I often get asked if I am a “certified circus rigger”. This question typically comes from individuals and programs looking for small-scale rigging. When I say small scale, I am referring to individual performances, corporate events, one-off gigs, and aerial or circus schools/studios. I do my best to explain that what they are looking for is a “competent” or “experienced rigger”. By phrasing the question for a competent rigger, the asker is including experiences a rigger may have gained from on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Certifications give a rigger proof of continuing education in their field, and this is very important, but there are many lessons learned on the job site that cannot be learned through a course or test. The question changes from “Are you a certified rigger?”, to “Are you a competent acrobatic rigger with experience in rigging circus arts?”

Rigging inspection using a rope access technique called “aid climbing”. Photo credit: Rebecca Starr Understandably, there is a sense of safety and security that comes along with hiring someone certified to do their job. A doctor spends ye...