Prompted by the return of circus performers and companies to rehearsals, creation and performance, Di Robson (Barely Methodical Troupe) and Kevin Wratten (Split Second), and the members of this Working Group have responded swiftly to the urgent need for Covid-19 protocol and guidelines for the subsidised circus sector.

Since September 2020, the group has met three times. It comprises representatives from across the subsidised circus sector and includes independent companies and producers, National Portfolio Organisations (NPO), freelance artists and circus training centres. The geographical reach of the groups spans England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Di and Kevin have supplied the following insights into the group's working approach. A Covid-19 protocol document is currently in draft form and the aim is to complete it by the end of November 2020. It will then be made widely available to people working in the circus sector.

Key Initial Observations

• There were no guidelines on activity involving physical contact.

• Circus training space guidelines are geared towards solo training rather than ensemble work.

• Existing performance guidelines are geared towards theatre and dance.

• Artists are typically freelance and contracted across multiple projects and performances simultaneously.

• Touring - particularly outdoor work - typically has gaps between rehearsals and performance schedules.

• Reducing the risk of Covid-19 has cost implications; it requires additional planning time, and expenditure on cleaning equipment, tests etc.

Covid-19 Working Group Objectives

• To create a working protocol document that people can sign up to and use for all health and safety activities.

• To create a document that reassures co-workers, venues, presenters and audiences that safe working practices are being implemented.

• To regularly collate insights, knowledge and approaches regarding safe working practices.

• To produce a realistic, manageable and effective set of recommendations to enable circus training and performances to continue during the pandemic.

Key Questions And Issues

Initially, the meetings focussed on contributing to a protocol document for circus artists including guides to safe working practices which address challenges specific to circus. Through this process the group has assembled a shared resources folder of working documents (RAMS, health screening questionnaires for example) applicable to a range of contexts; rehearsals, outdoor performances and creation, for example. These documents can be found here.

As the protocol document nears completion, the group has progressed to focus on scenario planning and what the next year of activity might look like for artists, companies and venues.

Common areas of discussion throughout the meetings have included:

• Approaching rehearsals, training and performances that involve touch between artists.

• Responsibilities towards co-workers and the people we live with.

• Provision of adequate health screening, testing, screening and questionnaires,

• Equipment and costume cleaning and maintenance.

• Insurance.

• Transparency about the additional resources required to work safely under these new conditions and who is covering the costs.

• Changes to contracts with venues and festivals.

• RAMS.

• The challenging combination of Covid-19 and Brexit.

• What future activities might look like in 2021.

Authored by Kevin Wratten and Di Robson