2024 Skill Share Workshop Agreement

Overview

Memorandum of Understanding: Skill Share Workshop Participants

The following document sets out a summary of the basis on which Company Members and Invited Artists agree to participate in Training & Idea Generation Group activities with Circus Oz.

1. Activity | Group: Skill Share Workshop.

2. Type of Activity: Participating in two-week activities in ensemble work and speciality skills.

3. Dates: 3 to 14 June 2024. Monday to Friday.

4. Times: 10am to 5pm

5. Location: Circus Oz building, 35 Johnston St, Collingwood Victoria

6. Understanding: The Training Group(s) provides an opportunity for Company Members and Invited Artists to come together to train and explore creative ideas. It is understood that:

a) Circus Oz will:

• • • • i) Provide access to training space for Company Members and Invited Artists to train during sessions as described in items 1 to 4.
      • ii) Through this activity, provide an opportunity for Artists to extend their skills through collaborative exploration with experienced circus artists and peers.

b) The Participant understands and agrees that:

• • • • i) Participants train / participate at their own risk.
      • ii) They will abide by Circus Oz values, policies and protocols when in the Circus Oz building and participating in Group activities.

c) The Participant should be mindful that any ideas that evolve in these sessions may be used in a Circus Oz show. The involvement in the sessions does not guarantee future involvement in a Circus Oz show.

7. Fee: No fees are to be paid by Circus Oz or the Participant for involvement in this Activity.

8. Policies: When training or participating in Group activities Participants agree to abide by Circus Oz values, policies, and procedures including but not limited to the specific Safety Protocols set out in Schedule 1 of this Agreement. Participants have a duty of care for the safety of others and children and must report any concern about safety, including child safety, to the appropriate Circus Oz personnel and / or authorities. Participants must not break the law and must adhere to Occupational Health and Safety rules and regulations.

9. Insurance: Participants will need to arrange their own public liability insurance and, where appropriate, unless otherwise agreed professional liability insurance, must provide a certificate of currency before participating in any Group activity.

10. Indemnity: Participants train / participate at their own risk and indemnify Circus Oz from liability in the event of any injury. For the avoidance of doubt Participants must sign the waiver for liability in Schedule 2 before commencing training with this Group.

11. COVID Safety: Participants agree to comply with the Circus Oz COVID Safe Plan and will adhere to any additional requirements or reasonable directions in relation to COVID and other public health safety protocols.

12. Intellectual property: Participants acknowledge and agree that the creative copyright (intellectual property) and ownership of the ideas incubated through Group activities vest in Circus Oz. If Participants use work or materials from a third-party, they indemnify Circus Oz (in perpetuity) from any and all financial or legal obligations under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act.

13. No ongoing commitment: For the avoidance of doubt, Participants are not employees of Circus Oz and do not have any authority to incur costs or to act on behalf of Circus Oz.

14. Variation or termination: It is understood that Circus Oz may amend or cancel this agreement at any time.

SCHEDULE 1 – Activity Specific Safety Protocols | Requirements

BASIC SAFETY PRINCIPLES – APPLYING TO ALL GROUPS

1. Training Group Captains must ascertain participants competency and aptitude as early as possible by monitoring them closely in the early phases of training and work within their limits.
2. Another person must be in the space before you can use a ladder or work at height.
3. Double check your equipment.
4. Sufficient padding and mats should always be used underneath equipment, unless using mats will increase risk for injury or interfere with a performance ready rehearsal.
5. Make sure you perform an adequate warm up.
6. Only use equipment that you have had formal training and sufficient practice on.
7. Practice close and active spotting techniques. Protect the head and neck.
8. Remember that your physical abilities change every day depending on your sleep, diet, mental state, and regular training. Listen to your body and take care of yourself.
9. Be more cautious at the end of your practice.  Most injuries happen when you are mentally and physically tired.
10. Be a role model for other aerialists and circus artists using this space. Keep things tidy. If you see an issue with equipment then report it and clearly tag it. If you have any concerns about safety speak up.
11. Help maintain the safety culture Circus Oz is known for!

BASIC AERIAL SAFETY PRINCIPLES:

12. A minimum of 2 experienced flying trapeze artists must be present at any given training session.
13. Ensure lunge lines are used for any less experienced / beginner participants.
14. All carabiners should be locked and down.  Don’t screw up!  Double check your rigging and equipment.
15. Sufficient padding and mats should always be used underneath aerial equipment, unless using mats will increase risk for injury or interfere with a performance ready rehearsal. Mats must be positioned and checked before flying.
16. Visually monitor the flying rig before and during each session. If you notice any visual or audible anomalies in its function stop the session immediately and log the issue using the Facilities Maintenance Log QR Code or notify the attending Circus Oz “housekeeper”.
17. Make sure you perform an adequate warm up.
18. Only use equipment that you have had formal training and sufficient practice on.
19. Practice close and active spotting techniques.  Protect the head and neck. Do not try to catch the flyer, just guide them to the ground. Keep your thumbs in.
20. Learning and practicing new drops on any equipment should be done in a group of three or more. Make sure you can competently walk out of drops first before a full execution.  Getting out of wraps / drops correctly is just as important as getting into wraps / drops correctly.
21. Always practice new skills low to the ground first.
22. No sliding down or jumping off of silks because you’re being lazy.
23. Always practice controlled descents.

SCHEDULE 2 – Waiver of Liability

Circus Australia Limited RELEASE & WAIVER OF LIABILITY

In relation to participation in Training Group activities, including aerial and / or other circus skills training and related activities: ‘the Activities’

I declare that:

1. I understand that the Activities are physically demanding, and I am in an appropriate physical condition to participate.
2. I have taken medical advice on any pre-existing conditions or concerns and confirm that it is medically and physically safe for me to participate in the Activities.
3. If my physical condition changes I will seek medical advice before continuing to participate in the Activities.
4. I acknowledge that there are risks involved in the Activities, and fully assume the risks associated with my participation.I understand and acknowledge that Circus Australia Limited provide no warranties and I indemnify Circus Australia Limited against any costs or losses resulting from my participation.
5. I agree that, to the extent permissible by law, Circus Australia Limited (including all staff and volunteers) and any other parties associated with the Activities, have no liability to me for any direct or indirect loss (including but not limited to injury or death) sustained by me during or in any way related to my participation in the Activities.
6. I will participate in the Activities in a manner that does not endanger either me or others.
7. I have read and agree to comply with the rules and conditions, including safety protocols, for participation set out in this Agreement, and agree to comply with rules and conditions relating to participation as provided to me by Circus Australia Limited from time to time. I understand that it is my responsibility to make sure I know and understand the rules and conditions of participation.
8. I understand that if I bring my own equipment to train on or with then it is my sole responsibility to ensure that that equipment is safe for use. If I allow anyone else to train onor with my own equipment, I will make it clear that it is my own equipment and does not belong to Circus Australia Limited and I assume sole responsibility for its use.
9. I consent to receiving medical treatment in the event of illness or injuries suffered during the Activities or while on Circus Australia Limited premises in relation to the Activities.

CIRCUS AUSTRALIA LTD, trading as CIRCUS OZ ABN: 43 005 412 788

Contact person:  Stephen Burton
Phone:  +61 415 588 902
Email: stephen.burton@circusoz.com.au
Address: 50 Perry Street, Collingwood Victoria 3066, Australia