Training of artists DEUST Circus Arts
This training is aimed at young people aged 17 to 23 who wish to prepare for careers in circus arts. It is now part of the University Diplomas in Scientific and Technical Studies (DEUST) « Circus Arts », a national university diploma at Bac +2 level, awarded by the UFR SESS-STAPS of the University Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), in partnership with ENACR.
The training is based on a common core in circus techniques, allowing to consolidate a high level in several fundamental disciplines while pursuing a chosen specialization. The first year offers the opportunity to explore and confirm this choice, thanks to the support of the teaching team.
Throughout the course, reference teachers guide the students and pass on their know-how in order to develop both technical and artistic skills, essential for a future career as a circus artist.
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2026 Selection ProcedureTraining objectives
The objective of this 2-year training is to train circus artists, to prepare for obtaining the DEUST "Arts du cirque", a university diploma at the Bac +2 level awarded by the UFR SESS-STAPS of UPEC in partnership with ENACR, and to provide those who wish to continue in a higher school.
DEUST 1st year
Objectives of the first year
Openness to the diversity of professional practices: social circus, stage management, collective creation, individual creation
The informed choice of a specialty (all can be considered except work with animals, magic, and clowns)
The acquisition of artistic fundamentals: dance, singing, theatrical play
The acquisition of technical fundamentals: trampoline, acrobatics, balance, physical preparation
DEUST 2nd year
Second year objectives
The acquisition of technical fundamentals: trampoline, acrobatics, balance, physical preparation
The acquisition of artistic fundamentals: dance, singing, theatrical play
The informed choice of a specialty (all can be considered except work with animals, magic, and clowns)
Openness to the diversity of professional practices: social circus, stage management, collective creation, individual creation
Training
How to apply?
Access to training is through a competitive examination.
Prerequisite
To be between 17 and 23 years old
To be physically fit for intensive circus practice
The contest
The entrance competition consists of two selection stages:
the application file
the selection internship
The competition arrangements can be adapted to the potential disabilities of the candidates. Please contact Fabienne Tissier or Bertrand Bossard, disability referents.
Dates
Posting of the application form on January 30, 2026
Deadline for application submissions on March 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Announcement of the selected files on April 17, 2026
Selection stage at ENACR from May 18 to May 22, 2026
Announcement of those admitted on the last day of the selection stage
To apply
The selection internship
For the selected candidates at the end of the pre-selection phase, a one-week selection internship will be organized.
The internship will start on Monday, May 18 at 8:30 AM and end on Friday, May 22 at 6 PM and will take place at ENACR.
Selected candidates will be responsible for their accommodation and will need to organize their meals.
In order to participate in the internship, mandatory administrative documents will be required: medical certificate, insurance certificate, mutual insurance certificate, etc.
All courses provided during this week are mandatory.
During this week, candidates will need to:
Participate in group workshops: circus techniques, basics, physical training, dance, play
Conduct a one-on-one interview with management and the educational management
Present a 3-minute performance
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