An interview with BTEC student, Morgan Rose Tyler
This year (2026) we had the pleasure of talking with Morgan, a first-year BTEC student who grew up in a circus family. Having set her sights on Circomedia from just eight years old, she is now training across aerial, acrobatics, dance and theatre while developing her own creative voice. A former British Young Juggling Competition winner, Morgan brings ambition, independence and big dreams for a future in professional circus.
Can you tell us about your journey into juggling and circus? How did it all start?
My dad is a professional circus performer. He’s been a street performer for a long time but, he didn’t teach me at the beginning. I think he thought that I would be less enthusiastic if he taught me first.
So, I went to Broxford, to the juggling convention, and a guy taught me how to juggle three balls, and it took an unbelievably long amount of time to master! After I’d got it, my dad said, “okay, so you’ve got three balls, let’s progress now”.
We shot through all the numbers, I never did any tricks with juggling for a long time, I just went straight to numbers juggling. My Dad was learning how to teach, at the same time as teaching me, and we have created a teaching style together so I’m a reasonably good juggling teacher now as well.
I also have been hula hooping since I was young and I’ve always loved dance. The performance part of it is natural to me, but the actual skills are not.
Where did you grow up?
The first part of my life, I lived in rural Wiltshire and then we moved to Cardiff and that is when whole circus ‘thing’ kicked off because the Welsh circus scene is big!
What made you decide to apply for the BTEC at Circomedia?
I didn’t think about any other options because I knew I wanted to be here. I get independence from coming here.
Obviously, I’m part of a circus family so a lot of my circus experience is in a controlled environment, around people who I’m with all the time. By coming to somewhere where I’m not used to the people, not used to the place, it helps me grow. I can also explore Bristol city.
I always knew about Circomedia because it was just talked about around me. Also, a family friend called Sam did the degree. I didn’t realise there was an option to study for a degree here as well, so I thought that is pretty cool.
I was set on this place since I was literally 8 years old.
Has there been a moment on the course that’s left an impression on you?
The last performance we did in December. I was with some of my favourite people on this course, and we got on so well. Creating the performance and doing the run-throughs was a lot of fun.
I’ve made such good friends here, like the kind of friends that like stay with you.
And I got a distinction in my last module, so that was pretty cool too.
What would you say to someone who might be completely new to circus, but is curious?
On the BTEC course there’s basics and beginner classes for all the disciplines, no matter how far ahead you are, and everyone goes at their own pace but, it is very physical! As there’s small classes as well so the teacher can see what level you’re at and push you when you need it.
I would 100% recommend the BTEC course, as long as you’re willing to work hard for it.
What is a typical week on the BTEC like for you now?
We have aerial, coursework, technical development and handstands. And then acrobatics, juggling, tumbling, dance, theatre and fitness! You spend time working towards performances and creating your own work during the technical development and coursework sessions.
Here you’ve got all these disciplines, and I get along with some more than others. But it’s all still fun to learn, and its good exercise. The teachers are all very supportive and we get a report, where you learn about things to improve and areas you are doing well in.
How has being on the BTEC course changed the way you think about circus and/ or performance?
It has changed how I go about creating a performance, usually I am just told what to do and do it, whereas here, I have way more of an opinion, and trust me, I have one! So, I’m enjoying the actual show creating and having a say in what’s being made.
You won the British Young Juggling Competition in 2022 and competed in 2021 placing third. How did you find the experience of the competition and winning?
It was incredible. The British Juggling Convention is one of my favourite places to perform, it’s also one of the most terrifying because everyone in the audience is a juggler. There’s quite a lot of pressure to still maintain the same level of skill. It’s also interesting to see what kind of other young people perform, you get technical, performance and sport jugglers all take to the stage. It’s such an incredible opportunity.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about?
I am never satisfied with where I am, I’m always looking forward, so I can’t wait for the degree at Circomedia. After, I want to go on cruise ships, I want to perform with Cirque du Soleil and get a big name for myself. Then get a farm and retire.
