Terms of Service

🎪 Version 1.3 – September 2026

1. About Us

BigStar Circus exists to inspire creativity, confidence, and community through the art of circus. Our classes, workshops, and events provide safe, inclusive, and engaging experiences for families, schools, and organisations across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Whether you are joining a weekly class, attending a holiday workshop, or booking a special event, these Terms of Service outline the policies and commitments that ensure fairness, safety, and professionalism in everything we do.

2. Bookings and Payments

How you pay depends on what you have booked:

• Weekly term classes are billed weekly by direct debit through our secure payment system (Stripe) — there is no large upfront payment. You simply pay week to week while your child is enrolled, and billing pauses automatically over the school holidays. A one-off $10 annual family registration applies, and there are no lock-in contracts.
• Holiday workshops, Kids’ Night Out, birthday parties, casual and trial classes, and one-off events are paid in full at the time of booking, which reserves your place and confirms staffing.

Making a payment — or starting a weekly direct debit — confirms your participation and is considered acceptance of these Terms of Service. Payments are non-transferable to another person, class, or term unless agreed in writing by BigStar Circus. Payment can be made by debit or credit card through our secure online system (Stripe) or by another approved method shown on your invoice. For group bookings, schools or corporate events, invoices must be paid in full before the event date unless a written payment arrangement is agreed.

3. Cancellations and Refunds

For Offsite Events and Services

Offsite services include festivals, school incursions, corporate bookings, community events, and parties.

Once full payment is received, your booking is confirmed and resources—including staff, equipment, and venue arrangements—are allocated. If you (the client, school, or event organiser) choose to cancel an outdoor event for any reason, the following refund and credit policies apply.

Once full payment is received, your booking is confirmed and the following cancellation conditions apply.

• More than 14 days before the event: 75% refund (25% retained to cover administration and preparation costs).
• 7–14 days before the event: 50% refund of the total booking fee.
• Less than 7 days before the event: No refund available, as staff, equipment, and logistics have already been allocated.

In the event that you must cancel within 7 days, BigStar Circus may, at its discretion, offer a partial credit towards a future booking if extraordinary circumstances apply (e.g. serious illness or emergency).

Rescheduling is subject to instructor and venue availability. Once an alternative date is confirmed, it is treated as a new booking under the same terms.

For Weekly Classes and Term Programs

• Weekly classes are billed weekly by direct debit — there are no lock-in contracts. To stop, simply give us 2 weeks’ notice and we’ll cancel your direct debit.
• Weekly payments already taken are not refunded, as your child’s place is held for them each week. Billing pauses automatically over the school holidays.
• You get 2 make-up classes per term if your child is sick or away — just let us know between 3 and 24 hours before class, and we’ll fit the make-up in within the same term, subject to space.
• Missed classes cannot be refunded or credited unless the class is cancelled by BigStar Circus.
• If a student withdraws due to a medical condition, a credit or transfer to a later term may be considered with a doctor’s certificate.
• Trial, casual and drop-in classes are paid in advance and are non-refundable.

We understand unexpected things can happen, and we always aim to be flexible within reason while maintaining fairness for all students and staff.

4. Weather and Uncontrollable Circumstances (Force Majeure)

BigStar Circus operates both indoor and outdoor programs. For outdoor events, participant safety is the highest priority.

If conditions are unsafe (such as heavy rain, lightning, high winds, or extreme heat), BigStar Circus will take one of the following actions:

• Reschedule the event to a mutually agreed date at no extra cost, or
• Issue a credit equal to the booking value, valid for 12 months toward a future class or event.

Refunds will not be provided for cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our control. These include but are not limited to: extreme weather, illness, natural disasters, government restrictions, venue closures, transport delays, or power outages.

If the client cancels due to weather or perceived weather risk, but BigStar Circus deems conditions safe or manageable, the cancellation will be treated as a client cancellation, not a force majeure event.

• Refunds will not be issued in this circumstance.
• BigStar Circus may, at its discretion, offer a credit valid for 12 months, provided at least 24 hours’ notice is given and the event has not yet commenced.
• If the event is cancelled by the client after staff or equipment have been dispatched, no refund or credit will be issued.

This policy ensures fairness while recognising that weather risk is an inherent factor of outdoor events.

By booking with us, clients acknowledge that outdoor activities are subject to environmental factors and that flexibility is part of the nature of live performance and circus entertainment.

5. Safety and Supervision

BigStar Circus places great importance on maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

• All participants must follow instructor directions and safety guidelines at all times.
• BigStar Circus reserves the right to refuse or terminate participation for anyone acting in a way that endangers themselves or others.
• Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising children before and after class times.
• All instructors and support staff hold current Blue Cards and undergo safety, first aid, and emergency response training.
• Equipment used in classes and events is regularly maintained and inspected to ensure the highest safety standards.

Participation in circus activities involves an element of physical exertion and risk. By attending, clients acknowledge that they are medically fit to participate and accept responsibility for their own safety.

6. Media and Promotion

BigStar Circus is proud to celebrate the achievements of our students and community. We often capture photos and videos for promotional purposes across social media, website content, and printed materials.

By attending classes or events, you consent to the reasonable use of images and videos featuring you or your child.

If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, you must notify BigStar Circus in writing before the start of your class or event.

All media content is used respectfully and in accordance with our commitment to promoting creativity, confidence, and community through the circus arts.

7. Refund Summary

Situation	Refund / Credit Policy
Cancelled >14 days before event	75% refund (25% admin fee retained)
Cancelled 7–14 days before event	50% refund
Cancelled <7 days before event	No refund
Weather or uncontrollable event	Credit or reschedule only
Missed class	No refund
BigStar Circus cancels class/event	Full refund or credit provided

This table is intended as a summary. Full terms apply as detailed throughout this document.

8. Liability

BigStar Circus maintains comprehensive Public Liability Insurance and implements risk management policies to ensure all reasonable safety precautions are taken. However, by participating, clients acknowledge and accept the following:

• Circus activities may include balancing, tumbling, aerial work, juggling, and other physical exercises that involve risk.
• BigStar Circus is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage resulting from participation, except in cases of proven negligence by BigStar Circus staff.
• Participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, remove jewellery, and inform instructors of any medical conditions or injuries before class begins.
• BigStar Circus accepts no responsibility for personal property lost or damaged during attendance at our premises or events.

By signing below or paying your invoice, you agree to assume personal responsibility for your participation and release BigStar Circus from any claims related to activities undertaken.

9. Agreement

By making a payment or starting a weekly direct debit, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to BigStar Circus’s Terms of Service and Refund Policy. These terms are designed to protect both participants and staff, ensure fair business practices, and maintain the high-quality experience that BigStar Circus is known for.

BigStar Circus strives to deliver fun, safe, and unforgettable experiences for every participant, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these policies.

ABN: 18678780722