Rigging for Circus Arts (Part 1)

Part 1: 10am-5pm, Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May

Rigging for Circus Arts Course - Part 1

Over the two days of Part 1 of Aerial Edge’s Rigging for Circus Arts Course you gain hands-on experience in many of the unique aspects of circus rigging. It covers the theory and practice of rigging circus equipment. This first weekend also covers applicable regulations and methods of best practice for safe rigging for circus arts.

Is it for You?

The course is aimed at anyone who would like to gain an in depth understanding of the principles of circus rigging and gain hands-on practical experience in rigging for different circus arts and types of performance.

Programme Aim

This course gives you the chance to learn about the different aspects of circus rigging and to gain hands on experience in applying this knowledge. You will understand how to keep yourself safe during rigging operations as well as learn how to safely choose and rig the right equipment for the right circumstances.

This course is not a qualification entitling you to perform rigging activities without the addition of significant practical experience with an experienced organisation or individual.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Understand static and dynamic loads and how to choose the right equipment to safely support performers
Understand safe working practice for rigging operations.
Understand the regulations and practice regarding Personal Protective Equipment and working at height
Be able to maintain rigging ,PPE and circus equipment
Understand best practice in maintaining documentation for the maintenance of equipment, understanding risk assessments and method statements for teaching, performance and working at height.

Details of Programme Structure

Each day will consist of theory and practice sessions:

Rigging for Circus Arts Course - Part 1

Day 1 am: Introduction, Legislation, Load calculations
Day 1 pm: Rigging circus equipment, Equipment inspection
Day 2 am: Rope, knots & pulley systems, Risk Assessments
Day 2 pm: Access methods & Working at Height

Assessment

You will be required to pass a practical rigging exercises while demonstrating safe practice throughout. A theory exam will be given to ensure the technical aspects of the course have been understood.

Assessment Approaches Used

The practical assessment is designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the main components of the course and to demonstrate safe practice while doing so. The theoretical assessment will ensure the technical and safety content of the course has been understood, this will be through a question paper.

Agenda

DAY 1 MORNING

Overview of Rigging

History
Types of rigging
- Oil Industry
- Entertainment Industry
- Theatre
- Arborists
- Climbing
- Circus
Scope of course
- Agenda
- What this qualifies you for
- What comes after
- Types of courses available
Legal requirements
- HASWA
- W@H
- LOLER/PUWER
- Standards

Dynamic & Static Loads

Understanding Load
- Practical demonstration with load cells
- Static Loads
- Dynamic Loads
- Factors of safety
Introduction to Circus Equipment
- SWL related to equipment
- Static Equipment - Rope, silks, hoop trapeze
- Dynamic Equipment - Swinging trapeze, Flying trapeze
- Wire & rope equipment - Tightwire, High wire, slack line
Acrobatic loads by equipment
- Understanding the acrobatics performed on each equipment
- Methods used to test loads
- Current understanding of loads
Establishing safe rigging points

Day 1 AFTERNOON

Rigging Circus Equipment

PPE vs LOLER
Equipment
- Round Slings
- Climbing slings
- Shackles & Connectors
- Carabiners
- SWR slings
Equipment
- Markings
- Use
Maintaining & inspecting equipment
Designing safe rigging systems
Bridles