Columbia Aerial Artist Performance Troupe Program

Purpose of the Performance Troupe

The Columbia Aerial Artist Performance Troupe was created to provide dedicated students with opportunities to gain experience performing in professional, theatrical, promotional, and community settings while maintaining high standards of safety, artistry, and professionalism.

Performance opportunities may include both unpaid community performances and paid professional engagements as opportunities become available.

Community performances are an important component of performer development and allow students to gain experience adapting to different environments, audiences, staging conditions, and performance expectations.

Eligibility Requirements

Performance Troupe auditions are currently open only to active Columbia Aerial Fitness students.

This policy exists to ensure:

• Consistent safety standards

• Familiarity with studio expectations

• Technical consistency

• Professional conduct

• Reliable rigging and skill assessment standards
  

Applicants should already demonstrate intermediate to advanced aerial proficiency.

Audition Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• ONE polished choreographed routine on TWO of the following apparatuses:

  • Aerial Sling

  • Aerial Silks

  • Lyra/Aerial Hoop

A total of two performance videos are required.

Performances should demonstrate:

• Safe execution of skills

• Technical proficiency

• Control and consistency

• Musicality

• Flow and transitions

• Varied skill vocabulary

• Character development

• Creativity and artistry

• Stage presence

• Audience engagement and awareness

• Performance endurance and conditioning
  

Applicants may be asked to attend an in-person callback or rehearsal evaluation.

Performance Troupe Expectations

Selected troupe members are expected to:

• Attend required monthly rehearsals

• Maintain professionalism and reliability

• Continue active training

• Maintain existing acts

• Learn new choreography as needed

• Participate in community events and performances

• Follow all studio safety standards and performance guidelines
  

Failure to maintain safety standards, professionalism, or rehearsal attendance may result in removal from the troupe.

Paid Performances & Insurance

Paid performance opportunities will be offered as opportunities become available.

Once a performer begins accepting paid opportunities through the troupe, they will be required to obtain specialty performer liability insurance. Estimated annual cost is approximately $300/year, though rates may vary.

Performers are responsible for maintaining active coverage while participating in paid engagements.

Artistic Standards

The Columbia Aerial Artist Performance Troupe prioritizes:

• Safety first

• Strong technical execution

• Artistic development

• Professionalism

• Adaptability

• Collaborative performance work

• Audience experience

• Representation of the studio and aerial arts community
  

Selection into the troupe is based not only on skill level, but also reliability, attitude, professionalism, and ability to work within a collaborative performance environment. Please submit your audition forms here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaPtQKHK1cu2aMON_Bl2CSJ4JNYuWbJPhbaNtu3y65QpNebA/viewform?usp=publish-editor