Each year, hundreds of thousands of Australians attend circus and physical theatre (CAPT) performances across the country. As a state, Victoria holds the second highest share of revenue and attendance, and the state is home to many artists and organisations working across a range of CAPT genres.

In 2023, Creative Australia in partnership with Creative Victoria commissioned City People and their specialist advisors to conduct a scan of the Victorian CAPT sector as part of the Victorian Circus and Physical Theatre Strategy 2021-2024. The purpose of this research was to develop an understanding of the breadth of CAPT practice and impact in Victoria. City People’s report provides insights into the challenges, gaps, needs and opportunities of CAPT in Victoria and identifies future opportunities for the sector.

Areas of focus included practice; presentation, audience and pathways; and infrastructure.