What does it mean ‘to rig’?
Rigging refers to the act of setting up our aerial equipment, which includes the aerial apparatus and all the mounting hardware. Aerialists also refer to the apparatus and the corresponding hardware itself as ‘the rig’. To take-down or disassemble the rigging is referred to as ‘striking.’
How safe is the rigging equipment?
All our rigging equipment is standard rock climbing equipment, which is extremely safe and guaranteed by the manufacturer to be so! Our aerial fabric is all mechanical strength, and contrary to popular belief is not an actual silk cloth. All of our equipment, mounting hardware and rope is checked before and after every performance for safety, as well as replaced every 2 to 4 years to ensure it’s safety.
How long does it take to rig?
It depends! Rigging time can vary from 15 minutes to all day long! Access to the ceiling and structural beams, the type of aerial apparatus and the ‘reveal and disappearance’ plan of the apparatus are all factors which determine the amount of time required to rig.
What kind of space can you rig in?
Most venues can be rigged from. A space with exposed structural beams is the easiest to rig from. Theaters with a grid above are also simple to rig. Smaller venues with ceiling tiles usually can be rigged from by removing a ceiling tile and attaching to a beam or floor joist. Theaters without grids (or a heavy enough batten counter-weighting system) provide more of a challenge, as do venues with closed in ceilings. In those cases portable rigging can be rented in the form of standard production trussing or a specialty aerial rig. Both of those options are also ideal for outdoor settings.
How much ceiling height is required?
Certain apparatus, like the hoop, only require 12 ft! There is no limitation on how high the rigging point can be.