Graduate Stories
Emba Wimbush – BTEC 2022 and BA (Hons) Graduate 2025
Why did you choose Circomedia?
I left secondary school in Year 10, before taking any GCSEs. I found it difficult to cope with authority and conformity, partly because of my alternative upbringing. Ironically, I loved the learning itself – I’m a sucker for a good essay – but not within the mainstream school system. I registered as homeschooled, taught myself the curriculums, and sat five iGCSEs independently. That break gave me space to think about what I really wanted — and circus was the clear path forward.
What was your favourite thing about training at Circomedia?
The community. The creativity. The freedom and encouragement to explore and push boundaries with others who are just as passionate. A day at Circomedia, when I was in my element, felt like being connected — to my body, my people, my heart, and my aspirations.
Certain teachers and classmates also left powerful marks on me: Moira Hunt taught me how to play and let myself be silly, Ethan helped me take risks again, and Rod pushed me to aim high. My friends reminded me to try new things, and to both laugh and cry along the way.
Circomedia was also a home for me when other areas of life felt unstable. I’ve faced domestic abuse, bereavement, and suicide, and Circomedia became an invaluable, inspiring, and supportive environment. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me it was a space where I could grow not only as a performer but as a person.
What did you hope to achieve when you started at Circomedia?
At first, I just wanted to chase that feeling of passion, joy, and inspiration. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I grew up in a supportive “do what makes you happy” family, and it was clear I was passionate. So, I joined the BTEC to explore further. I fell even more in love and auditioned for the degree with the purpose of making circus my life. What surprised me most was this shift from being a very technical performer, who made exciting work but without much narrative or message, into a circus theatre artist whose work revolves around those three aspects.
Circus training also provided me with invaluable structure and focus during an incredibly difficult time. My partner took his life a month before I joined Circomedia, and the daily rhythm of training became central to my healing journey. Circomedia gave me a space and platform to express the depths of my soul, and to explore how to do that in a way that was progressive both for me and for an audience. My third-year research focused on making trauma-informed work in a universal and empowering way — with focus on universality, without glorifying or triggering trauma.
Over the five years, my dream shifted. At first, I wanted to be the best hoop artist, to be famous for my skill, to live in the spotlight. But now my focus has more depth — to reflect both joy and pain. I feel it is my purpose to make work that reflects the human condition and how we can deal with it. I want to create work that inspires emotional intelligence, compassion, empathy, and presence.
How has your training shaped your current professional journey?
Technically, my biggest takeaway has been the importance of warming up, cooling down, and conditioning properly, with a focus on solid foundations. Artistically, the most important lesson has been play — giving myself time to explore, set games and challenges, and let unique sequences emerge.
I now think of performance as an opportunity to be seen and heard. Something we all need as humans. And within that, if I’m true to myself and what I want to reflect, I can’t really go wrong.
Many opportunities came through Circomedia — performing at Bristol Zoo Project, Harbourside Festival, Bristol Museum After Dark, and in MA projects, as well as learning from companies like Revel Pucks and Joli Vyann. Training also taught me perseverance, adaptability, consistency, and drive — and, just as importantly, the value of rest and energy management.
What have you been up to since graduating?
I’ve been teaching aerial hoop to ages 4+ in Pembrokeshire, performing at a charity event in Wales (Zoo-lala), and teaching and performing at a variety of festivals over the summer, doing everything from character work to full acts. I auditioned for a Netflix show, and I filmed with ITV for a Christmas special coming out soon.
A proud moment was booking my first paid work as a graduate. It was scary — especially learning how to price myself. But knowing my worth, and having people value my art, was an amazing experience.
I’m still shaping my career and taking time to reflect after five intense years. Right now, I’m allowing myself to rest, absorb everything I’ve learned, and follow what feels inspiring. I know that as long as I do that, I’m on the right path.
What would you say to someone thinking about applying to study here?
Circomedia is absolutely a place where you can come as you are, even if life has been complicated. There’s no framework for an artist — we come in all shapes, forms, and stories. And even when life felt very heavy for me, progress (even the tiniest bit) was what kept me going.
Header image by @manjaro.media
