Women's Circus Annual Report 2022

Acknowledgement of Country

At Women’s Circus we are privileged to meet, train and create on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, communities and culture. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Marginalised Gender Statement

Women’s Circus welcomes anyone to our organisation who belongs to a marginalised gender. This means we welcome members and staff to our organisation who are:

• cisgender or transgender women,

• transgender men,

• non-binary people,

• gender diverse people,

• intersex people,

• and anyone who is questioning their gender.

Women’s Circus understands there is no such thing as ‘proof’ of gender.

We will not tolerate questioning of someone else’s gender.

Women’s Circus values each member’s development, both creatively and personally, and recognises that self-identity may change over time.

As such, once members have taken out membership, they will continue to be able to access the services and support of Women’s Circus, irrespective of their gender.

“As a long-time feminist and women’s space practitioner/ educator/researcher I’m heartened to see Women’s Circus so fully embrace my young trans kid. There is nothing lost by including trans and gender diverse folks into traditionally cis-women spaces; rather our whole, beautiful, individual and collective lives are nourished and enriched.”

– Emma, parent

Ceo and Chair Welcome

Welcome to the Women’s Circus Annual Report for 2022. It is our pleasure to share with you our achievements and challenges over the past year, and to provide an insight into the future direction of our organisation.

2022 has been a significant year for Women’s Circus. We returned to our beloved Drill Hall home after the COVID-19 lockdowns, allowing us to continue delivering our programs and productions in a space that is truly unique and special to us. We are delighted to report that we have been able to provide a safe and welcoming space for our participants, staff, and audiences, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.

As you may be aware, we said farewell to our Co-CEOs, Devon Taylor and Meghan Bourke, who had been instrumental in leading the organisation over the past few years. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to Women’s Circus and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Steph is honoured to have joined Women’s Circus as the new CEO, and is thrilled to be working with such a passionate and dedicated team. This year, we have achieved many exciting milestones, including the premiere of Momentum, the first work from our Inclusive Ensemble, and the return of our annual member End Of Year Cabaret. These events are a testament to the creativity, skill, and commitment of our artists, staff, and members.

In this report, you will find detailed information about our programs, performances, and achievements. We invite you to read through the report and learn more about the impact that Women’s Circus has had on the lives of our participants and the wider community.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our funders, partners, board and supporters for their continued support of Women’s Circus. Your contributions have enabled us to continue our work and achieve our goals, even in the face of significant challenges.

We look forward to working with you all as we continue to empower and inspire people from a marginalised gender through circus.

“Momentum is a huge achievement for me personally. I was able to create and strengthen my relationships with a diverse, multi-talented group of artists. Performing in such a public place was incredible as it really pushed my own perceptions as an artist to the point I felt proud to be taking up space.”

– Dr Melinda Smith OAM, Inclusive Ensemble member

Inclusive Ensemble

Women’s Circus has embedded access and inclusion deeply within our organisational fabric. Building on years of programs with d/Deaf and Disabled artists, 2020 saw the creation of an Inclusive Ensemble. The ensemble’s creative enquiry is grounded in the principles of aesthetic access and collaborative models of art making exemplified by Weave Movement Theatre, Back to Back, Rawcus, and the UK’s renowned Extraordinary Bodies.

Our ensemble members embody many identities, perspectives, and experiences including mothers, Disabled, d/Deaf, aging, early career, queer, gender diverse, and firstgeneration Australians. This makes both the ensemble itself and the work they create so artistically and culturally rich.

In late 2019, Women’s Circus secured a public realm commission with Arts Centre Melbourne, jointly funded by Metro Tunnel Projects, to develop a new circus work, Momentum. Momentum premiered in 2022 as part of the inaugural Alter State Festival, a new disability-led arts festival, and artfully activated the public spaces of Arts Centre Melbourne.

