Can I bring/use my own apparatus? YES You may opt to bring and use your own apparatus and equipment. Lyra/Hoop that matches our style and rigging (tabless with a looped spanset), but needed in a smaller or larger size than provided will be allowed upon approval. Lyra/hoops with handloops, bar within, two point rigging, or any rigging different than our single loop, including lyra/hoop with taco, will be considered speciality. Speciality apparatuses will be allowed for apparatus use upon submission and approval.
Can I wear shorts? Adults and youth performers may wear shorts, however if less than 50% of the glutes are covered at the start of the performance, we require stockings underneath bottoms. Stockings can be any color, including nude or black.
How are competing duos/doubles and groups of 3- 18 separated and judged? Aerial is often a team effort, and this category is perfect for partners or groups whose movements complement each other. Whether you’re performing with a partner or as part of a group (3–18 people), this category celebrates the synergy and collaboration of aerial performance. and there are no separate skill levels for duos/groups due to the varied skill sets within a team. This category is not divided by level as multiple participants vary in level, or divided in category. Apparatus divisions may be combined, adults and youth performers may perform and compete alongside one another for duos and groups. Judging will follow the Artistic Competitive System and will focus on synchronization, the complementary nature of the movements, clean execution, musicality, overall theme, audience engagement, and stage presence. NOTE: Duos & groups can NOT compete in PRO, as pro is SOLO COMPETITOR ONLY.  Duos and groups with advanced and pro level aerialists may participate in PRO SHOWCASE if they so choose. PRO SHOWCASE will open up the PRO SHOW. SHOWCASE performances will not be eligible for the $1,000 cash prize.  $1,000 Cash prize will be given to the winning Pro Competitor.
Can a minor and adult perform a duo or group routine together? YES, in showcase!​​
Can I compete in PRO with no prior medals or awards? Yes, you can compete in PRO with no prior medals or awards. Although Aerial Arts Society highly suggests having competition background prior to competing in pro.
Are costumes mandatory? Yes. Because our events are competitive performance arts, costumes are required. ​ Your costume can be as dazzling as you wish so long as it adheres to the costume rules and does not damage apparatuses.
Do I need studio affiliation? Can I be self taught? No studio affiliation needed. Yes, you can be self taught.
How many props can I have? Up to 3 props are allowed, including human props. Human props must NOT touch performer/competitor and apparatus. Props must be submitted by prop approval deadline.
Can I have a human prop? Yes, up to 2 human props are allowed. Human props must NOT touch performer/competitor and apparatus. Props must be submitted by prop approval deadline.
How many levels are there for the adults divisions? Adult divisions have Levels 1 - 5 ​ LEVEL BREAKDOWN Level 1: BEGINNER NOVICE Level 2: ADVANCE AMATUER Level 3: INTERMEDIATE Level 4: ADVANCED Level 5: PROFESSIONAL ALLSTAR
How many levels are there for the youth divisions?  There are three kids divisions: YOUTH: 7 -11 JUNIORS: 12 - 14 VARSITY: 15 - 17 ​ This is the age they will be at the day of the event. Youth divisions have Levels 1 - 4. Pro level (level 5) is not included.
How is pro seperated and judged? There is no category break down or apparatus separation for pro. All adult age divisions are combined for the same heat in pro.  A 'dramatic' piece can go against an 'energetic' one. An Aerial Silks pro piece can compete against an Aerial Pole pro piece. Judging is on technical stand point, with all judges unanimously agreeing on the chosen winner.
Can I use a hand loop in my routine? Yes, you may. You can use ours, or your own, upon approval. Note: Any apparatus with a hand loop is considered 'speciality'. ​ Handloops not allowed for Aerial Silks or Aerial Hammock.
I’m not interested in competing. Can I still perform? Yes! We have a showcase section for any apparatus. ​ There is also a PRO division showcase for any apparatus. PRO division showcase will open up the Pro show.
Can I use the same routine for multiple categories? Yes, you may use the same routine for multiple categories.
