BigStar Circus – Terms of Service & Refund Policy

🎪 BigStar Circus – Terms of Service & Refund Policy

Version 1.2 – November 2025

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

To secure your booking, full payment is required upfront at the time of booking or enrolment. This ensures your place is reserved, staffing is confirmed, and resources are allocated.

• Payment confirms your participation and is considered acceptance of these Terms of Service.

• Payments are non-transferable to another person, class, or term unless agreed to in writing by BigStar Circus management.

• Once a booking is made and payment is received, we immediately commit staff time, venue hire, and equipment resources to your session.

• Payment can be made by debit or credit card through our online invoice system, via Stripe, or by other approved methods specified on your invoice.

• BigStar Circus reserves the right to cancel unconfirmed bookings if payment has not been received by the due date indicated on the invoice.

• For group bookings or corporate events, invoices must be paid in full prior to the event date unless a written payment arrangement is agreed upon.

We strongly recommend reviewing your schedule and ensuring all participants are available before confirming your booking.

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

• All term or block class payments are non-refundable once the term has commenced, as your payment reserves a limited space that cannot be reallocated.

• BigStar Circus offers 2 “make up” classes per term if prior notice is given before the missed class and only when space and staff are available to accommodate in the “make up” class.

• Missed classes cannot be refunded or credited unless a class is cancelled by BigStar Circus.

• If a participant withdraws due to a medical condition, a partial or full credit or transfer to a later term may be considered if supported by a doctor’s certificate.

• Trial, casual, or “drop-in” classes must be 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:

1. Reschedule the event to a mutually agreed date at no extra cost, or

2. 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 full payment, 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