Our Staff Team
Jenna Hall — CEO +
In late November 2018, following an extended adventure flying trapeze, practicing circus and trekking across The Americas, I was delighted to join the team as Chief Executive.
Before moving to Northern Ireland for this role, I had worked for over 20 years to help improve outcomes for children, families and communities. With an MA in education and community learning, a coaching accreditation and being a champion of partnership working, I had previously led teams across the UK with the aim to increase children and young people’s access to arts and culture, improve families health outcomes and life chances.
I joined the board of International circus body Caravan in 2019 and in 2020 joined the boards of Cathedral Quarter Trust, the Strand Arts Centre and became a Director of The Gymnastics and Trampoline Network – I like to keep busy! I am also the co-Chair of Belfast Festivals Forum and an active member of the Arts Collaboration Network and believe in the power of circus and adventure as tools with which to change lives.
In addition to all things circus, I have a passion for climbing things (trees, walls, cliffs and mountains) which has recently taken me to El Chorro in Spain.
When it comes to snacking my must-have is almost always savoury rather than sweet…so a bag of Chilli and Lemon Lentil Chips or a chunk of blue cheese won’t last long, if within reach.
Lee Robb — Programmes and Development Director +
I am the Programmes and Development Director and am responsible for how we manage projects and programmes, funding and fundraising, and how we communicate the difference we’re making.
I fell in love with Circusful when I evaluated Itty Bitty and Youth Circus in 2019 and was blown away by the impact on children and young people.
I drink copious amounts of tea and if I’m having a biccie, my fave is a digestive with butter.
Flora Herberich - Head of Programmes +
I used to climb up ropes, hula, tumble and stand on my hands a lot in my slightly younger more supple days … and after 10 years of teaching and performing in and around Belfast and Ireland, I decided it was time to try something new.
I had the incredible opportunity to transition into producing supported by a fund from Arts Council England and worked in London for 10 years with big and small venues, companies, artists on festivals and events.
Then along came Milo (now a lively 3 year old toddler) and of course Covid … so I decided to return to the beautiful isle of Ireland to re-join the organisation that had first inspired me to follow my passion for all things Circus.
When not at work, I spend most of my time running after Milo and looking for seals on the beaches of the Ards Peninsula where I now live.
Anna Treanor - Trainee Producer +
I am so excited to join the Circusful Team as their new Trainee Producer.
This post was created from The Art Work programme, which is funded by the Department of Communities through Future Screens NI. Over the next 3 years I am excited to learn many new skills, such as event management, create digital content and learn more about the wider circus and outdoor arts sector in NI, the UK and Beyond! I will also be helping to support the classes, trainers, artists and events.
I graduated from Ulster University in 2016, where I studied Contemporary Dance. For the past 5 years I have been teaching creative dance to all age groups along with choreography performances and creating short dance films.
I believe that the arts are incredibly important to people from all walks of life. They can help people tell their stories, express themselves through movements or words, help them develop their creativity and build their confidence.
During my time here, I am eager to try out and learn new circus skills. Outside of work I love playing board games, going to gym, and spending time in Monaghan with my family and my dog, Riley. My favourite biscuit is a chocolate chip cookie!
Majella Beckett – Finance Officer +
I joined BCCS in June 2019 and have been working in finincial roles within the Charity Sector since 2017.
Prior to this I spent a considerable amount of time living in South Africa, before returning home to Belfast.
My two pet dogs keep me on my toes, I enjoy attending local blues gigs where I can and my favourite biscuits are Cadbury Roundies
Hillas Smith - Circus Spaces Manager +
I have been working in the field of Circus since 1995, beginning as a street performer, and travelling the world, learning, performing and teaching.
My first connection to Belfast was busking on the street here in 1996, and then subsequently attended a week-long clown course put on by Belfast Community Circus School, in 1997, and an exchange with AFUK, Copenhagen.
I relocated to Belfast from Copenhagen in 2001, becoming a trainer and performer with BCCS. I subsequently took on the role of Outreach Officer, leading our BBC Children in Need funded work.
I continue to perform and teach alongside my current role as Circus Spaces manager.
Kirsty McReynolds – Programmes and Development Manager +
After graduating with a degree in Journalism I somehow found my way to Circus after working in retail management and for a wildlife charity!
I love storytelling and making connections and feel lucky to have found this diverse and inspiring community.
My job involves finding the perfect acts for events and liasing between performers and clients to help everything run smoothly.
When I am not in Circusful mode I love making jewellery - I think I must be part magpie as I cannot knowingly let a shiny object pass me by!
