2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
Women’sCircus
MembersHandbook
WeacknowledgetheKulinNationasthetraditionalcustodiansofthelandonwhichthe
Women'sCircusmeets,trains,worksandcreates.WepayourrespectstolocalElders,past
andpresent,andtotheEldersofallcommunitiesandculturesacrossVictoria.
2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
WelcometoWomen’sCircus! As a member, you are now part of a community made up of
hundreds of women and your involvement will contribute to the
continuedlegacyanddevelopmentofthisamazingtraining,creative
and community-based organisation. The strength of our cooperationisthekeytoWomen'sCircussuccess.Webelievethatby
looking after each other and ourselves we can develop both highqualityCircusandavibrantsupportivespace.
VivatheWomen’sCircus!
Asamember,youcommitto:
Recognisethatallwomenaredifferent–includingyou!
Respect,supportandencourageotherwomen
Challengeyourself
Allowyourselftimetodevelop–changetakestime
Worksafelyasanindividualandwithotherwomen
Arrivetoworkshops/rehearsals/classesontimeandreadytoengage
Tryyourhardest–evenondayswhenyoucan'tgetmotivated
Communicate with your Trainer/Director/Staff if you’re experiencing any
difficulty
v Joinincommunitydaysandmembershipevents–themorethemerrier. v Getinvolved–wecan’tdothiswithoutyou!
v Advocate for the Women’s Circus in your community – word of mouth is a
powerfultool!
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2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
Contents
1.AboutWomen'sCirucs……………………………………………………………………………………….1
2.Membership.................................................................................................................1
3.TrainingCentre....................................................................................................3
4.OpenTraining......................................................................................................4
5.Communications..................................................................................................4
6.TermsandConditions..........................................................................................6
7.ConductandSafety..............................................................................................6
8.ConcernsandProblems......................................................................................15
9.EmergencyInfo..................................................................................................15
10.FurtherInformation.........................................................................................15
2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
1.ABOUTWOMEN'SCIRCUS
WelcometoWomen’sCircus! Overour25-yearhistory,Women'sCircushasdevelopedamodelofinclusiveandaccessible
practice that celebrates the creative and physical potential of all women. Women's Circus
acknowledgesthestructuresofinequalitythatstillexistforwomenandseekstochallenge
this framework through its programs. We aim to provide platforms for women to
consciouslyarticulatechangeintheirlives. We honour the important legacy of our
organisation by continuing to provide training
and development opportunities for all women
and by creating projects that provide
opportunities to those women and
communitieswhomayfacebarrierstophysical
andcreativeopportunities. We believe that physical and creative training
and artistic expression can contribute to
individual autonomy, personal well-being and
communityconnectedness.
Hundredsofwomenofdifferentages,abilities,
shapes,sizes,sexualities,classesandpolitics
trainwiththeCircuseachyear.Ourtrainersaim
tosupportandencourageallwomen. OurMission
Toenrichthelivesofwomenandtheircommunitiesthroughtheatre
andsocialCircus.
OurHistory
Women’s Circus was established in 1991 as a project of Footscray Community Arts Centre
(FCAC). Founding Artistic Director Donna Jackson worked with women who were the
survivorsofviolenceandwithwomenfromthecommunitywithaninterestinperformance,
theatreandCircus,producingoriginalCircus-theatreworksfeaturingtheseparticipants. Since 1991, Women’s Circus has created over 30 original performances and developed
innumerablecommunityprojectsusingitsownmodelofinclusiveandcollaborativepractice
thatcelebratestheartistineachwoman.
