A young aerialist from the Illawarra region is taking a giant leap towards a professional career under the big top, having secured a coveted spot in Australia's premier circus training institution.
From Fairy Meadow to the National Stage
Liesel Price, a 21-year-old performer from Fairy Meadow, has been accepted into the highly competitive Bachelor of Circus Arts program at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne. She is one of just 25 artists from across the country to earn a place in the elite 2026 intake.
Price, a trapeze specialist, has spent the last decade honing her craft at the local Circus Monoxide in Fairy Meadow. Her journey with the community circus began when she was just 11 years old. She progressed to join the main troupe in 2016, later working as an aerial instructor and even serving as the artistic director for the circus's 2025 troupe show, Framed.
"I'm really looking forward to becoming more well-rounded, and feeling more confident and learning technique," Price said. She emphasised her desire to blend technical mastery with captivating performance. "Something that is really important to me is that I want to be really technically skilled as well as being entertaining while I perform."
Building a Foundation for a Global Career
The intensive three-year degree at NICA offers more than just performance skills. Price highlighted the appeal of learning critical behind-the-scenes aspects of a circus career, such as injury prevention and independent training methodologies, which are difficult to master alone.
While her immediate focus is on her studies, Price has her sights set on an international stage post-graduation. She expressed a keen interest in working with renowned companies like Circus Oz, known for their theatrical and fun productions. "I think that Circus Oz would be super cool to work with," she said, noting their recent tour to New York.
"I love performing, and having a character and being on stage is one of my favourite things to do," Price added, outlining a future that could include ensemble shows, cabarets, or solo performances around the world.
A Legacy of Talent from Circus Monoxide
Price's success continues a strong tradition for the Fairy Meadow-based Circus Monoxide. She will be joined at NICA by another of the organisation's alumni, Elise Poulton, who previously studied at the London School of Circus Arts. Their acceptances add to a growing list of Circus Monoxide graduates who have progressed to the national institute.
Reflecting on her start, Price recalled being inspired after watching a Circus Monoxide troupe performance as a child. "I was like 'That's so cool, that's like going to drama class, but they do cool tricks as well'," she said. Her mother encouraged her participation as a physical activity, as she wasn't drawn to traditional team sports.
From a nervous 11-year-old wondering if she would fit in, Price has now come full circle, becoming a mentor to younger students at Circus Monoxide. Her journey from a local Wollongong troupe to a national institute underscores the vibrant pathway for circus arts in Australia, proving that the dream of running away to join the circus is very much a viable and celebrated reality for dedicated artists.