My biscuit of choice has to be a Biscoff lotus biscuit - perfection!
John Hastings – Team Coordinator and Receptionist +
I would describe myself as a jack of all trades and a master of some! I have spent my years working within the youth work and hospitality industry so have picked up a variety of skills along the way. I’m hoping to add some circus skills to my expanding repertoire.
I am a keen baker and am known in the office for tempting the team with treats. My role encompasses a lot of different aspects of the organisation (the term Oracle of All Things is sometimes used) so, if you need to know something, please ask me and I will do my best to connect you to what/who you need!
When it comes to snacks, it has to be a Cadbury's Roundie!
Rosie McBride – Programmes and Projects Support +
After far too many years of working as an administrator in the private, public and charity sectors, I came to work at circus school, just for a few months in 2019, but then returned to a permanent role in February 2020.
As programmes and projects support, my role at Circusful still involves a lot of admin, planning and record keeping for all the classes etc. but it’s lovely to do it in an office where you can hear the laughter from the classes and even pop in to see all sorts of circus skills being enjoyed.
When not in work, I can quite often be found in front of an easel, painting for pleasure and hoping for a masterpiece. A surprising fact about me may be that I used to spin fire poi as a hobby and still, very occasionally, risk it in the back garden.
My favourite biscuits are definitely dark chocolate gingers.
Carmen Owens – JobStart +
Circus is really a place where a lot of my passions come and melt together. I have a background in theatre, and have dabbled in various dance forms – right now I have fallen for pole.
Yoga has been a part of my life since I was in the womb (my parents were teachers) it is a passion that continues to accompany me. I am also a keen musician! I am involved in visual and tactile art projects here and there, and enjoy making art a social event. After studying Liberal Arts in Uni of Bristol for two years I fell in love with Anthropology, and could probably chat to you for hours about it if you were interested.
I have landed here in Circusful via Jobstart and am absolutely delighted to be surrounded by such a fantastic force of energy. I will be helping about the office team, or will see you when assisting with classes and events. I look forward to getting to hear your story if we meet!
My biscuit of choice has and will always be one of those chocolate and caramel digestives.
Sam Bailes - JobStart +
My name is Sam and I have just started a job here at Circusful as a startup circus trainer and events assistant.
Over the next 6 months I’ll be helping out and observing classes, as well as assisting with planning Festival of Fools and other events.
I have been involved in the arts since I was very young and have been attending youth circus classes since I was about 9, which I still go to now. I completed a BTEC in art and design in 2022 and have continued doing art whenever I can.
My favourite biscuit would have to be a Biscoff cream, if you haven’t tried them you’re missing out.
Our Trainer Team
Aaltje +
I started teaching in 2005 after learning circus skills at Queen's Juggling Club and adult circus.
My favourite skills are acrobatics and diabolo. Most surprising for me were how difficult tightrope and unicycle were to learn, as, as a Dutch person, I have been on a bike since I could walk and I did gymnastics until I was 16.
My favourite biscuits are Le Petite Biscotte by LU, also known as bastogne cookies and until recently, not available in Northern Ireland.
Ashton +
I started in circus in 2004, training at The Circus Space in London
My favourite trick is basing a 3-high, and I love single-point trapeze
Working in the arts can be exceptionally rewarding, but is also very challenging! If you want to perform, I’d recommend attending a full-time training course
One surprising fact about me is that I love Grime music
I love a soft-centre cookie with dark chocolate chunks
Diane +
I joined Belfast Circus School in 1999 for the 'Advancement in Circus' course. I had previously trained in Contemporary Dance and had little circus experience. I performed a dance piece for the course audition and could already juggle a bit. I got accepted onto the course and have never left.
My favourite circus skill is Hat Manipulation, I particularly like working with others in group juggling with hats and club passing.
To someone considering a career in circus I would say put the work in early, practice, practice, practice! Find others with the same passion as you and practice together. There is always more to learn, everyday's a school day!
I cant think of anything surprising about myself!
My favourite biscuits are dark chocolate gingers
Emmen +
I got into circus because I needed to do something that challenged me mentally and physically, somewhere I could channel my creativity into making moments of spectacle for others to enjoy in a shared space. Circus seemed the perfect balance of physical discipline and expression especially as the communities I've worked with have always supported me and my endeavours!
I'm primarily an aerialist, so in general I enjoy being in the air! My favourite thing about being an aerialist is that through connection to the apparatus I can portray to an audience my physical understanding of how it works, how it responds to me being on it and also the immersive moments of play and flight I can make with it whilst dangling in the air.