In2006,werelocatedtoTheDrillHallinWestFootscraywithsupportfromMaribyrnongCity
Council.In2016,our25thyear,Women’sCircusisstillproudlybasedinMelbourne’svibrant
West and now works with women of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and life
experiences,andwitharangeofcommunitypartners. 1 2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
Highlightsfromour25years:
• 1995TouredBeijingaspartoftheUnitedNationsConferenceonWomen
• 1997 Leaping Off the Edge was published, a book of the company’s history and
impactonwomen
• 2001TenyearretrospectiveexhibitionheldattheVictorianArtsCentreandwinner
ofaGreenRoomAwardforOutstandingContributiontoMelbourneFringe
• 2005WinneroftheMelbourneAwardforCommunityDevelopment
• 2006 Attended the International Educational Drama and Theatre Conference in
Taiwan
• 2010WontheMelbourneFringeFestivalInnovationinCircusAward
• 2012 'Circularity' was Victoria’s first contemporary Circus arts and physical
theatrefestivalproducedandcuratedbytheWomen’sCircus • 2013 Awarded one of eight VicHealth Motion Grants to develop 'The Art of Play'
projectinplaygroundsacrossMelbourne’sWest
• 2015 Our Deaf Trainer program supports it’s first deaf mentee on her journey to
becomingaCircusTrainer
• 2016 We celebrate our 25th anniversary by creating a new Circus-theatre
productiontobepremieredatTheDrillHall Women's Circus has provided a platform for professional training in areas such as
performing, rigging, directing and arts management. A large number of women within the
community have gone on to key positions within arts organizations such as NICA, Circa,
CircusOzandArtsVictoria. Women’sCircus'modelofartspracticehasinspiredcompaniessuchastheFootscrayFlyers
(5-16yrs) and Westside Circus (youth arts), as well as the six other women’s circuses in
Australia: Vulcana Women's Circus (Brisbane), P.O.W. Performing Older Women's Circus
(Melbourne), Ruby Bloomer’s Women’s Circus (Katoomba), Circus WOW (Bulli) and
WimmeraWomen’sCircus. 2 2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
ValuesandBeliefs
Women’sCircusoperatesinaccordancewithsixkeyvaluesandbeliefsthatdefineallaspects
ofouroperationalandartisticapproach. EmpathyandImagination
As a feminist organisation, we position empathy as one of the most powerful forces for
socialchange.Imaginationallowsustoofferavisionofwhatthischangemightbe.
Risk
Taking risks – both physical and creative – in a safe and supportive space can expand an
individual’sandacommunity’sbeliefinwhatispossible.
Inclusion
We strive to create inclusive projects so that those who face barriers – of gender, age,
experience, access, cultural background, finances, mental health, physical health, sexual
identity – have the chance to participate in training, development and creative
opportunities.
ExcellenceandInnovation
In our training programs, creative projects and organisational operations, we strive for
excellenceinwhatweprovideandhowweprovideit.Wearededicatedtofindingnewways
thatareatoncepoeticandpolitical;totellstories,explorethemes,improvewellbeingand
shareknowledgeandresources.
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2.MEMBERSHIP
Membership
To enrol in our Term Training Program, you must become a member of Women's Circus.
Annual Membership costs $55 ($50 Concession) per year and comes with many benefits
including:
• accesstohighqualityCircusandperformance
traininginafun,safeandsupportive
environment
• participationinourcriticallyacclaimedlargescaleproductions
• accesstocreativeopportunitiesalongsideand
supportedbyprofessionalartists
• discountedmember-onlypricesonshort
coursesandintensives
• regulare-newsletters
• accesstoopentrainingatourspecialised
trainingspace
• equipmentandcostumestoreloans
• discountedvenuehirerates
• votingatourAnnualGeneralMeeting
• accesstoourFacebookmembers-onlygroup
• useofin-houseequipment
• insurancecoverage
• thefriendshipandsupportofadiverse
communityofamazingwomen!
Former members who are no longer training with us but want to stay involved with the
organizationcanapplyforFREEalumnamembership.Benefitsinclude:
• recognitiononourwebsiteasacontributortothelegacyoftheCircus
• regulare-newsletters
• invitationstomemberevents
Note:YoudonotneedtobeacurrentmembertosignupforourHolidayProgramClasses,
MasterclassesandTestDrives
3.TRAININGCENTRE
Women’sCircusoffersclassesyear-roundinCircusandperformanceattheDrillHallinWest
Footscray.Womenofallages,backgrounds,experienceandfitnesslevelstrainwithusand
are supported by our amazing team of trainers and teaching artists. Our Term Program
worksinblocksof9weeksthatcoincidewiththeVictorianschoolterms(4termsperyear).
