Safe & Sustainable Circus Rigging Initiative


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 will support 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.

Rigging Intensive Workshops

In November, 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. 

Image of two rigging workshop participants holding a purple rope that is attached to an aerial rigging system.Image of a rigging workshop participant watching a demonstration of how to use a piece of rigging equipment.Image of three rigging workshop participants wearing rigging harnesses watching a rigging instructor demonstrate a rope access technique with their harness.


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.

Image of four rigging trainees watching their rigging instructor sling a chain motor to a piece of truss.Image of a rigging trainee and the instructor holding the base of two pieces of truss as the truss structure gets constructed.


The placements aimed to equip the trainees with circus-specific experience and skills to contribute to a larger pool of skilled CaPT riggers. 

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!

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.

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.