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The National Circus School of Montreal (NCS) is proud to announce its participation in the 45th edition of the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain (FMCD), taking place in January 2026 at the Cirque Phénix in Paris. Each year, this event brings together the most promising artists of the new generation of circus performers. Considered one of the most prestigious circus festivals in the world, it celebrates boldness, creativity, and technical excellence through a competition of outstanding international scope.
Under the artistic direction of Howard Richard, with the collaboration of Nathalie Hébert, a talented group of students from NCS Montreal has been selected to perform at this legendary festival. In a milestone year celebrating both the 45th anniversary of the FMCD and the upcoming 45 years of creation at our institution in 2026, our students will have the honour of opening the weekend with the festival’s opening number. This recognition and their presence on such a renowned stage reflects not only the quality of their work, but also the exceptional reach of the training offered in Montreal.
Congratulations to Alex Aufderklamm, Glenn Ernest Doyle, Anna Layne Hechenberger, Ethan William Hinshelwood, Frédéric Lauzon-Schnittka, Ambre Martial, Scott Baker Raison, Maleah Lynn Rendon, Eva Louise Rhinelander, and Perrine Schafer.
NCS Alumni Competing This Year
At this 45th edition of the Festival, taking place from January 22 to 25 at Cirque Phénix, we are honoured to have ten (10) graduates of our institution proudly representing NCS. They will showcase the full extent of their talent before a jury of internationally recognized circus professionals, a passionate audience, and numerous programmers, presenters, and artistic directors from circus companies and cabarets.
The entire team at the National Circus School warmly congratulates its graduates selected for the 2026 edition. Their participation in the festival is a testament to the talent, determination, and creative spirit that define the next generation of circus artists. A heartfelt congratulations and best of luck to all of them. We wish them a wonderful experience in Paris and a performance worthy of their passion!
Photo credit: Félix Frésard
