start of the internship in order to evaluate the level of French.
At the end of this 4 day workshop, 12 candidates are selected to join the DNSP-AC course.