The Ensemble

• Anso Swann Biguet (They/Them)

• roya the destroya (She/Her)

• Jo Dunbar (She/Her)

• Emma J Hawkins (She/Her)

• Vivienne Halat (She/Her)

• Tarn Scully (She/They)

• Dr Melinda Smith OAM (She/Her)

• Franca Stadler(She/Her)

• Creatrix Tiara (They/Them)

“Working on Momentum with Women’s Circus allowed me the space to be my authentic self while providing the opportunity to perform new things in new spaces. I felt accepted, heard and appreciated from day 1.”

– roya the destroya, Inclusive Ensemble member

Momentum

A Public Realm Performance commission with Arts Centre Melbourne and Metro Tunnel.

Momentum is an expansive site-specific work that invites the audience to take a journey, experiencing moments of connectedness, change and possibility. Created and performed by the Women’s Circus Inclusive Ensemble, with sound design by Sharyn Brand and production design by Jac Antcliff, Momentum saw performers running off the iconic Hamer Hall, hanging from walkways and performing along the beautiful Yarra River. Accessibility is at the heart of this work resulting in a transformative experience for artists and audiences alike.

Momentum was a tremendous success. The season sold out a month prior to opening, and the work received two 2023 Green Room Award nominations in the Contemporary and Experimental category for “Outstanding Work” and “Performance by an Ensemble or Performer”. Despite the impacts of the Melbourne weather limiting performances, the success of the show was hugely positive and impactful.

Performed 15 – 17 September 2022

Forecourt, Arts Centre Melbourne

Audiences Access Services Provided: Auslan Interpretation, Audio Described, Sound Vibration Packs, Audience Accessibility Notes, Access Ushers.

Audience (two cancelled shows due to weather) Paid Artists & Creatives

“Momentum delighted audiences and bystanders alike. The show proves another triumph for the community-based ensemble at Women’s Circus.”

– Cameron Woodhouse, The Age

Flying Shot

Exploring the exciting possibilities of footy and circus colliding

In late 2021, Women’s Circus adopted a new producing model for the creative project Flying Shot which was co-produced with Antonella Cassella and designed for touring.

Under the direction of Susie Dee and writer Melissa Reeves, members and trainers joined a team of world-renowned circus and theatre makers for a three-week creative development in February 2022. The creative development included a training session with the Sunshine North Football Club’s women’s team The Road Runners, a Q&A with VFLW coach and podcaster Lisa-Kiwi Ropere, and watching an AFLW match at Victoria Park.

At the conclusion of the development period an enthusiastic audience joined this creative powerhouse team for an exclusive showing filled with lots of fun and laughter. Audiences were welcomed into the Women’s Circus Drill Hall by local community-based music group the Sunshine Street Band, who set the tone of the day’s proceedings with the Western Bulldogs’ team anthem ‘Daughters of the West’.

Initial feedback from a successful showing in 2022 indicates Flying Shot is a spectacular and comedic outdoor show challenging gender expectations and celebrating gender diverse athleticism.

Performed 13 February 2022

Whitten Oval, Footscray

Co-creator/ Creative Producer and Original

Concept by Antonella Casella

Co-creator/Performers: Sharon Gruenert, Nicci Wilks, Carly Sheppard, Sal Frances, Spenser Inwood and Deb Batton.

Women’s Circus Participants: Erin Adams, Nicci Butcher, Susie Thomas, Billie Hunne, Vivienne Halat and Annie Fayzdaughter.

“The openness and support provided by Sal, Sharon and Spencer – I felt immediately validated and included as a valued participant in the devising process, which fostered a sense of adventure and safety to extend my self physically”

– Women’s Circus acro member

Members Cabaret

We welcomed back our End Of Year Cabaret, which had been on hiatus since 2018. Directed by Kate Fryer (Dislocate, Circus Oz, Rock n Roll Circus, and Circa), the season completely sold out, speaking to the community’s excitement.

Featuring 15 Women’s Circus members from the social circus program aged 23 to 75, the cabaret showcased their diverse talents, and the experience of accomplishment had a profound impact on the performers’ confidence and well-being. For some performers, it was their first time performing in front of an audience, enhancing this sense of personal empowerment. The cabaret also provided a professional development opportunity for long-time Women’s Circus trainer Sal Frances, who served as assistant director.

