Aerial Rigging in Proscenium Theaters

Online Zoom class with Craig Lewis and Dr. Delbert Hall

This class, co-taught by Craig Lewis and Dr. Delbert Hall, will cover the basics of proscenium theater terminology, how a fly system works, and how to approach aerial rigging in a proscenium theater. This class is intended for people who already have a basic understanding of aerial rigging - for example, people who have previously attended Aerial Rigging Fundamentals with Craig Lewis, Hall Rigging Academy, or any other basic aerial rigging class. This class assumes NO previous knowledge of proscenium theaters or theatrical rigging, and will start by covering the basic parts of a proscenium theater, and the basic functionality of single purchase, double purchase, and hemp house fly systems. A recorded version is NOT for sale, but will be made available to those who attend the class live. This class is expected to last two hours, but could potentially run over up to three hours with questions.

Upcoming Class Dates:

Course Topics:

Fundamentals:

Types of theater layouts
Parts of a proscenium theater
Stage directions
Theater jargon

Fly Systems:

Basic function of a Fly System
Components of a Fly System: Head block, loft block, flyline, purchase line, battens, etc.
Single Purchase Fly System
Double Pucrhase Fly System
Hemp Houses
Pinrails / deads

Options for Aerial Rigging in a Proscenium Theater:

Dead hang to structural steel
Using the fly system
Tensioned guywires / buckoffs
Taglines
Ground supported systems

2-3 hours is only enough to scratch the surface of proscenium theater rigging. You WILL NOT be qualified to configure your own rigging systems from scratch. You WILL NOT be an "aerial rigger" at the end of this class. If you are rigging aerial equipment, you need to hire a professionals - both a professional aerial rigger, and a structural engineer.

Class cost: $45. You MUST sign up online in advance! Space is limited to 25 students.

We encourage participants to turn their cameras on, but it's not required.

Please email Craig Lewis at info@NightOwlCircusArts.com with any questions.

This class is officially advertised as being two hours, but may extend up to three. We'll keep going for as long as it takes me to cover the material!