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Opening of a specialization in “research-creation in circus” within the Master’s program Theatre, Performance, Society at Paris 8 University
Académie Fratellini (FRA) | Application deadline: 1 June 2026
The Académie Fratellini and Université Paris 8 Vincennes–Saint-Denis will launch a circus specialization within the Master’s program Theatre, Performance, Society (TPS) in 2026.
📅 Application deadline: 1 June 2026
Presentation
The Master’s in Theatre, Performance, Society (TPS) is grounded in a resolutely plural approach to the performing arts, at the intersection of aesthetic, historical, anthropological, and social studies.
The two-year program combines artistic practice, theoretical reflection, and critical analysis of the performing arts, engaging with the diversity of scenic forms and cultural contexts. Students acquire methodological tools to think through creative processes, situate their practice within contemporary issues, and experiment with hybrid forms at the crossroads of disciplines.
The Académie Fratellini hosts and provides artistic and technical support for research-creation residencies for students in the circus specialization.
Charlène Dray, Associate Professor at Université Paris 8 Vincennes–Saint-Denis, is their academic supervisor.
Objectives
- Design a project and communicate about one’s research and experience.
- Reflect on the evolution of performance forms and practices: contextualize works, creative processes, and artistic trajectories by examining them through historical, ecological, aesthetic, socio-economic, and anthropological dimensions. Connect creative practices with critical approaches.
- Explore the relationships between circus and other arts, materials/techniques/technologies, and sciences.
Career paths
- Research and teaching
- Artistic creation: stage writing, dramaturgy, artistic collaboration, directing for circus
- Artistic consultancy for private or public institutions, programming
Entry requirements
The TPS Master’s in circus is open to applicants of all ages:
- Holders of a Diplôme National Supérieur Professionnel (DNSP) in circus arts or a state diploma (DE) as a circus teacher
- Holders of a Bachelor’s degree (Licence) with significant artistic experience in the field of circus
- Admission without the required diploma is possible through validation of studies, professional experience, or personal achievements (Decree 2013-756 of 19 August 2013). For information: info-df@univ-paris8.fr
Status
The Master’s program is available as initial training and continuing education.
Students in initial training have student status and may be eligible for grants depending on their resources. They pay university tuition fees (€254/year). If they work part-time alongside their studies, adjustments may be made, particularly for examinations.
Working professionals may enrol in the Master’s as continuing education within the framework of individual training leave (CIF), a professionalization contract, or through funding by an employer, France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi), or the Personal Training Account (CPF). They are considered continuing education trainees. Funding applications must be prepared in advance.
Admission
Admission is decided collectively by Université Paris 8 Vincennes–Saint-Denis.
Applications must be submitted by 1 June 2026 at the latest for entry into the Master’s program in September 2026.