For anyone considering making circus a career - be prepared to do the grunt work, at the end of the day you are on your own journey and for the most part your body is the vehicle that will carry you! Be kind to yourself, eat, rest well, be prompt with your admin, always thank the tech and crew and surround yourself with those that support your decisions but also, keep in mind the feedback of those who have an objective view of what it is you're doing. Circus is about community, and getting into it you have to find your community so always look out for those who will give honest input with your best interests at heart. ... Also, be prepared for some crazy adventures that will truly change your life!
I don't think there are many things that would surprise people about me! I could ramble off the absurdity of my experiences and people would probably say "of course he has, he works in a circus!"
I like biscuits a lot, in fact I'm known for polishing off a whole packet with a singular cup of tea! So I tend not to be too picky with my bicky. However a plain Digestive biscuit is always a solid choice!
Anita +
I started attending a trapeze class, run by Jennifer Dempsey in the crescent arts centre and soon after auditioned for the full time course ‘advancement - into the future’ I graduated from that in 2000 and have worked as a circus performer and tutor since.
At the moment my favourite trick to work on is Mexican handstands particularly ring and also over arch chest stands on the canes.
My advice to anyone considering a career in circus would be, If you feel passionate about it do it, there is always a way.
Most people are pretty surprised to find out that I have won awards for pig, cow and sheep judging
Favourite biscuit oh that’s difficult and changes often, perhaps a Tim Tam (from Australia, like the superior cousin of the penguin) or maybe a ginger dark chocolate with a good crunch!
Francois+
I was an active participant of Belfast Circus School’s Youth Circus from the age of 10 where I was taught many different circus skills and made many friends. I loved being part of the circus so much that I wanted to impart my knowledge, skills and experiences to the next generation of circus children. To this end, I completed the Training for Trainers’ European programme ‘Circus Transformation in Action’ in 2018. From January 2019, I have been working as a Freelance Circus Trainer, teaching a wide range of skills to children attending Itty Bitty and Youth Circus.
My favourite skill/trick is probably the two wheel unicycle as it required me to relearn everything I knew about unicycle, and before you ask it is not just a bicycle.
For anyone considering a career in the circus:- It is a very rewarding career path to follow. You will have the opportunity to stimulate the imagination and creativity of the children they teach within a safe environment where no-one fails. You will observe children grow in confidence, self-esteem and will have lots of fun and build friendships you will have for life.
The most surprising thing about me is that I am not actually French and cannot speak French(yet).
My favourite biscuits are German Biscuits but without the glacé cherry.
Hillas +
I met a couple of German students when in college who introduced me to the joys of partner and group acrobatics, and I haven't looked back since.I have performed and taught Circus from Australia to South America, with many other stops along the way over the course of more than 25 years.
My favourite circus skill is head balancing - closely followed by hand balancing.
For anyone considering a career in circus: Go for it! Be hungry and learn from every encounter.
A surprising fact about me is that I studied Mathematics in University.
My favourite biscuit has to be a Chocolate Hobnob.
Tall Paul +
I've been a member of the circus community here in Belfast for 30 years. My first experience of community circus was at Ormeau Park recreation centre in 1985 with my twin brother Darren. This was the first time I met Mike Moloney and Donald Mckendry...and my mind was blown! Circus has opened so many doors it's impossible to list them all but here's a few: Meeting Nelson Mandela at the special Olympics in Dublin, spending a week at the St patrick's day celebrations in New Orleans with Mike and Donal, performing at the British juggling convention gala show, meeting my wife Diane and having a family who can all ride unicycles! I'm currently a freelance artist teaching and performing circus in Belfast and beyond!
I joined youth Circus aged 11 and started my career at the age of 17 when I became a tutor and performer.
I get the most fun and enjoyment out of club passing with 3-5 people.
Advice for anyone considering a career in circus - make sure to do your research to best prepare yourself. Talk to those making a living from teaching and performing as this may well give you the answers to the questions you'd not even thought about. Go for it!
Most surprising thing about me? I'm a robot
Favourite biscuit - jammy wagon wheel
Steve +
I have always been a performer, even at school.
I became a circus performer tutor in 2000.
Best trick? How to be silly and annoy people!
My advice is to have a career in circus and have a colourful wardrobe
One surprising thing about me… I hate biscuits
Favourite biscuit? All of them.
