Brisbane contemporary circus company Circa has been named winner of the Creative Industries category at the prestigious Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, recognising the company’s outstanding international success and cultural impact.
From its first international tour in 2006 with just four Brisbane artists, Circa has grown into one of the world’s most acclaimed performing arts companies, now employing 30 full-time artists and touring to over 45 countries.
“This award recognises not just Circa, but Queensland’s capacity to produce world-leading contemporary performance,” said Yaron Lifschitz, Circa’s Artistic Director and CEO. “We’ve always believed that globally influential art can be made outside traditional cultural capitals, and this recognition validates that vision.”
Brisbane’s Circa has delivered its most successful international year ever in 2024, posting a striking 32% surge in overseas revenue while continuing to cement its reputation as a global circus powerhouse.
The company’s bold new creation Wolf smashed records at Berlin’s acclaimed Chamaeleon Theatre, becoming the highest-grossing production in the venue’s 20-year history.
Headquartered in Brisbane, Circa has reached more than two million people across six continents through award-winning performances that have earned standing ovations, rave reviews, and sold-out shows at prestigious festivals and venues worldwide.
With international touring confirmed through 2027, Circa continues to expand its global reach. Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show, the company’s largest commercial production in partnership with Aardman Animation, will have its European premiere in Manchester this December. Orpheus and Eurydice, Circa’s opera collaboration with Opera Queensland made its international premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival in August, ahead of a Melbourne season with Opera Australia in December.
“We don’t just entertain – we move hearts, minds and people,” said Chief Operating Officer and Executive Producer Danielle Kellie, whose leadership has been central to Circa delivering 419 performances in 131cities across 20 countries in 2024.
“This award celebrates our entire team’s commitment to excellence and our mission to be circus that moves the world.”
To strengthen capacity and position the company for sustainable growth, Circa has confirmed a new leadership structure that expands and redefines their executive team, while adding new artistic leadership.
Artistic Director and CEO, Yaron Lifschitz leads the organisation alongside Shaun Comerford as Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Director, and Danielle Kellie as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Producer.
New artistic appointments include ensemble artists, Christina Zauner as Associate Artistic Director and Daniel O’Brien as Head of Circus.
“These appointments are about embedding leadership throughout Circa – from the executive through to the ensemble floor,” said Yaron Lifschitz. “They create pathways for artistic growth, build creative capacity, and ensure Circa continues to deliver work of extraordinary quality, audacity and humanity.”
Visit circa.org.au to learn more.
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