Held in Townsville, this two-day event brings together emerging and established performers from across Queensland and interstate to compete, connect and inspire. From aerial silks and lyra to acrobatics, balance, juggling and specialty acts, Raise the Roof showcases the incredible depth of talent within our circus community.

Raise the Roof was created to put North Queensland on the circus map — to create opportunity, encourage skill-sharing, and bring like-minded artists together in a region that has long deserved its moment in the spotlight.

Competition Categories

Performers can enter across 3 Categories

1. Aerial Arts i.e Silk, Lyria, Trapeze.
2. Acro (Balance/ Dance/ Batics)
3. Juggling (Juggling i.e Traditional, Contact, Yo-yo)

COMPETITOR AGREEMENT & ENTRY CONDITIONS

By entering Raise the Roof, I acknowledge and agree to the following: Entry Deadline: July 15th 2026
Competition Date: July 31 2026
Location: Townsville, North Queensland


Eligibility, Entry & Video Submission

I confirm that all information provided in my entry form is accurate and complete.
I agree to submit a short video audition snippet demonstrating my current skill level in the discipline entered to our email address. raisetheroof@circuparts.com.au.
The audition video does not need to be lengthy — a brief, clear sample of skills is sufficient.
I acknowledge that submission of the entry form does not secure my place until payment has been received.
Entry Fee

I acknowledge that a $25 entry fee will be invoiced upon submission.
I understand this fee is non-refundable, including in the event of withdrawal, schedule change, division change, or personal circumstances.

THE COMPETITORS

Raise the Roof is built around the performers.

Who Competes?

• Youth artists (8–18 years)
• Adult performers (18+)

Participants represent aerial arts, Juggling and Acro.
This is a showcase of skill, artistry, stagecraft, and technical excellence.

NATIONAL SHOWCASE FORMAT

Day One – Performance Showcase
• 3–5 minute solo or group acts
• Professionally judged
• Open public audience (FREE)

Day Two – National Development Day
• Masterclasses with interstate trainers
• Artist networking sessions
• Coach & studio roundtables
• Youth pathway discussions
• Industry conversations
This ensures performers gain not just stage time — but national connection and growth.

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Floor Space & Performance Area
• Minimum clear performance floor: 8m x 8m
• Non-sprung floor
• Entire performance area covered with blue tumble mat flooring
• Level, stable surface suitable for acro and ground-based circus work
• Height of aerial rig: 7m from ground to figure 8
• No loose apparatus without prior approval
• Acts must be self-contained within allocated space
• Maximum performance time: 5 minutes

Important Floor Notes
• The floor is not a sprung gymnastics floor
• Performers must rehearse accordingly
• High-impact tumbling must be within safe capability on a non-sprung surface
• No rosin, resin, or floor-altering substances permitted
Competitors are responsible for ensuring choreography suits a non-sprung, fully matted surface.

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

• Music must be submitted 7 days prior to performance
• Music must be in a format readable by a Windows PC (MP3 recommended)
• Music must not exceed 5 minutes
• All music and performance content must meet PG rating standards
• This is a family event

Failure to submit music by the deadline may result in disqualification.

PERFORMANCE FREEDOM & STRUCTURE

• There is no syllabus to conform to
• Competitors have full creative freedom
• You are encouraged to showcase your:
o Skill level
o Artistry
o Creativity
o Showmanship

Talking during your act is permitted if required for your performance.
No microphone will be provided for competitors.

COSTUMES & PRESENTATION

• Costumes are permitted and encouraged
• You may have private sponsors displayed on your costume
However:

• No audible sponsorship announcements are permitted on the day
• No private sponsor shout-outs during performance
• No verbal advertising from stage

This ensures fairness and maintains event integrity.
AERIAL RIGGING REQUIREMENTS

Safety is non-negotiable. - All aerial acts must comply with professional rigging standards.
General Rigging Specifications
• All apparatus must be professionally rated
• Minimum Working Load Limit (WLL) documentation may be requested
• Hardware must be industry standard (carabiners, swivels)
• No home-made or uncertified load-bearing components
• Dynamic drops must be declared in advance