Our Term 2 Program culminates in a members-only Skillshare (see below for further
informationontheSkillshare).OurHolidayProgramsareusually2-3dayintensivesandare
scheduledduringtheschoolholidays.
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Ourbeginnerandopenclassesareperfectforthosebeginningtrainingorlookingtotryto
outanewskill.Intermediateclasseshavepre-requisites
and are suitable for those with some prior experience.
Advanced level classes are great for those looking to
extendandexpandanexistingskillbase. Weencouragewomenwhoarenewtoourorganisation
to consider enrolling in our "New Women" Program.
"New Women" is a unique allsorts Circus program for
beginnersthathasbeenofferedattheWomen’sCircus
since its inception in 1991. As an introductory Circus
program, "New Women" is specifically designed to
introducebeginnerstothelanguageandequipmentof
Circus. "New Women" provides the opportunity to
makefriends,fosterasenseofbelongingandgettoknowourcommunitywhileofferinga
taste of all our specialty areas including Acrobalance, Aerials, Juggling and Manipulation,
Stilts,GermanWheel,Handstands,TumblingandEnsemblePerformance.
Ifyouareunsureaboutwhatclassyoushouldbein,orwhatclassesyoucanmoveinto,talk
toyourtrainerorcontacttheTrainingManager–theyareheretohelp!
IfyouarenewtoWomen’sCircusandunsureyoumeetthepre-requisitesforaparticular
class,pleasecontactourTrainingManager,beforeenrolling–
[email protected].
Women'sCircusalsooffersseveralkidsclasses!Theseinclude:
• TraineeTumblers(opentoboysandgirlsages6-11)
• 1+1ChildandAdult(opentoboysandgirlsages3-5)
• NewYoungWomen(opentoyoungwomenages12-17)
Skillshare
TheSkillshareisheld1-2timesperyearaspartofourtermprogram,usuallyinTerm2and
4. It is programmed as the 9th class of the 9-week term and serves as an opportunity for
memberstoexperiencetheperformativeaspectsofCircusinasafesupportiveenvironment.
Eachclassdevisesa3-minuteacttosharewiththemembership.Wecometogetheronthe
givenday,perform,andafterwardswecelebratewithabring-a-dishmeal.Itisamembersonlyevent. EnrollingandPayment
Women's Circus uses an online enrolment system called Mindbody. In order to enrol in
classes you must make an account with Mindbody (you can do this via Women's Circus
website's enrolment page). Once you have made an account, you can purchase annual
membership.Thisallowsyouaccesstoourtermclasses,whichyoucansignupandpayfor
online. Women's Circus staff are available by phone or email if you have questions or
encounteranyproblemswiththesystem. Classescostbetween$200-$300pertermandparticipantsmustpayanannualmembership
of$55/$50tobecoveredbyourinsurance.PleaseseeourMemberspageforalltheother
benefits of membership. Members claiming concession rates must be full-time students,
MEAA Members or other Government-approved concession cardholders. Concession cards
mustbemadeavailableuponrequest.
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Refunds
Women's Circus does not offer refunds or exchanges unless an injury is sustained in class
whichpreventsyoucontinuingtotrain.Inthiscase,arefundmaybegrantedonsubmission
ofaMedicalCertificate(fromyourPhysioorGP).
Towithdrawfromaprogram,Women’sCircusmustbeprovidedwithaminimumof14days
noticepriortothestartdateoftheTerminwhichyouareenrolled(i.e.theMondayofthe
firstweekofTerm).Refundswillnotbeprovidedafterthisdate.
AccessandSponsoredPlaces
Women’sCircusaimstoprovidetrainingprogramsforallmembersofthecommunity.Ifyou
haveaccessneeds,pleasegetintouchwithusandwe’lldoourbesttoworkwithyou. Women’s Circus is also committed to providing access to our programs regardless of your
financialcircumstances.Wesupportaccessbyofferingsponsoredandpartsponsoredplaces
to people who otherwise would not be able to afford to enrol. To apply for a sponsored
place,[email protected].
