Skills Development
Dare2Dream
A full-time vocational talent development programme providing an alternative to mainstream education through high-quality coaching and comprehensive circus and performing arts training.
The programme develops skilled, confident performers ready to progress into Zip Zap’s professional company or pursue careers in the performing arts sector locally and internationally.
Social Challenge
Marginalised young adults with incomplete educations have very limited job prospects. Most come from poverty-stricken communities where youth unemployment exceeds 50%, with high competition for jobs and low education levels. They face daily challenges that can lead to stress and poor decision-making. Issues such as unemployment, struggles in education, family problems, and harsh judgement by society contribute to feelings of isolation and depression.
Programme Goal
- To empower diverse youth to achieve their goals of careers in Circus Arts.
- Provide an alternative pathway to employment for youth who do not wish to pursue mainstream tertiary education.
- Equip participants for future employment through 4 years of practical work experience in the programme.
- Support the professional development of participants through our Circus, Technical and Teaching modules
- Support the personal development of participants through our self-development module.
- Meet the human capital needs of all Zip Zap’s programmes by creating a pool of fully trained youth who can sustain, expand, and contribute to the curriculum development and expansion of all Zip Zap activities
2025 Programme Impact
D2D is Zip Zap’s intensive vocational programme, preparing young adults for professional careers in circus and the performing arts. Through daily training, productions, and international coaching, students develop advanced technical skills, artistic identity, discipline and professionalism.
Participants performed in Chasing Dreams and Take Me Home, took part in roadshows, and received specialised training including stage make-up and coaching from international experts. The programme also builds leadership, collaboration and facilitation skills, preparing students for both performance and teaching pathways.
Students showed exceptional growth in technique, creativity, independence and stage presence, demonstrating strong professional readiness.
Beneficiaries
2025 Sponsors
Our Beautiful Shell
OBS is our on-site residence, a shared and safe accommodation space for Zip Zap students who face challenges commuting to attend training.
OBS is more than just accommodation—it’s a home. Residents are provided with all the essentials for a comfortable and secure environment, including bedding, appliances, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and more. Nutritious meals are supplied through in-kind donations from our retail partner, Woolworths, ensuring everyone is well taken care of.
Beyond meeting basic needs, OBS plays an essential role in preparing Zip Zap beneficiaries for independent living. The residence promotes a cosmopolitan atmosphere where residents actively participate in household chores, organisation, and maintenance, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.
At its core, OBS embodies Zip Zap’s values: Accountability, Family, Honesty, Joy, and Respect. It creates a warm, family-like environment that encourages community involvement and cultural integration. Residents are invited to cook together, share meals, and support one another, especially when away from their own families. Language and cultural exchanges naturally arise during these shared moments, enriching the experience for all. One of the greatest successes is the lifelong friendships it fosters. A standout initiative was a collaborative cooking and language exchange project. When language barriers emerged, residents began a weekly tradition of preparing and sharing meals from different countries, creating a relaxed space for language practice and cultural appreciation.
Social Challenge
Challenges related to access to tuition and accommodation can create barriers for young people aspiring to build careers in circus and the performing arts., which not only hinder their ability to pursue their goals but may also contribute to rising youth unemployment and poverty.
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Programme Goal
Remove the accessibility challenges to give participants the opportunity to experience communal living in the context of the Dare2Dream programme.
Impact
Residents share living space with people from varied socio-economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Responsibilities are shared and residents are held accountable to each other to ensure a safe, clean, and harmonious existence.
Developing good inter-personal and social skills, and fostering good self-discipline, are critical to successful cohabitation and maintaining mature relationships. Open, honest channels of communication, consideration for others and managing conflict are also vital to ensuring social cohesion within the residence.
Good self-management and understanding the demands of independent living enables residents to set achievable goals and improve decision-making.
Beneficiaries
International interns & guest teachers
For more information on how to join one of our programmes, email
2025 Sponsors
Donate
We rely entirely on donations to change lives. Our students don’t pay for any classes.
Donate today and dream with us →