CircUP Arts provides:
• Qualified advanced riggers
• Pre-event risk assessment
CircUP Arts reserves the right to:
Restrict unsafe skills / Refuse apparatus deemed non-compliant
AERIAL APPARATUS SUPPLY & LOADING CONDITIONS

Apparatus Provided by CircUP Arts (By Prior Arrangement)
CircUP Arts can supply:
• Aerial Hoop (Lyra) – single performer only
• Single-point Trapeze – single performer only
• Aerial Silks – available for duo acts
Single-Person Apparatus Restrictions

With the exception of all static rig setup, all over dynamic rigging points are for SINGLE PERSON USE ONLY
This means: • Lyra is single performer only
• Trapeze is single performer only
• No duo or shared loading on hoop
• No duo or shared loading on trapeze
• No multi-person loading on any single-point apparatus except static approved aerial silk point (Provided by us)

All Lyra and Trapeze acts must be choreographed and rehearsed for solo performance.
Duo Aerial Acts (Silks Only)

Duo aerial acts are permitted on static aerial silks only, under the following conditions:
• Competitors must use the CircUP Arts supplied silks
• Personal silks are not permitted
• Duo loading must be declared at time of entry
• All dynamic duo skills must be disclosed in advance
• Final approval remains at the discretion of the advance rigger

Under-Aerial Safety Requirements

For all competitors under 18 years of age:
• A crash mat must be used for any under-aerial work
• Crash mats will be supplied and positioned by CircUP Arts
• Mat removal is not permitted for under 18 competitors

For competitors aged 18 and over:
• Use of crash mats for under-aerial work is at competitor discretion
• CircUP Arts reserves the right to require mat use if deemed necessary

Additional Aerial Conditions

• Acts must be choreographed within approved rigging configurations
• No re-rigging or modification of supplied apparatus is permitted
• Equipment specifications may be requested at any time
• Safety determinations made by the rigger or event director are final

Failure to comply with aerial safety requirements may result in:
• Skill restriction
• Apparatus refusal
• Act modification
• Disqualification without refund

DO’S & DON’TS FOR PERFORMERS

DO:
• Train within your capability
• Submit accurate act descriptions
• Declare dynamic skills and drops
• Ensure all equipment is rated and maintained
• Submit music on time in required format
• Arrive early for technical checks
• Respect stage managers and rigging crew
• Present polished, rehearsed work
• Support fellow competitors

DON’T:
• Introduce undeclared high-risk skills
• Modify rigging without approval
• Use damaged or uncertified apparatus
• Perform beyond your physical readiness
• Use fire, pyrotechnics, or hazardous materials
• Display unsafe or inappropriate content
• Engage in unsportsmanlike behaviour
• Interfere with other competitors' equipment

PROHIBITED ELEMENTS

Strictly not permitted:
• Fire performance
• Open flames
• Pyrotechnics
• Flammable liquids
• Smoke or spark effects
• Hazardous or explosive materials

JUDGING CRITERIA

Acts are assessed on:
• Technical execution
• Strength & control
• Creativity
• Stage presence
• Choreography
• Musicality
• Costume & presentation
• Overall impact

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Raise the Roof operates under:
• WHS compliance (QLD)
• Event insurance coverage
• Structured risk assessments
• Child-safe organisational frameworks
• Qualified technical supervision

All competitors are covered under CircUP Arts’ event insurance for the duration of their participation.
Participation in circus carries inherent physical risk. Competitors accept responsibility for performing within their capability and will be required to sign a waiver before entering the competition.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Raise the Roof is more than a competition.

It is:
• A national meeting point
• A professional performance platform
• A development pathway
• A regional leadership statement
• A celebration of contemporary circus

FURTHER ENQUIRIES

For further enquiries regarding:
• Competition entry
• Apparatus approval
• Rigging specifications
• Floor suitability
• Safety requirements
• Music submission
• Showcase structure

Please do not hesitate to contact:
Ryan
📧 raisetheroof@circuparts.com.au
We look forward to welcoming you to Townsville for Australia’s National Circus Performing Arts Showcase.

Let’s Raise the Roof.