REAP Catch Up: Georgia Wallace

Georgia Wallace was one of the first participants in ROOKE’s Emerging Artist Programme (REAP to its mates). Since completing the two-year programme, Georgia has hit the ground running, skillfully juggling an emerging career as both a performer and an arts administrator. We caught up with her in rehearsals with Canberra-based company Clockwork Circus, right before their season of Typo at the Sydney Fringe Festival.

Georgia’s journey with ROOKE started at the 2023 Canberra Circus Festival when ROOKE brought Interloper to town.

“I was super excited to do juggle-tumbling with Lewie at the festival training camp,” she recalls. “I loved every moment of learning new skills and gaining his insights into combining juggling with movement and tumbling. It was something I was really interested in, but I had limited local trainers to support me in exploring it.”

When Georgia heard the callout for ROOKE’s brand-new emerging artist programme, Georgia didn't hesitate. REAP offered the exact bridge she needed to take her training to the next level. The technical skills were invaluable, but Georgia notes that some of the most profound takeaways were cultural habits that continue to define how she works today.

“Checking in with my fellow artists at the start and end of a session is something I learnt directly from my time with ROOKE,” she explains. “While I don’t always do it in a formal way, knowing how the people in the room are feeling each day is so important. Who’s had enough sleep? Who’s going through something outside the room? Who has an injury or a niggle? It directly affects the safety and creative potential of what we do. When we have the opportunity to share our needs and goals, we can truly support each other.”

It’s easy to wonder where an emerging performer might end up without the right springboard. For Georgia, REAP provided the tangible assets and industry connections necessary to step out as a working professional.

“The programme set me up with my first professional cabaret act, a beautiful set of photos and headshots, a showreel, and the confidence and connections to build my network,” Georgia shares. “I was able to take my cabaret act to the Adelaide Fringe, perform in the Melbourne Juggling Convention Gala Show, and start making a name for myself. REAP really helped bridge the gap between being a youth circus student at Warehouse Circus to where I am today.”

That transition has opened major doors. Over the past 18 months, Georgia has been touring with Highwire Entertainment’s Mission to the Moon, a fun, educational children’s circus show and her first “proper” job as a professional performing artist.

“We recently did a tour through Regional Arts Victoria where we visited lots of tiny schools across regional Victoria,” she says. “It was the most rewarding and enjoyable experience. I love being in Mission to the Moon because of the unique way it combines circus skills, scripted acting, and education.”

In addition to helping emerging artists, programmes like REAP strengthen the sector as a whole.

“REAP gives you real-world, hands-on experience, mentors who support you throughout your career, and the confidence to start working professionally,” Georgia reflects. “The support that ROOKE artists give to Australian emerging performers ensures we can build a sustainable, successful, and positive future for both the local and global circus industry.”

Her advice for anyone sitting on the fence about applying for the next intake?

“Don’t hesitate! I loved my time with ROOKE, and it set me up so well. Through access to their creative developments, rehearsals, and performances, I came away with a clear understanding of the standards to expect when working for a company and most importantly, I learned how to value and respect myself and my work.”

And what of her new show for Sydney Fringe?

“We created Typo last year and premiered it at the Canberra Circus Festival. I’m really proud of the show we have made together as a collaborative cast of emerging artists. Typo combines storytelling and narrative with high-level acrobatics, juggling, and other skills. I’m so proud to be part of this cast, and I can’t wait to take it on tour!”