‘Die die must do well’: Jonathan Goh balances ladders and sceptics as Singapore’s first Circus Arts graduate

Singapore’s first Circus Arts graduate, Jonathan Goh, balances high ladders against the city skyline while defying skeptics. The 30-year-old busker, who completed his three-year honours degree in July 2025 from the National Centre for Circus Arts in London, is a trailblazer in his field. According to The Straits Times, Goh faced immense pressure during his studies as the first Singaporean to undertake the programme.

He admitted that he was an average student throughout his time at the circus school, but the weight of being the first drove him to perform at his best. Despite his dream to pursue formal training from a young age, Goh chose to earn a living by performing full-time after secondary school. However, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his career, prompting him to take a leap of faith by enrolling in London, despite the annual fees of approximately £18,000 (RM97,167).

As the co-chairman of Buskers’ Association Singapore, Goh now earns between S$6,000 (RM19,129) and S$12,000 a month, a comfortable income for a street performer. Goh's journey to graduation was marked by rigorous training and performances at Covent Garden and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He credits the intensive training for honing his skills across various disciplines, including trapeze, aerial, and Chinese pole, and juggling.

For Goh, the degree is not merely a recognition of his accomplishment but a means to refine a craft that continues to captivate audiences.