Automated Performer Flying: The State of the Art

Automated Performer Flying: The State of the Art shares the secrets of performer flying in entertainment history and provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a performer flying effect from scratch.

This book sheds light on all aspects of performer flying, covering its history, explaining concepts like mechanical compensation versus electrical compensation, providing guidance on how to calculate stopping distances and forces, and sharing tips on how to build successful relationships with performers. Case studies of prominent productions featuring performer flying, including Cirque du Soleil and Beyoncé, are included throughout.

Written for technical directors, theatrical riggers, and students of rigging, technical direction, and stagecraft courses, Automated Performer Flying takes readers through the process of creating a performer flying effect from the first spark of the idea to opening night.

Jim Shumway is a Senior Project Manager at TAIT, where he consults on and executes the most advanced performing flying effects in the world. Prior to joining the TAIT team Jim travelled the world with Cirque du Soleil for five years on four shows, working on two creations and reaching the role of Head Rigger. He is an annual guest lecturer at Yale University’s School of Drama, speaking on Performer Flying and Acrobatic Rigging.