Go back Idea competition for the creation of the Riga Circus Christmas show 2026
Rīgas cirks announces an open call for ideas for the development of the concept for its 2026 Christmas show. We are looking for an author-director or a creative team with the desire and ambition to create a high-quality artistic Christmas production in the Rīgas cirks arena, in collaboration with professional circus artists.
We invite creative professionals who are capable of developing a multi-layered, visually and dramaturgically engaging performance that appeals to a wide family audience while maintaining high artistic standards.
The premiere of the show is scheduled for December 18, 2026. This will be the fourth Christmas production in the renovated Rīgas cirks arena.
We are looking for an idea for a Christmas show that:
- is suitable for families with children from the age of 3
- appeals to different age groups
- combines elements of circus, theatre, and movement arts
- offers a clear dramaturgical concept or story
- is suitable for a 360° circus arena format (with the audience surrounding the stage)
- can be realized in collaboration with professional circus artists
Key parameters of the performance:
- Format: a synthesis of circus, theatre, and movement arts
- Target audience: families with children (3+)
- Duration: 2 acts of approximately 30 minutes each
- Estimated audience size: around 450 spectators per performance
- Number of performances: approximately 20 shows in December and January
- Planned cast: 4 to 6 circus artists, 1 to 2 actors (as needed)
Evaluation criteria:
- artistic quality and originality of the idea
- suitability for a family audience
- depth and accessibility of the idea across different age groups
- the applicant’s professional experience
- experience working with creative teams
- ability to collaborate with circus artists and respect their creative processes
- ability to clearly articulate an artistic concept
- quality of the proposed creative team
- flexibility and willingness to develop the idea in collaboration with Riga Circus
The application must include:
- Full name, contact information, CV or description of professional experience, education
- Description of the idea or concept (recommended length: up to 1 A4 page)
- Information about similar projects carried out within the last 3–5 years
The description should preferably include:
- the idea and theme of the performance
- a brief outline of the story or dramaturgical structure
- the proposed artistic approachtypes of artists involved
- a description of the visual style or atmosphere
Additional materials may also be included (optional):
- visual references
- sketches
- text excerpts
Riga Circus offers the selected creative team:
- a fee for the core creative team (direction, dramaturgy, choreography) of up to EUR 6,000 gross (for concept development and realization)
- producer support
- rehearsal spaces
- circus artists
- technical infrastructure
Working sessions and rehearsals at Riga Circus School:
- September 9, 16, and 23
- October 26–30
- November 19 – December 4
Rehearsals in the Riga Circus arena:
- November 27 – December 4
- December 7–10
- December 13–17
Performances:
- from December 18 to January 10 (up to 20 performances in total)
- the exact schedule will be coordinated with the selected team
Additional information:
- application deadline: April 20
- results announcement: after May 20
- contact person for inquiries: Mārtiņš Ķibers, martins.kibers@cirks.lv
