On Saturday 4/18, 10am-4pm, $100/person, join us for an aerial rigging workshop with Brett Copes, acrobatic and stunt rigger for shows including Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia and Marvel Universe Live.

The workshop will include both lecture and hands-on material, covering ratings and working load limits, dynamic forces, attaching to structures and assessing basic rigging materials. The goal of the workshop is not to make you into an aerial rigger, but to give you information to be able to safely assess a rigging situation, and execute simple rigging systems.

Topics may include:

(Lecture)

- Common Dangers and Myths

- Choosing Overhead Anchors

- Equipment Preferences

- Load & Lifting Limits

- Your Tech Rider

- Standards and Certifications

- Rescue Plans

(Hands on)

- Shock Load Testing

- Knots

- Counterweight, Mechanical Advantage and Complex Systems

- Systems Analysis

- Risk Assessment

- Performer Lifting, Flying and Operations

- Proof Loading

Instructor bio:

BRETT COPES from FIGHT OR FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: After finishing a successful performance career, A former Stuntman, Ropes Course Administrator and Theatre Technician, Acrobatic Rigging and Safety Systems became his new focus and passion. In the last 15 years Brett has Rigged for stunts, circus and aerial productions, Including individual performers and troupes of all sizes. He has worked with Cirkus Smirkus, the Aerial Acrobatic Arts Festival, Flying FX, Dream World Cirque, Aerial Experience, Tall Corn Circus Festival, and the upcoming Contemporary Circus Festival 2014. Brett has over 5 years as a Rigger with Cirque Du Soliel shows: "O" and "IRIS" and the new CDS venue LIGHT: Las Vegas. Brett specializes in problem solving, rescue systems and has developed a successful Rigging for Aerialists Seminar geared towards Rigging that is the most applicable and Practical to the immediate needs of the performer. Brett also Fabricates and designs unique apparatuses, designs Rigging systems and works with performers on Act Development.