Medications,Injuries,andotherneeds If you are taking prescribed medication for a particular condition, or have an injury or
another condition that might affect your training, please consult your doctor about the
effects this might have on your ability to work and train safely, and make sure you speak
withyourtraineraboutitatyourfirstclass!
Indemnity
By enrolling and participating in Women's Circus classes, workshops, or training, you
acknowledge that there is some risk involved, and agree to wholly indemnify Women's
Circus,it'semployees,andcontractorsfromanyliabilityarisingoutofinjury,lossordamage
causedasaresultofparticipation.Women'sCircusisnotresponsibleforanymedicalcosts
incurred as a result of participation, including the cost of an ambulance if it is deemed
necessarybystafftocallone.
4.OPENTRAINING
Open Training atthe Drill Hall, our training space in West Footscray, is available free to
members who are currently enrolled in class at Women’s Circus. Before attending Open
TrainingpleasefamiliariseyourselfwiththeOpen Training Guidelines.Thesearepostedin
thespaceorcanbeemailedtoyouuponrequest(viatheTrainingManager).
If you intend to work with any aerial equipment during open training, you MUST have a
Women’sCircusAerialsTrainercompletean‘aerial equipment sign off sheet‘.Thiscanbe
obtainedfromtheTrainingManagerandcompletedinoneoffollowingways:
• Ifyouarecurrentlyenrolledinanaerialsclasswithus,yourtrainercansignoffon
yourabilitytousetheequipmentduringclass.
• You can attend a Rigging Masterclass during our holiday program, held 2- 4 times
peryear($35/$30concession).
• YoucanorganiseaprivatesessionwithourResidentTraineratacostof$100.
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Times
Open Training is currently held every Sunday
from 10am-12pm. These times may occasionally
varyduetospaceavailability.
Open Training can also be arrangedat the Drill
Hall during office hours (typically Mon – Thurs
10am – 4pm) provided there is nothing else
booked in the space. If you’d like to book an
Open Training session, please call us on 03 9687
3665
or
email
our
team
[email protected] least two days
inadvancetomakesurethespaceisfree.
5.COMMUNICATION
Women’sCircuscommunicateswithmembersinanumberofways:
TheOffice Women’sCircusofficeislocatedintheDrillHall,395BarklyStreet,WestFootscray.
Officehoursare10am-4pm,MondaytoThursday.
Phonenumber:0396873665 GeneralEmail:[email protected]
Membership&TrainingManager:[email protected]
Website
www.womensCircus.org.au
EmailNewsletter
The Women’s Circus newsletter is sent out on a regular basis. You can sign up for our
newsletteronourwebsitetostayupdatedonallourofferings.Occasionallywesendouta
newslettertocurrentmembersonly,tokeepyouinformedofimportanthappeningswithin
theorganization. FacebookPage Likeourpage:www.facebook.com/TheWomensCircus
MembersOnlyFacebookGroup Requesttojoinat:"MembersofWomen'sCircus" www.facebook.com/groups/womensCircus/
OtherSocialMedia
FollowusonTwitter,Instagram,andVimeo
7 2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
6.TRAININGCENTRETERMSANDCONDITIONS
Upon confirmation and payment of your enrolment in a particular class, Women’s Circus
TermandHolidayProgramsarenon-refundableandnon-transferable.
Women’s Circus will not provide individual make-up or casual classes if you are unable to
attend class due to illness, travel plans, work commitments or other personal
absences.Classeswillrunwhetheryouattendornot:itisyourresponsibilitytomakesure
youcanattendalltheclasseswithintheterm.
Towithdrawfromaprogram,Women’sCircusmustbeprovidedwithaminimumof14days
noticepriortothestartdateoftheTerminwhichyouareenrolled(ietheMondayofthe
firstweekofTerm).Refundswillnotbeprovidedafterthisdate.
