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. 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.
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. After Submission Deadline: -$10 3 - 4 Weeks Before Event: -$15 2 Weeks: -$20​ Night Prior / Day of Event: -$25 📌 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. Payment Plan Terms Once your deposit has been received, we will email you a Payment Plan Agreement along with a Credit Card Authorization Form. Both forms must be completed and returned as soon as possible to secure your payment plan. Payments will be automatically processed on the agreed-upon dates outlined in your signed Payment Plan Agreement. If a scheduled payment is declined, we will notify you by email and attempt to reprocess the card up to three (3) times—once per day for three consecutive days. If payment is not successfully processed after the third attempt, a $10 late fee will be applied to the missed installment. To ensure timely payments and avoid unnecessary follow-up, all payments will be automatically charged according to the agreed schedule.
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 person CAN NOT view the performance in the theatre without a valid purchased ticket. ONLY THE PERFORMER has access to watch the show within theatre and be back stage.
What are the maximum performance time allowances? 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: 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 routine 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.
What is the entry fee cost? ENTRY FEE COSTS SOLO PERFORMER: Early Bird Registration: $299 or $75 deposit Standard Registration: $349 or $99 deposit Late Bird Registration: $399 or $125 deposit Last Minute Registration: $449 PRO COMPETITOR: Early Bird Registration: $349 or $75 deposit Standard Registration: $399 or $99 deposit Late Bird Registration: $449 or $125 deposit Last Minute Registration: $499 SECONDARY SOLO PERFORMER: Early Bird Registration: $250 or $75 deposit Standard Registration: $299 or $99 deposit Late Bird Registration: $349 or $125 deposit Last Minute Registration: $399 SECONDARY PRO COMPETITOR: Early Bird Registration: $299 or $75 deposit Standard Registration: $349 or $99 deposit Late Bird Registration: $399 or $125 deposit Last Minute Registration: $449 DUOS/DOUBLES: Early Bird Registration: $500 ($250 each) or $150 deposit Standard Registration: $600 ($300 each) or $300 deposit Late Bird Registration: $700 ($350 each) or $450 deposit Last Minute Registration: $800 ($400 each) GROUP OF 3: Early Bird Registration: $600 ($200 each) or $200 deposit Standard Registration: $705 ($235 each) or $350 deposit Late Bird Registration: $810 ($270 each) or $450 deposit Last Minute Registration: $915 ($305 each) GROUP OF 4: Early Bird Registration: $700 ($175 each) or $300 deposit Standard Registration: $800 ($200 each) or $400 deposit Late Bird Registration: $900 ($225 each) or $500 deposit Last Minute Registration: $1,000 ($250 each) GROUP OF 5: Early Bird Registration: $800 ($160 each) or $350 deposit Standard Registration: $900 ($180 each) or $450 deposit Late Bird Registration: $1,000 ($200 each) or $550 deposit Last Minute Registration: $1,100 ($220 each) GROUP OF 6: Early Bird Registration: $900 ($150 each) or $400 deposit Standard Registration: $1,020 ($170 each) or $500 deposit Late Bird Registration: $1,140 ($190 each) or $600 deposit Last Minute Registration: $1,260 ($210 each) GROUP OF 7 to 18: For groups of 7 or more, the pricing structure will be equivalent to that of a group of 6, with an additional charge of $50 per person. The maximum group size is 18 individuals.
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 or performing showcase have the option to be lifted during their performance so long as they have someone who can cue the rigger during performances.  Lift options are an extra $10 fee found in our online cart. Pricing: • $15 if added 2 weeks prior to the event • $20 if added 1 week prior to the event • $25 if added the day before or day of the event
How many rig points are there? There are 3 rig points, lifts only available on center rig point.
What Is the processing fee? A 3.1% processing fee is not included in the listed item price. This fee will be added at checkout and reflected in the total sale amount.