The cabaret was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the broader community, particularly after long lockdowns, celebrating the members and the 30+ years of the Women’s Circus community-building through circus arts.

Performed 8 – 11 December 2022

Women’s Circus Drill Hall, Footscray

Audiences Access Services Provided: Auslan Interpretation, Sound Vibration Packs, Audience Accessibility Notes, Sensory Friendly Performance.

Director: Kate Fryer

Assistant Director: Sal Frances

Rigger: Franca Stadler

Production Manager / FOH & Bar Manager: Steph Cox

Sound and Lighting Design and Operation: Siobhan Callanan

Stage Manager: Haley Mills

Marketing & Poster Design: Betty Musgrove

Child Care: Honor Webster-Mannison

Videography: Jeska Stephens

Photography: Jessica Connell

Auslan Interpretation: Auslan Stage Left

Cabaret Performers: Erin Adams, Lauren Bartlett, El Boydell, Nicole Butcher, Kate Cooke, Nina De La Cruz, Annie Fayzdaughter, Vivienne Halat, Vivian Li, Nikii McCoppin, Tanija Parker (and dog Strudel), Jenny Pitts, Tarn Scully, Lucy Seale, Ro Roberts

26

Paid Artists & Creatives

6 15

Community Members Involved

Hours of Supported Child Care

“It was a WONDERFUL show. Full of individual quirks and skills with fresh themes/ideas”

– Ardy, Life As We Want It Audience Member

Social Circus Program

In 2022 we finally welcomed our community back to the Drill Hall to learn circus, connect and have fun each week. Moving offline and back into the space has been transformative for our members, trainers and staff lives and circus journeys.

Across the four terms we offered a diverse range of classes as part of our social circus program, catering to various age groups and skill levels. Our Trainee Tumblers and WeFo Flyers classes were tailored for young people aged 6-11 and 12-17 years respectively, while our acrobalance, aerials, and all-sorts classes provided a mix of disciplines for adults. We also continued our long tradition of New Crew, a six-month introductory program to both circus and Women’s Circus.

We continued our work of reducing barriers for people to engage with our programs, offering multiple price points, payment options, assistance with the NDIS process, and fully subsidised places for our First Nations participants. We improved access in our space with a new more accessible kitchen.

Members

Total Number Participants

220 574 456

Total Number Classes

“My daughter has been doing classes at Women’s Circus for seven years. She is not particularly athletic or talented, but the strength and physical confidence she has gained due to the mutually supportive and non-judgemental environment created by the instructors been invaluable. We are grateful for the focus on helping kids improve, the lack of assessments or levels to achieve, and the termbased program. This is a valuable contrast to the profit focused world of kids activities in general.”

– Parent, child age bracket 6 – 11

“Thank you Women’s circus for being a welcoming place to come back to to exercise, move, build strength without triggering my eating disorder.”

“It’s been an absolute pleasure participating as a New Crew member, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity the class has brought to learn and create and collaborate in a safe, playful environment.”

– Alex, current New Crew member

“I’m so grateful for Women’s Circus. It’s the highlight of my week, and because of this space I’ve grown to own my confidence and strength.”

– Steph, current training member

Social Circus Program Spotlights

Circus Mixtape

We are pleased to report on the success of our Circus Mixtape class, which was created to be a dedicated space for trans and gender-diverse individuals. Facilitated by our long-term trainer, Sal Frances, the class has been instrumental in introducing trans and gender-diverse people to Women’s Circus and has provided an environment of safety and inclusivity for them to explore, learn, and in some cases reclaim their bodies.

Over 60% of the costs of the class are subsidised to reduce the barriers of attending. This year, we ran Circus Mixtape alongside an open Aerial Beginner class, connecting our MixTape participants into the wider Women’s Circus community. We believe that building a supportive and inclusive community is essential for creating positive change, and the Circus Mixtape program has been an excellent example of this. We are proud to offer this dedicated space and will continue to work towards creating more opportunities for trans and gender diverse individuals in our community.

‘What pronoun do you use?’