If an injury is incurred in class which prevents you continuing to train, a refund may be
grantedonsubmissionofaMedicalCertificate(fromyourPhysioorGP).
IntheeventaclassiscancelledorthedatesofaclassarealteredbyWomen’sCircusyou
may be offered the options to: a)Transfer your enrolment to another class (if applicable);
or b)Requestarefund.
Fromtimetotime,creditsmaybeissuedbyWomen’sCircusinextenuatingcircumstances
(suchasclasscancellation).Thesecreditsmustbeusedwithin6monthsofthecreditissue
date.
Women’s Circus reserves the right to substitute teachers advertised for classes at our
discretion,subjecttothereplacementteacherbeingqualifiedandskilledatalevelrequired
totaketherelevantclass.
Pro-rataEnrolment
Women’sCircusdoesnotofferone-offcasualclasses.
Occasionally, pro-rata enrolment may be approved upon confirmation with Trainers,
providedtheclassisnotfull.Pro-rataenrolmentischargedatarateof$35perclasswitha
minimumpaymentof$175(5classes).
Therearenoconcessionratesorfurtherdiscountsonpro-rataenrolment.
Pro-rataenrolmentwillnotbeapprovedwithoutconsultationwithourTrainingManager.
7.CONDUCTANDSAFETY
Members are asked to behave in a manner that is consistent with the objectives and core
valuesoftheCircus.Membersandstaffhavetherighttoexpecttheirtrainingorworkwill
notbeundulyaffectedbyindividualswhosebehaviourisaggressive,disruptiveorinanyway
threateningtophysicaland/oremotionalsafety. ByjoiningtheWomen’sCircusallmemberscommittobehaveinamannerthatisconsistent
withtheWomen’sCircus’underlyingobjectivesandcorevaluesofopenness,inclusiveness,
mutualresponsibility,supportandrespectthatunderlietheoperationoftheCircusandits
communityprocessatalltimes.
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Asmemberswecommitto:
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Valuingpeopleandtreatingthemwithdignity,discretionandrespectinalldealings
withothermembers,colleaguesandexternalparties
Contributingtoasafe,inclusiveandopenenvironmentinwhichothermemberscan
feelcomfortabletochallengetheirboundariesandbuildtheircapabilities
Contributing to community processes that involve the operation of the Circus and
thedeliveryofCircusprograms
Being responsible for maintaining our own physical and psychological wellbeing,
knowingourownlimitations,andmaintainingabalancebetweenCircusandlife.
Notparticipatinginclassesorshowsundertheinfluenceofalcoholorrecreational
drugs
ProtectingtheconfidentialinformationoftheCircusandothermembers
ComplyingwithCircuspolicies
Respecting the law and acting in accordance with law and good governance
principles
GeneralSafety
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Ifpossible,trainersandstaffshouldnotbeleftalonetolockupatnight.
Forpersonalandpropertyprotectionallexternaldoorstothebuildingmustremain
closedatalltimes.
Reportallinjuriesimmediatelytotheofficeandfillinaninjurysheet.Ifyounotice
something about the training practice that seems unsafe, immediately discuss this
withyourtrainer.
Ifyounoticesomethingunsafeinthespace,eithertelltheTrainingManagerorfixit
yourselfifitissafetodoso.
Any questions or concerns about occupational health and safety issues should be
raisedwiththeofficeortheChiefExecutive.
SecurityofPersonalProperty
The Circus does not accept responsibility for or reimburse any lost or stolen property. Membersarerequiredtotakefullresponsibilityfortheirpersonalproperty.
Confidentiality
All personal information provided to Women's Circus will be kept confidential. No
informationwillbereleasedtoanythirdpartyexceptwiththeindividual'swrittenconsent
ortoobtainprofessionallegaladviceorifrequiredbylaw.