When are the event deadlines? What performer details need to be submitted? Denver, CO (June 27, 2026): Early Bird Registration: 03/05/26 - 03/18/26 Standard Registration: 03/19/26 - 04/15/26 Late Bird Registration: 04/16/26 - 05/13/26 Last Minute Registration: 05/14/26 - 06/03/26 Performance Details Submission Deadline: 05/27/26 Boston, MA (July 18, 2026): Early Bird Registration: 03/05/26 - 03/25/26 Standard Registration: 03/26/26 - 04/22/26 Late Bird Registration: 04/23/26 - 05/20/26 Last Minute Registration: 05/21/26 - 06/24/26 Performance Details Submission Deadline: 06/17/26 Davie, FL (September 26, 2026): Early Bird Registration: 03/05/26 - 04/01/26 Standard Registration: 04/02/26 - 05/20/26 Late Bird Registration: 05/21/26 - 07/08/26 Last Minute Registration: 07/09/26 - 09/02/26 Performance Details Submission Deadline: 08/26/26 Chicago, IL (October 3, 2026): Early Bird Registration: 03/16/26 - 04/08/26 Standard Registration: 04/09/26 - 05/27/26 Late Bird Registration: 05/28/26 - 07/15/26 Last Minute Registration: 07/16/26 - 09/09/26 Performance Details Submission Deadline: 09/02/26 Downey, CA (October 25, 2026): Early Bird Registration: 03/05/26 - 04/08/26 Standard Registration: 04/09/26 - 06/03/26 Late Bird Registration: 06/04/26 - 07/29/26 Last Minute Registration: 07/30/26 - 09/30/26 Performance Details Submission Deadline: 09/23/26 Please register before the applicable deadline to receive that pricing tier. If you register after a deadline, the current pricing tier will apply. In regards to the Performance Details Submission Deadline, please email us (info@aerialartssociety.com) the following information: - Song file (MP3 or MP4 format) - Starting position - Photos of any props - Detailed photos of any apparatus or equipment to be used - Confirmation of whether the performance involves being lifted (for Levels 4-5 and showcase)
Can anyone apply to be a judge? Anyone is welcome to apply to be a judge; however, we highly encourage seasoned performers, coaches, studio owners, and individuals with relevant experience to submit an application.
Do I need to stay for the whole event? How long do events usually last? We highly recommend that performers plan to stay for the full event if possible. Competitions typically run from 8:00 AM to around 6:30 PM, though the schedule can be shorter or longer depending on the number of sign-ups and divisions. Staying for the entire event allows you to support fellow performers and ensures you don’t miss the awards ceremony. What if I cannot attend the awards ceremony? If you are unable to stay for the awards and you place in your division, we can ship your medal to you for a $15 shipping fee. Just contact the event team after the competition to arrange delivery.
Are there any Group/team discounts? We do offer group pricing for solo entries for groups of 15 or more participants. For 15-24 participants, there is a $10 off per solo registration entry and for 25 and more participants, there is a $15 off per solo registration entry. To qualify, the payment must be submitted as a single payment for the entire group. Payment can be made by check, Zelle, or ACH. Credit card payments are also accepted, but standard processing fees will apply. Once everyone in your group has completed their individual registration forms, please send us the full list of participant names. At that point, we’ll generate and send over a group invoice for the discounted rate.
What locations will 2026 comps be held at? EVENT LOCATIONS Rocky Mountain Regionals (DENVER, CO) - Saturday, June 27, 2026 Event Location: Gates Concert Hall 2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Atlantic New England Regionals (BOSTON, MA) - Saturday, July 18, 2026 Event Location: Huntington Theatre 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 South Eastern Regionals (DAVIE, FL) - Saturday, September 26, 2026 Event Location: Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center 3100 Ray Ferrero Junior Blvd, Davie, FL 33314 Northern MidWest Regionals (CHICAGO, IL) - Saturday, October 03, 2026 Event Location: Studebaker Theater 410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 Pacific SouthWest Regionals (DOWNEY, CA) - Sunday, October 25, 2026 Event Location: Downey Theatre 8435 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241