Madison Circus Space accepts monthly memberships for experienced aerialists who wish to further their individual practice. MCS is a community training space that fosters creative expression through self-directed and instructor-led circus arts training opportunities.
Aerial membership application process
Eligibility
All member candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be in good standing with MCS.
- Have at least one year of recent, consistent aerial experience (~2 hours/week) or training and have had sufficient instruction on equipment you wish to use as an aerial member.
- Read, sign, and agree to all safety guidelines, MCS waiver, and membership guidelines.
- Demonstrate knowledge of rigging technique and safety procedures.
- Maintain records of aerial equipment maintenance and inspection
- Demonstrate self-awareness, good judgement, and priority to develop a safe aerial culture.
- Provide two references and their contact information to aerial representative that will be able to speak to the candidate’s aerial experience and abilities, rigging and safety competency, and general ability to make sound decisions and exemplify good leadership.
- Complete an annual check-in with MCS aerial representatives to confirm membership eligibility.
- Pay monthly fee for membership.
- Contact the MCS aerial representative with description of above requirements and to schedule an approval/orientation meeting at MCS for final membership approval.
MCS Aerial Safety Guidelines
- Follow the MCS Safety Policy.
- Aerial arts is an inherently dangerous sport. You are responsible for your own safety.
- Another adult must be in the space when practicing on aerial equipment or using the ladder.
- Take all safety precautions possible to minimize injury to oneself and others in the space.
- Always use a spotter when necessary.
- Using new aerial equipment may require formal instruction before use in the space.
- Learning new drops should be done in a class or in groups of three or more aerial members.
- Mats should always be used underneath equipment, unless using mats will cause additional risk to safety (ie running big circles) or interfere with show rehearsals.
- Wear shoes or have bare feet when climbing the ladder. Ladders should always be easily accessible and able to be operated immediately if needed for a rescue.
- The ladder should be moved using the provided wheely cart or a partner. Always remove the cart before stepping on the ladder. If the cart is not accessible it is best practice to move the ladder with a partner – together open, lift and carry the ladder into place.
- Know your equipment and its origin, ensure proper rating, and maintain and inspect your equipment regularly. If using another person’s equipment, inspect the equipment and check rigging yourself. Be responsible for your own safety.
- Leave all personal drama at the door. Inappropriate, unkind behavior will not be tolerated.
- If you see someone not following these guidelines or acting in an unsafe manner, confront them and/or contact an aerial coordinator immediately. We are responsible for the safety of everyone in the space. If you witness something unsafe or not aligned with our community culture, speak up.
Membership Guidelines
- Abide by MCS General Membership guidelines and the MCS Safety Policy.
- Aerialists must adhere to strict policy of not being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances before or while practicing in the space.
- Being an aerial member does not authorize you to become an aerial instructor.
- No formal coaching or teaching is allowed during personal aerial membership time.
- Thoughtful collaboration with other MCS members is encouraged. Basic teaching of aerial skills to non-aerial members should only be done in a club or group setting by aerial instructors.
- MCS does not own or supply aerial equipment, besides the rigging equipment. Rigging heights range from approximately 19’ to approximately 24’.
- Aerial members are responsible for bringing, rigging, and striking their own equipment for each use. Aerial equipment must be approved by an MCS aerial representative.
- Aerial members are responsible for maintaining and inspecting their equipment to ensure safety.
- MCS insurance covers personal practice time for aerial members.
- Aerial members can use any of the nine MCS rig points when space is available. Check MCS calendar to ensure availability.
- Share the space and rig points. The MCS schedule will only become more busy, and therefore space must be negotiated.
- Aerial members are allowed to use the sound system and must negotiate using sound equipment with others using the space at the same time. Scheduled activities have priority for music requests.
- Non-aerial members are allowed to practice during designated Aerial Club times, class time, or by special permission, such as for an MCS-sponsored event.
- Refer to the MCS membership policy for guest pass procedures. Guests that would like to use aerial equipment must either be supervised by an instructor or obtain written instructor permission.
- Inability to follow safety procedures may result in immediate termination of or hold on membership and/or future participation at MCS without a refund.
- If you have comments or suggestions to these guidelines, please contact MCS aerial representative, Karen Nellessen, at karen.nellessen@gmail.com.
