Located at the current Circuz Oz site in Collingwood, Circus Centre Melbourne is set to open later this year.
A new era for Victoria’s circus and physical theatre scene is on the horizon, with the launch of Circus Centre Melbourne; a bold, state-of-the-art creative hub set to open in Collingwood later this year.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced the major new venue will be helmed by Australia’s national youth circus, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, marking a significant expansion for the acclaimed regional company into the heart of Melbourne’s cultural landscape.
Located at the government-owned 50 Perry Street site, originally built in 2014 in collaboration with Circus Oz, the revamped facility will be transformed into a thriving base for artists, performers, and companies across Victoria’s booming circus and physical theatre sector.
Circus Centre Melbourne – Collingwood
- New state-of-the-art hub
- Flying Fruit Fly Circus appointed as head tenant
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The new centre located in Collingwood will feature two large, fully-equipped circus studios, flexible rehearsal spaces, and collaborative working areas, designed to foster creativity, community and professional development.
In addition to offering spaces for hire at affordable rates, the hub will support emerging companies through creative development programs and business skill-building initiatives.
Flying Fruit Fly Circus, founded in Albury-Wodonga in 1979, is Australia’s only full-time circus school and has earned international acclaim for its graduates and touring productions.
Its move into Collingwood represents a significant milestone in the company’s history, and a major investment in the next generation of Victorian circus talent.
Flying Fruit Fly Circus Chief Executive Officer Richard Hull says this has been a ‘rigorous public tender process’.
“I am grateful to the Victorian Government for putting its faith in Flying Fruit Fly Circus to reimagine this stunning venue.”
“Expanding our footprint across two sites will strengthen pathways for young circus artists into professional careers and provide extraordinary new opportunities for the Circus and Physical Theatre sector in Victoria.
“We want the best new work to be made in Melbourne.”
While Circus Oz will remain a tenant at the Collingwood site, the appointment of Flying Fruit Fly Circus as head tenant signals a fresh start for the venue.
The new Melbourne-based team will oversee year-round operations and collaborate closely with industry bodies such as Theatre Network Australia to shape the centre’s programming and impact.
With recruitment for the local team now underway, and bookings to open in the coming months, Circus Centre Melbourne is set to become a cornerstone for contemporary circus in Australia.
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