An aerialist turns a room into a show. Silks, hoop, and suspended acts over your crowd make the photo everyone posts. But aerial is the one booking where your venue decides what is possible, so start there.
The short answer
Most aerial acts need at least 12 feet of clear height. Silks look best at 18 to 30 feet, and hoop (lyra), trapeze, and sling at 16 to 22 feet. Either the act hangs from a strong beam or truss, or the performer brings a freestanding rig. The price moves with the act, the hours, and the rigging, which is why the best quotes start with your venue.
How high does the ceiling need to be?
Measure from the floor to the lowest beam or light, not to the top of the room. Use the numbers above as your guide. Low ceiling? Ask about a hoop act or a shorter freestanding rig.
Rigging point or freestanding rig?
- Hanging point. Indoors, the act hangs from a structural beam or existing truss. Outdoors, from a tree, bridge, or gazebo strong enough to hold it. Your venue has to approve it.
- Freestanding rig. No ceiling needed, but it needs floor space. One aerial company lists about 9 by 13 feet for a 12 foot rig and about 18 by 21 feet for a 22 foot rig, on flat ground.
- Setup time. Plan about an hour for rig and setup, plus a few helpers.
When should the aerialist perform?
- Ambient. The performer moves above the crowd during cocktail hour. Beautiful in the background.
- Showcase. A short routine at a set time, like the reveal or the toast. Everyone stops and films.
What to ask before you book.
- What height and floor space does your act need?
- Do you bring your own rig, and who rigs it?
- Do you carry insurance, and can you add my venue?
- How long is setup, and what help do you need?
- Can I see video of you performing at an event, not just in a studio?
How we book aerial at Lightmakers.
We check your venue, ceiling, and rigging before we quote, so you only see acts that work in your space. Then we match the act to your crowd and confirm everyone ahead of the night. A 50% deposit holds your date.
Frequently asked questions.
How high does the ceiling need to be for an aerialist?
Most aerial acts need at least 12 feet of clear height. Silks look best at 18 to 30 feet. Hoop (lyra), trapeze, and sling work best at 16 to 22 feet.
Can an aerialist perform without rigging points?
Yes. Many aerialists bring a freestanding rig that needs no ceiling attachment. It needs flat floor space, roughly 9 by 13 feet for a 12 foot rig up to about 18 by 21 feet for a 22 foot rig.
How much does it cost to hire an aerialist?
It depends on the act, the number of performers, the hours, and the rigging. Share your venue, ceiling height, and date for an accurate quote.
How long does aerial setup take?
Plan about an hour for rigging and setup, plus a few helpers.