YOUNG STAGE is a non-profit association based in Basel that promotes, supports and connects young circus artists and modern circus in Europe, with a particular focus on Switzerland. We are working to raise the profile of circus arts as a performing art in Switzerland and to gain greater recognition and cultural support for it.
At the same time, we want to inspire children and young people in the Basel region and throughout Switzerland to take up circus arts themselves and to come into contact with professional artists.
Our history since 2007
From 2007 to 2025, the international circus festival YOUNG STAGE in Basel was one of the world’s most important platforms for young artists and the flagship of our work. Every year, 600–800 talented individuals from around 60 countries applied to take part; a total of 431 artists from all over the world took to the stage and seized the opportunity to launch their careers. The festival came to an end with a final, emotional edition in September 2025. After almost 20 years, the core team made a conscious decision to call it a day and stop while they were ahead.
However, the enthusiasm for circus and promoting young talent lives on under the well-known YOUNG STAGE brand, including in the annual circus camps for children.
The festival was not only a competition, but also a springboard into the professional circus world. International show producers travelled to Basel every year to discover new talent. At the same time, the energetic shows thrilled around 8,000 spectators of all ages every year.
In addition to the competition, an ‘open-air circus spectacle’ brought the fascination of the circus directly to Basel’s city centre. Visitors could enjoy free performances at various locations, while children took their first steps into the world of artistry at the circus obstacle course.
Exchange within the scene was also a central component of the YOUNG STAGE Festival. In workshops, discussions and networking formats, young artists came together with producers, directors and experts to discuss trends, make contacts and develop new ideas for their future.
Get a taste of circus life at the Circus Camps
The summer circus camps remain an integral part of YOUNG STAGE to this day. These camps were established during the coronavirus pandemic and are now a fixed part of the annual programme. For two weeks, around 200 children aged between 7 and 14 enjoy their own circus holiday: they try out different disciplines, train with professional coaches and, at the end of the week, take centre stage themselves in the big final performances in front of family and friends. Together, they practise, laugh, eat and discover the joy of the circus.
