By: Himavee Jayaweera
In a city that often moves to the predictable rhythm of conventional career paths and structured routines, choosing a life in the performing arts is a massive leap of faith. Choosing the circus? That’s a gravity-defying feat all on its own.
Yet, for Phiz and Jia Sheng, the masterminds behind Circus of Altrades, building a multidisciplinary circus troupe isn't just about mastering physical skills. It’s about creating a community where athletes, dancers, and misfits can finally find a space to call home and truly belong.
Inspired by the classic phrase "jack of all trades," Circus of Altrades is all about the beauty of versatility. By tumbling past traditional boundaries and blending gymnastics, hip-hop, contemporary storytelling, and high-flying circus acts, they are proving that you don’t have to fit into a single box to create something breathtaking.
The Opening Act
Neither Phiz nor Jia Sheng started out expecting to run a circus. Phiz grew up as a competitive gymnast before transitioning into hip-hop and ballet. Jia Sheng was working as a stilt-walker and fire-spinner at Universal Studios Singapore. When the pandemic hit in 2020, and live entertainment jobs vanished, they found themselves training together.
"My first goal in life was to become a good performer.
But the second one is just starting a community here in Singapore."
— Phiz, Creative Director
Instead of waiting for the industry to recover, they decided to build something new and introduce structured acrobatic circus training to the city. Their acts range from Phiz balancing upside down on a tower of stacked chairs to Jia Sheng’s high-energy fire-poi routines.
While early commercial shows focused on quick tricks to wow a crowd, they have shifted toward an intentional, narrative-driven approach to performance.
The Leap Ahead
Stepping into the circus world in a conservative society naturally raises a few eyebrows, usually accompanied by the question: "Isn't that dangerous?"
For the Altrades crew, safety is the foundation of their practice. They focus heavily on body mechanics and safe progressions, making sure their training space is an environment where students feel comfortable stepping out or saying no if they don't feel ready.
Yet, some of the toughest hurdles to clear are structural and mental rather than physical. Growing up in a highly structured society often trains people to follow formulas, which can make raw creative expression tough to access.
Beyond the creative adjustments, the operational realities are steep. High rental costs in Singapore make finding a training space with the required 6-meter ceiling height incredibly difficult.
Despite a small local market, the founders remain focused on long-term goals. Inspired by cultural circus productions in Vietnam, their dream is to infuse local heritage into their acts, developing a distinct Singaporean circus identity that can eventually be shared through international touring.
Holding Each Other Up
Behind the stage confidence is a direct, reliable friendship that keeps the project sustainable. Running an independent troupe can easily lead to burnout, a reality Phiz faced when he completely crashed in 2023. Through personal setbacks and administrative stress, the founders realised they couldn't carry the weight of the work alone.
"Sometimes when I see life, I'm just floating in the air... I feel like in his presence that's when I got a little bit rooted."
— Phiz
The partnership works because their strengths balance out. Jia Sheng manages the administrative structure and provides patient, open communication, while Phiz handles the creative direction. By recognising each other's vulnerabilities and managing self-doubt together, they have built a reliable emotional safety net.
For anyone trying to pursue a difficult passion, their advice is simple: understand the realities of your industry, protect your timeline, and build a team that has your back.
If this story inspired you, discover more across our blog, starting with our last post, “Finding Freedom in a Persona: The Hatsune Melvin Story."