Sarah +
I started going to Adult Circus, maybe 15 years ago? And caught the bug for aerial. Then I went to as many classes and trained as much as possible, I hung around like a bad smell – they couldn’t get rid of me. Eventually, with some encouragement from others, I contacted Tall Paul to shadow some classes, and that was that…it was the best decision I ever made.
I love rope/corde lisse, and I love it when someone can effortlessly hang from one hand – it sounds simple, but it is so hard!
As long as you are passionate about it, then go for it, keep training, and keep learning.
I once made a table out of chocolate, along with cutlery, carved from chocolate.
Fox’s Milk Chocolate Viennese are my favourites biscuits. But even better is a Tunnock’s Teacake. Now I know it has cake in the name, but it does have a biscuit base…and so, upon further deliberation, I have decided that that is my biscuit of choice, unless you are going to be a stickler about it….
Glenn +
My first experience with circus was at a Scout Jamboree in Sherwood Forest when I was about 11, we made our own juggling balls and learned to juggle.
I then joined a cross-community circus project and then joined Youth Circus here until the age of 18.
Juggling is my favourite skill
To anyone considering a career in circus – Go for it, it’s awesome! Fox’s cookies are my favourite biscuit.
Graham +
I started my career in the circus at the QUB Juggling Club whilst getting my Duke of Edinburgh award - I had to learn a new skill and my friend told me about the juggling club. He told me that even if I didn't like it the person in charge would just sign me off and say I did it all - that sounded good to me so I started turning up. Apparently, juggling can be very addictive and It's been over 10 years since that all occurred!
My favourite trick is probably a diabolo trick - it's called a triple genocide... which is hilariously overdramatic in itself. It's when the diabolo flies up into the air and the sticks are flying around in a big circle (three times) before catching it again. I like it when it comes out of nowhere and the audience always loves it.
For anyone considering a career in circus, I would say go for it if that's definitely what you really want - but make sure you are getting into it for the right reasons ie. because you enjoy teaching or you enjoy performing. It can seem like an easy decision because you enjoy doing circus and think it's fun. However, it can be a tough road, and you need to be very careful making your hobby your profession - it can very easily take the fun out of it and leave you in a bit of a pickle down the road. There's nothing wrong with trying out other career options first, I tried a few myself, but I kept coming back to the circus which is when I knew it was right for me! Try University, try travelling, try apprenticeships in something you find interesting! Some of these options disappear as you get older, but the circus community is always there to support you should you want it - there are plenty of teachers and performers with degrees or PhDs in Mathematics, Anthropology and everything in-between. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't rush into the decision, and make sure you won't regret your decision further down the road! Good Luck!
Despite being reasonably relaxed and fairly low energy nowadays - if I do say so myself - I used to be THAT kid in primary school, you know, the one that would interrupt every lesson, moon the dinner ladies at lunchtime, scribble on the corner of your art project when you weren't looking and seemed obsessed with devising new ways of being sent to the principal's office on a daily basis. I like to think I still do a lot of creative devising when it comes to tricks or performance concepts, but I certainly don't moon as many dinner ladies these days.
I am not really a massive biscuit fan if I am totally honest - but I do love a hobnob with a cup of builders tea.
Logy+
When and how did you begin your career in circus I began doing circus in 2007, I joined a juggling club to learn something new and found a passion for it. I started working for Streetwise Community Circus both teaching and performing in 2008. Shortly after that I created a street show that I toured central Europe with and had since won many awards as a street and stage performer. I joined Circusful (then known as Belfast Circus School) in 2013.
Your favourite skill/trick My favourite skill would be Cigar Boxes, I really enjoy the creative possibilities with them. I love the elements of play involved in all circus skills and the ability to play is my favourite part of circus
What would you say to anyone considering a career in circus (teaching/performing) Always try to do what makes you happy, If that path leads you to Circus that's great, If it leads you to competitive roller blading or civil engineer that's also great
Most surprising thing about you I played the Bear in Season 3 of Game of Thrones
Your favourite biscuit Fox Golden Crunch, every time
Tina +
When and how did you begin your career in circus? By mistake…. In Dublin in 1995 I met a couple of jugglers and acrobats and one trapeze artist, I was hooked instantly and decided this is what I wanted to do!!
Your favourite skill/trick One foot drop on silk (which is also called The Kill Tina Drop)
What would you say to anyone considering a career in circus?
Circus life is amazing and fantastic, but it’s hard and not for everyone
Most surprising thing about you I was the All Ireland Diving Champion in 2005
Your favourite biscuit Broccoli infused kimchi cracker