The Women in Circus Symposium — a one-day event hosted by the National Fairground and Circus Archive, University of Sheffield — is open for submissions.

Date: Wednesday 5th August 2026

Time: 09:30 – 16:30

Venue: Western Bank Library, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN

The symposium will celebrate the role of women in circus through history and discuss the complex role they have played in its development through performance, promotion and management including their successes, challenges, achievements and impact on the sector.

How has the role of women evolved over its long history? Who were the trailblazers, and what is their legacy in contemporary practices? What specific challenges do women experience in the sector? How does gender define women’s careers and performance genre?

Academics, independent researchers and practitioners with lived experience are welcomed to submit papers for 20 minute presentations (including questions). Please feel free to submit a paper on any topic related to the theme of the symposium.

Suggested topics: 

• Remarkable performers
• Women breaking the mould
• The historical context and the role of women in the development of circus
• Women’s legacy in circus
• Feminism in the circus context
• Physical performance and body image
• Women shaping performance
• The challenges and opportunities for women in circus

Submission guidelines 

Abstract/Summary (max 300 words) outlining your presentation content

Short biography (max 200 words)

Please note, all presenters are required to attend in-person.

Submission deadline: Monday 23 March 

The papers will be reviewed and selected by a panel of members of the organising committee. Decisions on proposals will be sent by Monday 11 May.

Please submit your proposal via this link

Location

The symposium will take place at the Western Bank Library, University of Sheffield and home of the National Fairground and Circus Archive. It will be part of a series of public events to celebrate Rope Women; an exhibition about the all female troupe Skinning the Cat co-curated by its founder, aerial performer, entrepreneur and artist Rebecca Truman and NFCA Senior Archivist Arantza Barrutia with an introduction by Professor Vanessa Toulmin.

For directions, including accessible routes and facilities, see the Western Bank Library guide on AccessAble

Access

The room for the symposium is located on level 5 of the Western Bank Library. There is stair and lift access to the room. Toilets are located on the ground level. If you have any access requirements please let us know in advance of the event.

For further information related to access, parking and maps please follow this link

For enquiries related to the Symposium, please contact: Arantza Barrutia a.barrutia-wood@sheffield.ac.uk with the subject line Women in Circus Symposium 2026

We look forward to receiving your submission!