How to Be Trapeze Artist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Trapeze artists are daredevils who swing through the air with no safety net. The skill and courage this takes has a cause and effect relationship; it requires intense physical training and strength to be able to pull off the aerial maneuvers, but it also builds mental fortitude. Trapeze artists must be brave and confident in their abilities, as well as understand the risks they take every time they step onto the trapeze.

It takes a great deal of focus and practice to learn the tricks and to be able to execute them with precision. The risk of injury is ever present, so trapeze artists must be constantly vigilant, paying attention to wind currents, the tension of the rigging and other factors. This requires dedication and passion for the art form in order to become a successful trapeze artist.

Steps How to Become

Learn the Basics. Before attempting any of the stunts associated with trapeze, it's important to first understand the basics of trapeze. This includes learning proper safety techniques, proper grips and holds, and basic body positioning on the trapeze. Consider taking classes at a local circus school or aerial arts studio to learn the fundamentals.
Practice Flexibility. As with any aerial art, flexibility is key in trapeze. To become a trapeze artist, you must be able to perform a wide range of movements in the air to complete tricks. Regularly practice stretches and flexibility exercises to improve your range of motion.
Develop Core Strength. Core strength is essential for any aerial artist and is particularly important for trapeze artists. Strengthen your core muscles with a variety of exercises, such as planks and ab crunches, to increase your overall strength and stability while performing on the trapeze.
Learn Tricks. Once you have mastered the basics and developed your flexibility and strength, you can begin to learn more advanced tricks on the trapeze. Start with basic tricks that involve swinging, such as catching and releasing or knee hangs. As you gain more experience and confidence, you can start to tackle more complex tricks, such as flips and drops.
Perform. As with any form of art, performing is the best way to improve your skills as a trapeze artist. Find an opportunity to perform in public or in front of an audience. This could be at a circus show, a local event, or even just in your own backyard with friends and family. As you become more comfortable performing, you can start to incorporate more advanced tricks into your routine.

As a trapeze artist, it is important to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques and best practices. This can be achieved through consistent training and practice. Regularly attending classes and workshops, staying aware of the newest trends, and refining existing skills are all essential to staying capable.

having a network of experienced professionals to provide feedback and guidance can be invaluable in helping to develop further. To ensure ongoing success, it is essential to stay disciplined, motivated, and to never become complacent. This way, trapeze artists can remain at the top of their game and continue to deliver amazing performances.

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Job Description

Rigging Technician: Responsible for setting up and breaking down aerial equipment, ensuring safety of performers and audience.
Choreographer: Responsible for creating and teaching aerial choreography to the aerial performers.
Spotter: Responsible for providing support and spotting when a performer is in the air.
Aerial Coach: Responsible for providing guidance and instruction on proper techniques, conditioning and safety protocols.
Equipment Manager: Responsible for maintaining the aerial equipment, including but not limited to ropes, trapezes, harnesses, and aerial silks.
Safety Officer: Responsible for monitoring safety during rehearsals and performances, ensuring safety of all participants.
Acrobatics Instructor: Responsible for teaching acrobatic skills such as somersaults, flips, rolls, and other maneuvers needed for aerial performances.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Physical Strength and Endurance
Flexibility
Balance
Coordination
Agility
Body Awareness
Visualization Skills
Risk-Taking
Self-Confidence
Mental Focus
Creative Thinking

The most important skill for a trapeze artist is their ability to perform stunts safely. This requires a combination of several related skills, including physical strength and agility, coordination, focus, and most importantly, balance. Physical strength and agility help trapeze artists move quickly and accurately while performing tricks, while coordination ensures they can chain tricks together.

Focus helps them stay concentrated on the task at hand and make sure that each movement is precise. Lastly, balance is the key to being able to perform the trick without falling or crashing. A good balance gives trapeze artists the stability needed to make sure that each stunt is done correctly and with as little risk as possible.

By mastering these related skills, a trapeze artist can become a successful performer in their profession.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a trapeze artist?
What safety protocols have you implemented while performing?
What challenges have you faced while performing trapeze stunts?
How do you stay in shape and maintain your strength for trapeze performances?
Are you comfortable with heights?
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a trapeze performance?
How do you adjust your technique for different types of trapeze acts?
How do you ensure that your equipment is properly maintained and safe to use?
How would you describe your personal style of trapeze performance?
What would you do if something went wrong during a performance?

Common Tools in Industry

Safety Harness. Used to provide support and maintain balance while performing aerial stunts. (eg: circus trapeze artist)
Rigging Equipment. Used to secure and suspend trapezes, rings, and other aerial apparatuses. (eg: bungee cords)
Aerial Hoop. A metal hoop suspended in the air that a trapeze artist can swing, spin, and hang from. (eg: the Lyra)
Aerial Net. A large net used to catch a trapeze artist if they fall. (eg: tightrope walker)
Gymnastics Mats. Protective mats used to cushion landings when performing jumps, flips, etc. (eg: tumbling mats)
Trampoline. Used to gain momentum for launching into the air and performing flips and twists. (eg: trampoline wall)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
Circus Fans Association of America (CFAA)
European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (EFPCS)
Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA)
American Circus Educators Association (ACEA)
United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO)
International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo (Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo)
International Jugglers Association (IJA)
The American Association of Acrobats and Professionals (AAAP)

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Common Important Terms

Flying Trapeze. A type of trapeze which involves a performer launching themselves off a high platform, typically a traditional trapeze bar, and performing a variety of tricks in mid-air before catching the bar or other apparatus.
Rigging. The system of ropes and pulleys used to suspend trapeze artists, circus equipment, and other objects in the air.
Catchers. The performers who catch the trapeze artist during mid-air tricks.
Safety Lines. Ropes or cables used to ensure that performers do not fall from the air during the performance.
Swinging Trapeze. A type of trapeze which involves a performer swinging from a bar suspended by one or two ropes, and performing a variety of tricks including flips and catches.
Cloudswing. A type of trapeze in which the performer performs tricks while suspended in a harness attached to the trapeze bar, allowing them to swing across large distances.
Straps. A type of trapeze in which the performer hangs from a pair of straps attached to the bar, and performs tricks while swinging or spinning through the air.
Spanish Web. A type of trapeze act in which the performer hangs from a rope or web suspended from the bar, and performs tricks while spinning or swinging in the air.
Static Trapeze. A type of trapeze in which the performer does not swing or fly, but instead performs tricks while remaining stationary on the bar.