Noelle Ní Riagáin is a coach in Circus Factory’s Circus School – ‘3 Month Introduction Course in Contemporary Circus Arts’. Noelle studied physical theatre under the Direction of Belinda Wild. Joined an ensemble that produced Shakespeare plays through Mask and street troop, Criac na Coillte where she learnt Stilt walking and puppeteering. She worked and trained in the teachings of Le Coq, the actors space, Spain. Noelle has devised, produced and Performed in many Sight specific shows, Street Performances and plays.
Hi Noelle! Can you tell us about yourself?
I am 45 years old, I like my age cause I feel a little bit wise, with still a lot to learn. I am a woman, definitely not a girl anymore. I am fascinated by human psychology, an ask a lot of questions. Who, Why, What, Where are common words on the edge of my tongue. I studied art therapy and counselling in my 20’s. It was a brilliant journey through my own psychology and I have found it to be a very beneficial tool when teaching and working creatively within my own practice or with groups and in ensembles.
Can you tell us about your journey into Circus?
All my artistic training was in Theatre, until I decided I wanted to learn about clown. I studied “Theatrical Clown” not Circus Clown, but all the workshops that were happening at the time weather they were Theatrical or Circus were being put on by the circus community. So I met Circus and what a beautiful journey it has been.
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“Breaking up is NEVER EASY”
“As we all know
Me Cabaret Act for ‘cABBAer Cabaret’ 2019 hosted by the lovely Brian Kenny @circusfactorycork. ”
What can students expect from you as their coach?
We will first build trust in the group, which will help us to feel free to play together.
Noelle Ní Riagáin
I will be asking the students to explore their creativity through theatre games, voice, character development and clown. A lot of what I ask could make a person feel vulnerable and exposed. So we will first build trust in the group, which will help us to feel free to play together. It is a lot of fun once the person trusts the process of the work and leaves us with tools for life and to create show’s, authentic to yourself and your playing partners. I am tough in a loving and caring way.
Join the free Zoom Info Session on August 2nd
What’s your favourite memory performing with Circus?
A style of performing that has re-emerged through contemporary circus in Ireland is “Cabaret” and on the 22nd of May 2015, the day we were all awaiting the results of the Marriage Equality, Circus Factory held the “Yes Cabaret” lead by Gracie May Marshall. I performed the final act of the Cabaret, a Clown Turn “I just want to be a Bird”. What a night, 100’s of people in the audience, with so much joy in there hearts because the country had said “yes to love”.
Noelle Ní Riagáin as a Bird
Photo by Rowan Davenport
What are you most excited about with the 3 Month Introduction Course in Contemporary Circus Arts?
I am really looking forward to imparting what knowledge I have learnt over the years and finding out new ways of teaching or exploring ideas/methods because it is inevitable that I always get faced with a question I have never been asked before or get shown a new way of looking at something. I am excited about getting together with a group of people and seeing how deep into the work we can go and seeing what creativity comes out of that. Creativity is always an unknown path with many surprises.
Noelle Ní Riagáin & Tom Campbel (Britain’s got Talent 2020)
If you were a Super Hero, what would your superpower be?
If I could have a superpower it would be able to “Fly”. Growing up I wanted to be “SpiderMan/Woman ” and there have been times where I actually achieved my dream. As I get older I just really want to fly, “like really fly”, not like having a suit or tech that aids my flying.
A big concern when doing a group activity is getting to know and getting along with the group. With tough but loving and caring Noelle, you’ll have nothing to fear! Are you to start your beautiful journey to Circus? For more information about this course, join the free Zoom information session and download Circus Course brochure!
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