This program was designed in response to TNA’s research highlighting rigger shortages and under-qualification in the Circus and Physical Theatre (CaPT) sector. The initiative supported circus riggers to meet the critical need of the Victorian sector for qualified and knowledgeable riggers, and work to improve safety in circus rigging across Australia.
If you have questions about any of these programs, please email Steph on steph@tna.org.au.
CaPT-Specific Rigging Training
Rigging Intensive Workshops
In November 2024, TNA ran a series of free intensive rigging workshops at Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced rigging levels. The workshops were created in partnership with Circus Ruccis, using the Circus Oz space and rigging gear, and with guest facilitators from NICA and the professional freelance sector.
Participants experienced hands-on learning of rigging techniques that aren't covered in compulsory construction-based rigging accreditation training, but are commonly used when rigging for the CaPT sector.
These day-long intensives gave participants the chance to observe, learn and practice circus rigging in a dedicated circus facility, with a range of working industry professionals.
Circus Rigging Trainee Placements
TNA also provided six days of on-the-job paid rigging training to five early-career circus riggers. The trainees undertook placements shadowing the senior rigger at Circus Oz‘s festival venue hub during this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival during the bump-in and bump-out.
Supervised by TNA Rigging Program Producer and experienced rigger, Christian Schooneveldt-Reid, trainees learnt about rigging in a dedicated festival circus venue, practiced standard circus rigging skills, and connected with circus industry professionals.
The placements aimed to equip the trainees with circus-specific experience and skills to contribute to a larger pool of skilled CaPT riggers.
Outcomes Delivered
- Work placement wages for 5 trainee riggers, with connection to industry networks at Melbourne Fringe and Circus Oz
- 65 workshop places offered at no cost to the sector
- 47 riggers attended at least one rigging intensive workshop
- 18 of those riggers attended more than one workshop
- Collaborative partnership with Circus Ruccis and NICA with documentation and process shared to support future sector-run iterations
- 47 riggers attended at least one rigging intensive workshop
- TNA supported or consulted on 3 sector-run training initiatives:
- Negotiated and coordinated a trial trainee rigger placement at The Garden of Unearthly Delights during Adelaide Fringe in March 2024
- Coordinated paid work placements with NICA for scholarship recipients, ensuring practical rigging experience
- Partnered with SlipStream Circus in Tasmania to support the development phase of their professional rigging program set to roll out in 2025, providing advice, sector insights, and access to TNA’s networks
- Secured NICA’s commitment to offer ongoing paid work placements for early-career riggers, ensuring this training pathway remains available beyond 2024.
- Strengthened pathways for long-term sector sustainability through partnership-driven training initiatives, advisory input and networking efforts.
Scholarships for Diverse New Riggers
In response to the lack of diversity in circus rigging detailed in the 2020 Rigging Report, TNA created a scholarship to support two aspiring Victorian CaPT riggers from underrepresented communities. The scholarships consisted of support to complete to complete a Certificate III in Rigging.
Look out for Rigging Scholarship Recipients Melissa Tan and Catherine Horan-Blake as they enter the Circus and Physical Theatre Industry!
Outcomes Delivered
- Course and licence fees for 14 High Risk Work licences
- Bursaries for rigging gear and equipment
- Bursaries to cover costs related to attending training
- Tailored career guidance and mentorship
- Brokering of industry relationships and access to professional networks
- Negotiation and coordination of opportunities for professional development, training and work placement
Advanced and Regional Riggers Upgrade Program
TNA has also assisted twenty CaPT riggers to access funded training for upgrading their rigging licences. Seven experienced riggers have been supported to achieve advanced rigging tickets, and three riggers working regionally have received equity bursaries to help them complete accredited training.
Outcomes Delivered
- Support for 7 experienced riggers
- Support for 3 riggers from regional and/or underrepresented groups
- Regular comprehensive updates to the CaPT sector with tailored guidance on how to access funded/subsidised training, totalling 1,372 emails
- 20+ people from the sector have accessed subsidised or fully funded accredited training as a direct result of TNA’s informational campaign
- 92 CaPT riggers provided with one-on-one advice, guidance and support
Sector Development, Advocacy & Research
The CaPT team also undertook extensive advocacy towards establishing a network for Australian circus riggers, developing a national standard for circus rigging and safety and creating a database of circus riggers on the TNA website.
Outcomes Delivered
- National Riggers Database open for submissions, launched in 2025
- Targeted advocacy to highlight safety and rigging in CaPT at 5 performing arts industry marketplaces, gatherings or events:
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- Dedicated CaPT session programmed as part of Australian Performing Arts Forum in Meanjin, with paid attendance of Christy Flaws
- Curatorial advice provided to NICA’s National Circus Summit around inclusion of a panel on rigging, as well as facilitation of an industry panel by Nicole Beyer
- Curatorial advice provided to PAC Australia on dedicated CaPT sector gathering at APAX in Melbourne
- Insights shared by Christian Schooneveldt-Reid at two VAPAC Technical Managers Network Conferences (as presenter and panellist)
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- Investigation into Safety & Standards in Australian Circus
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- Consulted with 36 experts from organisations, independent sector, and regulatory bodies on circus rigging, training and safety
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- Insurance Investigation and Advocacy
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- Consulted with 55 individuals and organisations from the CaPT sector
- Provided background insights, research findings and sector contacts for article in ArtsHub on circus insurance by Jo Pickup
- 6 tailored resources created along with an educational campaign, including a guide to insurance and overview of the current insurance landscape, plus a suite of advocacy tools, released in March 2025
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Victorian Government funded free and heavily subsidised High-Risk Work Licenses.
Read the full update here.
This initiative has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
YOUR PRIVACY
Last updated: 15 September 2021
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