8.FEEDBACK,CONCERNS,GREIVANCES
Women's Circus strives to create exceptional programs and opportunities that meet the
needs of you, our members and community. As such, your input is invaluable to us. The
Training Manager provides opportunities for formal feedback (via an online survey) twice
peryear,andweencourageyoutoletusknowbothwhatyouareenjoyingandwhatcould
useimprovement. 9 2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
Theprocessforresolvinganyissuesthatmayariseisasfollows:
• Ifyouhaveaconcernregardingtrainingortheorganisationthatrequiresimmediate
attention,speakwithyourtraineratanappropriatetime.
• If your trainer is unable to resolve the issue, she will refer you to the Training
Manager.
• If the Member still feels aggrieved, she should inform the Executive Director who
willconsultwiththeparties.
• IfthematterremainsunresolveditshouldbereferredtotheBoard.
• If, after all reasonable steps have been taken the grievance remains unresolved;
either party has the right to refer the matter to an appropriate external body for
conciliation.
Untilthematterisresolved,theMember’sinvolvementwiththeCircusshouldcontinue
asbeforeitwasreported,howevertheBoardmaystilldecidetosuspendaMember’s
membership or rights to participate, where a complaint has been made against them
and where the Board considers it to be necessary or appropriate in order to protect
other members of the Women’s Circus, or where it is in the best interests of the
Women’sCircusasawhole.
9.EMERGENCIES
Thefollowingactionshouldbetakeninthecaseofamedicalemergency:
• Inform a staff member/workshop trainer if present, seek assistance from a person
trainedinfirstaidifpresent.
• First aid kits are available on both sides of the training room. Follow first aid
instructionsonwalloftrainingarea
• Call000ifanambulanceisrequired.Thereisadutyofcarebytheworkshoptrainer
tomakethefinaldecisioninanemergencyifanambulanceisrequired.
• Women’s Circus strongly recommends that all members have private ambulance
coverorarecoveredbyanambulancesubscription.Women’sCircusdoesnotcover
membersforanyambulanceservices.
• TheclosestemergencydepartmentisWesternHospital,GordonStreet,Footscray,
83456666.
FireandEvacuation
Therearefireextinguisherslocatedinthetrainingspaceandthekitchen.Fireblanketsare
onthewalloftheTrainingSpacenearthedoortothecommunityroomandinthekitchen.
There is a hose reel near the rear exit door of the training space (for use on fire involving
wood,paper,andtextilesonly).Incaseofafire,immediatelyevacuatethebuilding. PhoneNumbers
FIREDEPARTMENT (03)96654358 FOOTSCRAYHOSPITAL (03)83457200 FOOTSCRAYPOLICE (03)83456666 10 2016 Women’s Circus Members Handbook
MENTALHEALTHSERVICE 1300657259 POWERCOMPANY(LUMOENERGY) 1300115866
CITYWATER 131691
MARIBYRNONGCITYCOUNCIL(OWNERS:DRILLHALL) (03)96880200
10.FURTHERINFORMATION
Upon request, Women's Circus will provide you with further information on our policies.
[email protected]:
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Discriminationandharassment
DrillHallemergencyevacuationprocedures(alsopostedinsideDrillHall)
Opentrainingguidelines(alsopostedinsideDrillHall)
Transgenderinclusionpolicy
Disciplinaryprocedures
Dealingwithconflictandcrisis
Women'sCircusexcitedlywelcomesnewmembers
Theprocedureswehaveinplaceareforthesafetyandcomfortofallourmembers
andstaff.Women'sCircuspridesitselfoncreatingaspaceforallwomenandwith
theseprocessesthisispossible.
Asamember,youarenowpartofacommunityofhundredsofwomenandyour
involvementwillcontributetothecontinuedlegacyanddevelopmentofthis
amazingtraining,creativeandcommunity-basedorganisation.
WhenbeginningatWomen'sCircus,familariseyourselfwithsomeofourhistory,
projects,valuesandclassesbyvisitinghttp://www.womenscircus.org.au/.
Ifyouwanttoseesomethingsourmembershavelearnt,havealookatourfootage
byvisitingvimeo.com/womenscircus.
ThankyouforjoiningWomen'sCircus,andwelcome.
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