“The question is asked so brightly, so innocently, that I feel dis¬oriented. It’s 2021, and I am a new member of the Women’s Circus, a Footscray feminist institution. I applied to join, dry¬mouthed with anxiety, and have been immediately accepted into a community of cis women, trans women, trans men and serene androgynes who will accept ‘They, Them, He or She’. It’s not a cisterhood, but it is very much a sisterhood.”

– An excerpt from Memento Moratorium by Women’s Circus Member Jack Nicholls, published in Nothing to Hide: Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australians (2022)

Performing Older Women’s Circus

Since its inception in 1995, Performing Older Women’s (POW) Circus has been a vital part of the Women’s Circus family. In 2021, seeking future sustainability, POW came under the umbrella of Women’s Circus while continuing to train in the Northside suburb of Fairfield.

This year, POW continued to train and perform with events for Darebin Council, and performed at the Victorian Seniors Festival. Led by highly skilled and talented trainer Dotti Scalli, who has been working with Women’s Circus since the 1990s, POW understands the modifications required in circus for older bodies and tailors techniques to suit the skill level of individual participants. Members of POW also performed as part of the End Of Year Cabaret.

– Performing Older Women’s Circus Participant.

“I really enjoyed the POW class on Saturday. It was awesome and I surprised myself how much I could do and participate. It is just what I am looking for.”

Community Workshops

2022 marked a renewed commitment to our community workshops, giving us the opportunity to revise our offerings and make them more accessible with reduced pricing.

In 2022 we worked with:

• YWCA Asista Program

• Djerriwarrh Community College

• VU Student Union Queernival

• Girl Guides

YWCA Workshop March 2022

“The team at Women’s Circus were amazing. They were thoughtful and accommodating of our needs leading into our private group session. Sal and Maya were incredible trainers who understood the participants, read the room and tailored the session for us while on the ground. We had such a fun day and would highly recommend this to groups of all kinds. Thank you to the team at Women’s Circus, you curated a very special day for us and we cannot wait to see you again.”

Girl Guides Workshop September 2022

“It was an absolutely wonderful night! We appreciated the care your instructors gave to our Guides who found the experience a little bit challenging. They took the time to check in with those who needed a break, and also provided additional information for those who needed it. I spent the weekend telling everyone how wonderful the Women’s Circus is!”

21

Participants

Trainers Employed 130 30

Total Hours of Workshops Delivered

We Support

In 2022 we wanted to open our venue door to the circus and physical theatre community and have artists and companies use the Drill Hall for creative development and rehearsals. This year we supported:

• Na Djinang Circus

• A Good Catch

• Bridie Hooper

• Sarah Hinds

• Fart Fabulous (Sarah Ward and Bec Matthews)

In 2022 we developed a partnership with Na Djinang Circus, Australia’s only First Nations led circus company, who are also based in Maribrynong. This included 15 days subsidised venue hire and venue and trainer support for their professional development program ‘Making Tracks’, as well as mentoring, equipment storage, and in-kind support of our trainers. Additionally, we are creating pathways to further support Na Djinang by offering employment as Women’s Circus trainers, free open training and free classes.

“For me, Women’s Circus has a real energy and uncompromised purpose, and that’s something I really respect. I think there is a societal and governmental pressure on arts companies to compromise their beliefs to improve the bottom line, and it’s been so heartwarming and inspiring to work with a company that never sacrifices their communities needs for financial gain.”

– Harley Mann, Na Djinang Circus Founder and Artistic Custodian

Financials

Women’s Circus Ltd as at 31 December 2022

Profit and Loss

Women’s Circus Ltd as at 31 December 2022

Our Supporters

Lead Partners:

• Creative Victoria

• Australia Council for the Arts

• Maribyrnong City Council

• Pressroom Philanthropy

Project Partners (Momentum):

• Arts Centre Melbourne

• Metro Tunnel Creative Program

• Besen Family Foundation

We are proud members of the Arts West Alliance.

