Circus call for local teens

Auckland teens will get a rare shot at showbiz life courtesy of a project involving Cirque du Soleil and the Performing Arts School of New Zealand.

The community-driven Velocity Project will be funded by the proceeds of 200 tickets donated by the Canadian circus group for its performance of the show Quidam on January 20.

Organiser Wendy Preston said 11 selected schools and community organisations were identifying potential candidates to audition for the 30-strong class to undergo 10 days training in aerial acrobatics, dance and theatre.

Ms Preston said they hoped the project would expose young people to new challenges and establish links between the various communities now living in Auckland.

If ticket sales allowed the project to proceed, Ms Preston hoped to establish Velocity as an annual event.

Following auditions on December 5, the group of 30 trainees and six support crew will get the chance to meet and work with Cirque de Soleil performers before starting their own training.

The course instructors will come from the Kiwi Kids Circus, Pandemonium Theatre and the Black Grace Dance Company.

The Velocity Project will culminate in a showcase performance at the Auckland Performing Arts Centre opposite the Auckland Zoo in Western Springs immediately before the Quidam show on January 20.

•The showcase will be open to those who purchase the A reserve tickets provided by Cirque du Soleil.

They are available for $159 from the Performing Arts School of New Zealand, (09) 845-0290 or performingarts@5star.net.nz