Are you a circus amateur? How about a professional?
Or maybe you’re just a closet circus-nerd.
For you’re pleasure I present the-
CIRCUS GUIDE TO MONTREAL
(***this information was last updated January 22nd 2017***)
Below you will find a guide to finding
Circus shows and events,
an array of open-training spaces,
and schools, rec. classes and programs.
* * *
Shows
If you are a circus fan wanting to see some incredible circus spectaculars look no farther than The Tohu.
The Tohu is a large 360 degree performance centre. They are always hosting original, unique or traditional circus shows from around-the-world. It seats 1200 people, and ticket prices always vary towards each show. They are open every day- even if there isn’t a show. They always have exhibitions to view, and a small bistro to enjoy a café.
Check out their website here to see their full season schedule.
http://tohu.ca/en/
Regular Events
L’impro Cirque
L’impro Cirque is a live circus battle, where two teams go head-to-head, battling their improvisational skills on stage.
Cost: $15 youth-adult $25 adults Location: Tohu When: April
Cirquantique Variety Show
Cirque Antique holds a monthly variety show for artists who want an opportunity to showcase their acts in front of a public. (normally you can find local artisanal vendors at the event)
Cost: $7 Location: Bain Mathieu When: Monthly
L’École Nationale de Cirque Year-End Show
The National Circus School of Montreal holds a show at the end of the school-year to display the skills and personal growth of the student participants.
Cost: Location: The Tohu When: May-June
Cirquazerna
La Caserne 18-30’s open-training participants put on a show to exhibit the many things they train day-in and day-out.
Cost: $20-$30 Location: See site for details When: May
Other Circus Companies to keep up-to-date with
Cirque Du Soleil
The magnificent Cirque Du Soleil commonly holds shows in Montreal, however it is not always certain when they will stop-by. Check their Montreal website here to keep updated
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/canada/montreal/shows
Cirque Eloize
Montreal-born Cirque Eloize creates magnificent shows. Check out their show schedule here to see when they will be performing in Montreal next.
http://www.cirque-eloize.com/en/shows-tickets/
Les 7 doigts de la main (7 fingers)
Another Montreal-born company creates unique contemporary circus shows. Their schedule can be found here
http://7fingers.com/spectacles
Places to Train + Classes (Amateur + Pro)
Caserne 18-30
This is probably the most-popular open training spot in Montreal for both amateurs and professionals. They also offer classes for all levels.
Open Training: Monday-Friday
Block 1: 9:00-15:00
Block 2: 14:00-18:00
Prices:
Session fee: $70
Monthly rate: $40
Weekly rate: $25
Daily rate: $10
If you are interested in taking evening courses check out their schedule here
http://www.caserne1830.ca/cours-de-soir.html
L’École de Cirque de Verdun
Is a smaller school that offers courses for all ages and levels
You can find the recreational courses offered here
http://www.e-cirqueverdun.com/programme/
Prepatory+Pre-Prepatory Programs
These programs are offered to prepare those looking to audition for a national school and wish to gain a solid foundation. The Pre-Prep Program is for people aged 8-14, and The Prep Program is aimed towards ages 14-23. More information can be found here
http://www.e-cirqueverdun.com/formation-pre-professionnelle/programme-preparatoire-volet-jeunes-8-a-14-ans/
CirQus/Paragym
Circus and acrobats aimed towards amateurs and adults looking for a fun way to exercise. They also offer children’s courses.
Open training prices:
1 practice: $13.05
6 practices: $75
24 practices: $240
1 month unlimited: $80.00
3 months unlimited: $68/month or $204
12 months unlimited: $60/month or $720
See their schedule here
http://www.paragym.com/schedule-2/
L’École Nationale de Cirque
One of the most renowned circus schools in the world, L’École Nationale de Cirque offers a variety of classes, workshops and programs.
Recreational activities for all ages
http://ecolenationaledecirque.ca/en/programs/recreational-activities
Teacher Training Program
This program offers three specialized programs: Assistant Instructor in Circus Arts, Instructor in Circus Arts and Trainer in Circus Arts.
http://ecolenationaledecirque.ca/en/programs/teacher-training
Prepatory Program (ages 9-13)
Aimed to prepare young people with a solid base to continue into the Highschool and Circus studies program
http://ecolenationaledecirque.ca/en/programs/preparatory-program
Circus and High School Studies
Allows students to pursue the professional training for their circus careers while continuing school. Program leads to a high-school diploma. (Classes are in French)
http://ecolenationaledecirque.ca/en/programs/circus-and-high-school-studies
Higher Education
Is offered for students who have finished highschool. It is aimed towards producing professional circus artists. Two (3year) programs are offered: The Diploma of Collegial Studies in circus arts (DEC) (For Canadian or French students) or The Diploma of National Circus School Studies (DEE) (For Foreign students)
http://ecolenationaledecirque.ca/en/programs/higher-education-dec-dee
Festivals + Events where you can find circus
Completement Cirque
This is a festival dedicated just to circus! 10 days of circus shows, exhibits and fun.
Price
15 and under: Starting at $15
25 and under: Starting at $25
When: July Where: All over Montreal, inside and out!
Check out their website here
https://montrealcompletementcirque.com/en/program/
Just for Laughs festival
You can commonly find circus street shows as you walk around the Places-Des-Arts.
When: July Where: Places-Des-Arts
Check out their website here
http://www.hahaha.com/en/
Montreal Jazz Festival
Another favorite for street performers. You can find stilt-walkers and clowns at day, and fire-spinners at night!
When: June/July Where: Places-Des-Arts
Check out their website here
http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx
Tam-Tams
My personal favorite when I want to zone out on some guy juggling 7 balls or a girl crossing from tree-to-tree on a slackline. Tam-Tams is a huge gathering in the park that happens every Sunday (when it’s not cold outside. spring/summer). In the forest part of the park you can find a gathering of acro-yogis, circus-ees, slackliners, acrobats, and artists.
* * * * *
These are just some examples of places where you can find the circus-folk flipping around. But anytime there is a large crowd, keep your eyes peeled because surely you can find an acrobat, a hand-balancer, or a cyr-wheelist around somewhere.
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