Circus Project (1): Script, Roles and Running Order

The first session of building a group circus act: the group defines the idea, assigns roles with real responsibility and writes a running order with the blocks, music and risk level of each part. The safety lead and the teacher approve the plan before rehearsals.

How to play

1. Introduce the task: a 3-4 minute act for groups of five or six that combines at least two disciplines (juggling, diabolo, balances or gymnastics skills) and a storyline (4 min).
2. Assign roles: artistic director, safety lead, stage manager for timing and music, and props and costume lead; everyone also performs (4 min).
3. Running order: a table of 20-40 second blocks showing who does what, with which props, to which music and at what risk level: low, medium or high (10 min).
4. Safety review: the safety lead checks that every acrobatic element has a spotter and a mat, and the teacher approves or asks for changes (5 min).
5. Quick run of the two hardest transitions in the running order with the real props (7 min).

Rules

• Only include elements already practiced and mastered in class; nothing new on show day.
• High-risk elements, such as handstands or acrosport figures, always have a spotter named in the running order.
• Every idea gets heard; decisions are made by consensus or a vote.
• The teacher-approved running order is the only version rehearsed.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: takes on a central role, such as stage manager or narrator, and performs juggling or diabolo seated.
• Autism: chooses a role with clear tasks, such as props lead, and gets the running order in writing.
• Stage fright: can have a group role without a solo spotlight or perform from the side of the stage.

Learning goals

• Plan an artistic product as a group using safety criteria.
• Take on a role of responsibility within a shared project.
• Combine different circus disciplines with expressive intent.

Equipment for a class of 25

• worksheets: 30
• tablets or phones: 5
• juggling balls: 30
• diabolos: 6
• mats: 8

Teacher tip

Keep a copy of each approved running order: it is the basis for the dress rehearsal and the assessment. A low-risk act done well is worth more than a spectacular, unsafe one; say so from the start.

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