The Performing Lines residency model has been successfully running since 2012.  In 2025 the residency will occur ‘off grid’ in Rubicon in central Victoria from Friday 11th April to Sunday 13th April.  

It will be led by founder Annette Downs (Creative Australia Award for Theatre 2024, Senior Producer Performing Lines, former Artistic Director Terrapin) and Natano Fa’anana (Executive Producer Moogahlin Performing Arts, Co-Director Casus Creations, Co-Founder Briefs Factory International). They will be joined by leading Australian artists with a background in circus and physical theatre who will take on the role of mentors. (Mentors to be announced in January 2025).

The residency is fast-paced and focusses on ideation and concept development. The aim is to come away with solid ideas, networks and pathways for further development and presentation. Please note, there will not be a circus apparatus available. However, the program will be tailored to circus and physical theatre artists – we promise there will be opportunity for movement and that you will not be sitting still for too long! 

SCHEDULE 

On the morning of Friday 11th of April, all artists will meet in Naarm and travel together via bus to Rubicon. On the evening of Sunday 13th April, artists will be driven back from Rubicon to Naarm. It is a two-hour drive.  

While we understand that many circus artists create work as an ensemble or collective, the Performing Lines residency model is designed in a way so that one person attends the residency, workshops the idea in this environment, and then takes it back to their ensemble/ collective to further develop.  

We recognise there may be circumstances where this is not the most ideal process, so we have made a limited number of group slots available for collaborators (maximum 2 per group). If applying with a collaborator, the application allows you to describe the nature of the collaboration and why it is important. Please ensure that you articulate why it is imperative to attend with your collaborator. 

The application is simple (no budget) and asks you to provide 400 words about your idea and a few other short questions. It will take approx. 30 minutes to complete.  
 
Applications will be reviewed by a curatorial panel who will consider the experience of the artist, the quality of the idea and a range of other considerations including the diversity of artists’ backgrounds and practice. 

To apply or view the application form:

APPLY HERE

KEY DATES 

Deadline for applications is Friday 31 January, 5pm.
Applicants will be notified by Friday 14 February, 5pm.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Samantha Butterworth at Performing Lines to discuss samantha@performinglines.org.au