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A New Era for the National Circus School
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that the National Circus School (NCS) begins a new chapter in its history. Following a rewarding transition year, which allowed us to consolidate our foundations while actively preparing our next strategic plan, we are thrilled to share with our community a major announcement for the future of our institution.
Here is the official press release announcing the appointment of our new Executive Director:
Patrice Aubertin Appointed Executive Director of the National Circus School
Montreal, August 12, 2026 – The Board of Directors of the National Circus School (NCS) is pleased to announce the official appointment of Patrice Aubertin as Executive Directorl of the institution. Since June 2025, the position had been held on an interim basis by a co-direction consisting of Patrice Aubertin, Director of the HUPR research centre, and Olivier Leblanc, Director of Administrative Services.
This transition period has allowed the School to pursue its development with rigor, stability, and ambition. The past year has been marked by wonderful internal evolutions, several structural changes, and an open and rigorous strategic planning exercise. This work will pave the way for the implementation of the 2026-2030 strategic plan, which will be launched this summer with the start of several flagship projects for the future of the institution and a new ecosystemic vision.
“The Board of Directors wishes to highlight the high quality of the work accomplished by Patrice Aubertin and Olivier Leblanc over the past year. Together, they ensured a solid transition that was both respectful of the School’s history and focused on the future of the institution. The appointment of Patrice Aubertin falls within this continuity and will allow us to open a new cycle of development with confidence, vision, and ambition,” emphasized Sébastien Guénette, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Circus School.
Building on his 18 years of experience within the institution, including 16 at the helm of the HUPR research centre (formerly CRITAC), Mr. Aubertin will contribute to strengthening the links between training, research, innovation, and outreach. His arrival as Director General will guide the NCS toward a more ecosystemic vision of its role: training the next generation of circus artists, supporting innovation in practices, developing knowledge, and actively contributing to the vitality of the circus arts.
“I accept this appointment with great gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility as we enter a new era that promises to be transformative and innovative. The National Circus School is an exceptional institution that will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026-2027, driven by a committed, talented, and deeply human community. The coming months will allow us to launch a new strategic cycle by building on our strengths: the excellence of our training, innovation and research, our openness to the world, and the anchoring of circus within society,” stated Patrice Aubertin, the new Executive Director of the NCS.
The Board of Directors would also like to warmly thank Olivier Leblanc for his exemplary commitment during this period of interim co-direction. His leadership, administrative rigor, and in-depth knowledge of the organization’s inner workings have greatly contributed to ensuring the smooth continuity of the School’s activities.
About the National Circus School
Founded in 1981 in Montreal, the National Circus School (NCS) combines training, research, and innovation, as well as development dedicated to the circus arts. Recognized in Canada and internationally for the excellence of its higher education, it supports the next generation of artists while contributing to the evolution of practices, knowledge, and equipment, thanks in particular to its HUPR research centre and its specialized documentary resources. Through its training programs, introductory and recreational activities, research projects, and collaborations with the community, the NCS contributes to the development, innovation, and outreach of circus arts in Canada and around the world.
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The entire team at the National Circus School would like to warmly congratulate Patrice Aubertin on this well-deserved appointment. We look forward to seeing the numerous projects of our 2026-2030 strategic plan come to life under his leadership, continuing to showcase our art. We also join the Board of Directors in thanking Olivier Leblanc for his exceptional work and dedication over the past year.
Stay tuned, great things are in store for our community!