Do I have to use the entire time allowance? LEVEL BREAKDOWN + allotted max time for routine duration: Level 1: BEGINNER NOVICE : 2 MINUTES + 30 SECONDS MAX Level 2: ADVANCE AMATEUR : 3 MINUTES MAX Level 3: INTERMEDIATE : 3 MINUTES MAX Level 4: ADVANCED : 3 MINUTES + 30 SECONDS MAX Level 5: PROFESSIONAL ALLSTAR : 4 MINUTES MAX Duos/doubles and Groups of 3-4 : 3 MINUTES MAX Groups of 5-18 : 4 MINUTES + 30 SECONDS MAX Showcase: 3 MINUTES MAX Competitors do not have to max out the allotted time of their routine. Competitors are encouraged to utilize their max time frame. Competitors may not go past their allotted time. A routine of over 60 seconds of unused allotted time will be subject to ONE POINT deduction.
Is there a minimum number of tricks I must perform for the Powerhouse Champion category? There is no minimum or maximum amount of tricks required for the Powerhouse Champion category. We do highly recommend reading over the technical score sheet so you have a better idea of what is expected in that category.
What is the policy on refunds, drop outs, and transfers? ​ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refund will be permitted because an entrant fails to participate or is removed from competition. ​ If you need to drop out or change competitions, please notify us BEFORE the submission deadline. Any changes after the deadline will incur a fee depending on the timing. ​ • The amount you originally paid can be transferred towards a future event, minus any applicable late change fees. ​ • You won’t be charged until you register for your next event, but the deduction will apply based on the timeline you cancelled. ​ 🕒 Fee Structure for Dropping Out AFTER Deadline: • After Submission Deadline: -$10 • 3 - 4 Weeks Before Event: -$15 • 2 Weeks – Day Of Event: -$20 ​ 📌 Example: • You paid $250, and cancel 2 weeks before the event → $20 fee is deducted → $230 credit rolls over to next event → If future event is $299, you pay $69 → If future event is $250 Early Bird, you have a $20 balance Leftover credits can be used for: • Photo/video packages • Future registrations (Credit expires after 12 months if unused) ​ These policies are in place to help us fairly schedule and plan. Dropping late affects others’ performance schedules and rigging needs. We appreciate your understanding and communication!​
Do I need to submit my costume choice prior to competition day? No, costume does not need to be submitted for approval. We highly recommend reading through the competitor packet that specifies costume allowance.
How will you make sure everyone will be safe during competition day? What are your safety measures? Where is the nearest hospital? We will have EMTs on site, with AEDs easily accessible. Crash mats are also required under apparatus for every performance. We will send out a map with directions to the closest hospital 2 months prior to the event.
I want a copy of my performance. Will you have a photographer/ videographer? Yes, we will have videographer and professional photographer taking pictures. You have the option to purchase just photos, just videos, or both, and have up to 1 months after the event to purchase. Please note, purchasing at the event or after will be at a higher price range per our video and photo team's request. Due to that, we highly suggest purchasing prior to the event.  Performer friends and family may take non flash photos, and non flash videos so long as it does not disrupt performance, block other audience members, and distract from our professional videographer and photographer from capturing footage.
Is the event family friendly? Yes! Our events are family friendly.
Is there an audience age minimum or limit? There is no audience age minimum or limit, however, please be advised that performances MUST go uninterrupted or disturbed.
Do you take payment plans? Yes, we do. Select the minimum deposit per performance, read through the payment terms, then finalize deposit. We will then contact you with details regarding a payment plan.
Performer & Guest Access Info As a performer, you’ll have access to the theatre as an audience member throughout the entire day — feel free to watch and support fellow artists before or after your set! Each performer is also allowed one backstage support person, such as a coach or helper. This individual will receive the one complimentary ticket that comes with your registration — no need to purchase an additional ticket for them.
Can performers bring someone back stage for support? Yes, performers can bring one person back stage for support, however, if the person does not have a ticket or is not a performer (performers get free admission exempt from Pro Show unless they are a Pro performer) they cannot watch the show in person within the theatre, but may watch a live feed of it on screen backstage or on the side panel of the stage.
What do the spectator tickets cover? General Admission to the event(s).
Can Youth Performers compete in specialty apparatus? Yes, performers competing in level 3 or 4 may compete in specialty apparatus. ​ Note: Specialty apparatus are not divided by categories (Powerhouse, Dramatic, Entertainment) or by apparatus. All specialty apparatuses under the same age division and level will be in the same heat.
Can Performers be lifted during their performance? Yes, performers competing in level 4 or 5 have the option to be lifted during their performance so long as they have someone who can cue the rigger during performances.
How many rig points are there? Only the center most will have the allowance for lifts for levels 4 and 5 during their performances.