Donors:

Dawna Wright, Andrew Murphy, Sheryl Bryce, Jodie Granger, Filomena D’Angelo, Vivienne Halat, Debra Lewis, Liz Murray, Sally Sharman, Maggie Tekell, Kirsty Allen, Kristen Bell, Simon Benson, Nicole Beyer, M Ck, Stephanie Cox, Felicity Cull, Abby Duruz, Katherine Firth, Michelle Fisher, S. Fong, Peta Granger, Barbara Hubl, Toni Jones, Rachel Morgan, Sky Mykyta, Claire Weeden, Rachael Bot, Samuel Boyd, Jessica Connell, Erica Heller-Wagner, Diane Mcneill, Betty Musgrove, Margot Storm, Devon Taylor, Jo Whatley, and Margaret Young.

Our Team

Staff:

Steph Cox (She/Her)

General Manager February onwards

Meghan Bourke (She/Her)

General Manager until January

Devon Taylor (She/They)

Creative Producer until March

Franca Stadler (She/Her)

Resident Trainer and Rigger

Betty Musgrove (She/They)

Marketing and Communication Manager

Emma Hawkins (She/Her)

Finance Manager

Siobhan Callanan (She/Her)

Administration and Venue Coordinator

Board:

Kristen Bell (She/Her)

Board Chair

El Boydell (She/Her)

Felicity Cull (She/Her)

Deputy Chair & Chair of Audit and Risk Subcommittee

Mandy D’Angelo (She/Her)

Nyree Fiddes (She/Her)

Peta Granger (She/Her)

Melinda Smith (She/Her)

Co-Chair of Artistic Sub Committee

Maggie Tekell (She/Her)

Chair of Fundraising Subcommittee

Chantal Wynter (She/Her)

Co-Chair of Artistic Sub Committee

- Resigned June 2022

Circus Trainers:

Sal Frances

Riana Popczyk

Kelsea Blackburn

Maya Green

Simone Sheridan

Emily Ross

Meiwah Williams

Tarn Scully

Katy Burrows

Dorota Scally

Merryn Chenoweth

Bianca Sciarretta

Maggie Church-Kopp

Emily Loe

Helene Embling

Anso Swann Biguet

Nina Robertson

Sarah Berrell

Christy Flaws

Jess Connell

Karen Edelenbos

A huge THANK YOU to our supporters, artists, communities, staff, board, volunteers and members.

Photo Credits

Page 1:

Photographer: Jessica Connell

Show: End Of Year Cabaret

Page 2:

Photographer: Kate Disher-Quill.

Show: Momentum, Arts Centre Melbourne

Artists pictured: Anso Swann Biguet, Dr Melinda Smith OAM

Page 6:

Photographer: Theresa Harris

Creative development: Momentum

Page 8:

Photographer: Kate Disher-Quill.

Show: Momentum, Arts Centre Melbourne

Artists pictured: Tarn Scully, Anso Swann Biguet

Page 11:

Photographer: Kate Disher-Quill.

Show: Momentum, Arts Centre Melbourne

Artists pictured: Emma J Hawkins, Vivienne

Halat, Dr Melinda Smith OAM, roya the destroya

Page 12:

Photographer: Jeska Stephens

Project: Flying Shot

Page 15:

Photographer: Jessica Connell

Show: End Of Year Cabaret

Page 17:

Photographer: Jessica Connell

Page 18:

Photographer: Jessica Connell

Page 19: Left - Photographer: Paul Dowsley

Event: Melbourne Pride March

Right - Photographer: Jessica Connell

Page 21:

Photographer: Jessica Connell

Page 22:

Photographer: Tiffany Garvie

Artist pictured: Maggie Church-Kopp from Na

Djinang Circus and Women’s Circus

Page 27:

Photographer: Kate Disher-Quill.

Show: Momentum, Arts Centre Melbourne

Artist pictured: Vivienne Halat

Page 28:

Photographer: Jessica Connell

Page 30:

Photographer: Jessica Connell

Show: End Of Year Cabaret

Instagram: @ womenscircus

Facebook: /womenscircus

Linked In: Women’s Circus

Youtube: @ womenscircus

395 Barkly St, Footscray 3011

info@womenscircus.org.au

(03) 9687 3665