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The National Circus School is pleased to announce the promotion of three of its team members to the management team.
Camille Couvrette as Director of Human Resources, Olivier Leblanc as Deputy Executive Director – Operations, and Emmanuel Bochud as Deputy Executive Director – Research and Innovation.
Following the recent appointment of Patrice Aubertin as Executive Director of the organization, these appointments consolidate a team that will be called upon to lead the institution’s next phase of development. At the end of a transitional year marked by a major strategic planning exercise, the ENC is embarking on a new cycle aimed notably at better connecting its various missions, its ecosystem, and its teams.
« We have an extremely stimulating period ahead of us for the École nationale de cirque. To fully realize our ambitions, we must be able to count on a strong, complementary management team capable of breaking down silos between areas of expertise. Camille, Olivier, and Emmanuel each possess an intimate knowledge of our organization, as well as very different experiences and perspectives that will enrich the way we work »
– Patrice Aubertin, Executive Director of the National Circus School
Having joined the NCS in February 2025 as a Human Resources Advisor, Camille Couvrette has been promoted to Director of Human Resources. With over seven years of experience in cultural management and five years in human resources (particularly in the municipal sector), she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Culture, and Tourism and a Specialized Graduate Diploma (DESS) in Human Resources Management. Since her arrival, she has actively contributed to the evolution of HR practices and the support of managers. In her new role, her mandate will be to strengthen the organizational culture, employer brand, talent development, and the employee experience. Furthermore, her personal background, marked by the practice of classical ballet, burlesque, and over ten years of amateur theater, naturally anchors her in the performing arts community.
Olivier Leblanc – Deputy Executive Director – OperationsAfter rigorously serving as Interim Co-Executive Director of the NCS alongside Patrice Aubertin, Olivier Leblanc has been appointed Deputy Executive Director – Operations. Previously Director of Administrative Services, he played a central role in the organization’s stability during the recent transition period. Trained in law at the Université de Sherbrooke, he combines varied experiences in the legal, administrative, and cultural sectors. His management approach is centered on people, rigor, and collaboration. In this new role, he will ensure the consistency and efficiency of operations, support the implementation of major institutional projects, and strengthen coordination between administrative and operational functions.
Emmanuel Bochud – Deputy Executive Director – Research and InnovationCurrently Director of Development and Innovation at the Center for Research on Human Potential (HUPR), Emmanuel Bochud becomes Deputy Executive Director – Research and Innovation. His mandate will consist of contributing to the strategic development of innovation partnerships, knowledge transfer, and the emergence of new practices for the circus and performing arts. He will also work to strengthen the anchoring of these initiatives within communities, notably through the youth department, and to promote the Documentation Center. With an in-depth knowledge of the circus environment, he has previously held several strategic positions at Cirque du Soleil (Head of the Training Program, Head of Public Affairs and Social Responsibility) and served on the board of directors of En Piste from 2016 to 2020.
About the National Circus School
Founded in 1981 in Montreal, the National Circus School (NCS) combines training, research and innovation, and development dedicated to the circus arts. Recognized in Canada and internationally for the excellence of its higher education, it supports emerging artists while contributing to the evolution of practices, knowledge, and equipment, thanks in particular to its HUPR research center and its specialized documentary resources. Through its training programs, introduction and recreational activities, research projects, and collaborations with the community, the NCS contributes to the development, innovation, and international reach of circus arts in Canada and around the world.
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A renewed structure to support the ambitions of the NCS
These appointments strengthen the School’s capacity to work transversally around its major pillars: training, the HUPR research center, the documentation center, and the NCS Foundation. As the School prepares to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026-2027, this renewed team is in place to support the rollout of major projects in this new strategic cycle.
