The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) presents Adrift, the highly anticipated graduate showcase of its 2025 cohort, running from 9–13 December at the NICA National Circus Centre in Prahran. Curated by Senior Educator Tegan Carmichael and devised by NICA’s third-year students, Adrift explores the transition from student to professional artist — a journey of liberation, growth, and artistic discovery.
To be cast adrift is not to be lost, but to be liberated. Through a series of visually stunning performances, including aerials, trio acrobatics, Chinese pole, roue cyr, hoop diving, and hair hang, the graduates invite audiences to reflect on the threshold between training and professional life. Each act embodies the creativity, resilience, and technical skill that has been nurtured over three transformative years at NICA. 
Tegan Carmichael reflects: “The 2025 graduating cohort have approached their studies with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a lot of sass. They have developed into a versatile ensemble of professional artists, each with distinct performance qualities. Adrift celebrates their confidence to navigate the unknown and make their mark on the industry.”
Graduate Paige Dorrity shares, “My three years at NICA have been full of growth and challenges that have helped me build resilience and confidence as a performer. I want to continue creating work that feels authentic, while having fun and embracing the joy of performance.”
As Australia’s only provider of accredited tertiary circus education and a globally recognised centre of excellence, NICA consistently shapes the next generation of world-class circus artists. Adrift offers audiences a unique opportunity to witness these emerging talents at the pinnacle of their student training, ready to step into the international circus arena.
Experience the daring, the skill, and the artistry of NICA’s graduating class from 9–13 December at the NICA National Circus Centre, Prahran.
