Renee Pilkington

Renee Pilkington (AKA Miss Gail Force) was thrown into a circus school at age 9 after regularly finding herself dragged out of trees, hay lofts or what ever else she could climb. After completing her bachelor in Marketing and Media (Business) and refereeing soccer at state and national competitions Renee made her way back into the circus world as a producer, manager, rigger, artist and performer in WA. Specialising in aerial performance (and the occasional spinning of hula hoops and ripping of phone books) she has worked with NYC Fringe Festival, Prague Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival, La Fura Des Baus and The Flying Lotahs.

Establishing her own company Fliptease in 2006 you can find Renee performing, programming, designing and teaching just about any place there is a space for it. Renee has recently returned from training with the China Acrobatic Troupe (Beijing International Arts School) and a whirl wind tour of everywhere else.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Explorer/ General Adventurer

When did you know you would work in the arts?
I finished my degree at age 20 and literally fell into it after taking a gap year and training at a local circus school.

Where did you get your start in the arts?
I grew up between the farm and the arts. My mum always had us involved in something. I started circus and drama at age 10 in a local community program in Albany WA.

What do you love most about the arts scene in Perth?
Perth is on the edge of the world, while the isolation can be daunting sometimes it creates a community with driven artists like no other.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?
“Pick a card. Any card.” Fliptease creates use of spaces using circus in unconventional ways.

Have you done other Fringe festivals prior to Fringe World in Perth?
Adelaide Fringe –Performer & Producer Denim 2009
Prague Fringe 2011- Volunteer
NYC Fringe 2011- ACR/ Volunteer

What does having a Fringe festival in your hometown of Perth mean to you?
Having Fringe in Perth means that when I tour overseas and other performers ask about Perth’s cultural landscape I can say- “Have you heard about Fringeworld?”

What was your favorite part of the 2012 Fringe World festival?
I love producing and performing. This year I was privileged to train and coordinate the mermaid tank in the treasury, and work with artists in various programs to spruik their shows. My absolute favorite is seeing Perth’s hidden gems (like the Treasury Building) being showcased as part of the festival.

Who in the industry most inspires you?
Jerry Snell (New Circus Asia & Colliosion Arts), Franco Dragone, Phillipe Petit, & James Thiérrée

What is the best thing about your job?
Everyday I get to choose the people I work with and what I do.

What advice would you give anyone looking to break into the field?
Volunteer, get involved, but be strategic about how you get there.

What is next for you?
Organizing a tour of “Splat! Fringe Kids Cabaret” and developing Fliptease’s new in school program and show program “Access Circus”. Later in the year The Perth International Burlesque Festival and a short contract in Indonesia.