Join us for TOP Flight 2025, August 6-9

Held in DeKalb, IL at Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance.

Discounts are available. See pricing page for details.

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Schedule of Events (subject to change)

Wednesday, August 6

11:30am – 12:30pm CHECK IN
12:30pm – 2:45pm Introduction: Rigging Basics and Design Factors
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mechanical Advantage and Pendulums
5:00pm – 6:30pm DINNER BREAK
6:30pm – 9:00pm Rig and Fly Pendulums and Straight Lift Systems with Mechanical Advantage

Wednesday, August 14

9:00am – 9:30am Tips, Tricks, Knots, etc.
9:30am – 11:15am Counterweight and Combined Lifts
11:30am – 1:00pm Strength Reduction Factors and Load Increase Factors
1:00pm – 2:00pm LUNCH BREAK
2:00pm – 6:00pm Harness Fitting, Fixed Point System Operation Techniques, and Choreography
6:00pm – 7:30pm DINNER BREAK
7:30pm – 9:00pm Rigging and Free Fly Time

Thursday, August 15

9:00am – 9:30am Tips, Tricks, Knots, etc.
9:30am – 11:15am Track Systems
11:30am – 1:00pm Rig Track Systems
1:00pm – 2:00pm LUNCH BREAK
2:00pm – 6:00pm Rig and Fly Track Systems
6:00pm – 7:30pm DINNER BREAK
7:30pm – 9:00pm Risk Analysis and Risk Reduction

Friday, August 16

9:00am – 9:30am Tips, Tricks, Knots, etc.
9:30am – 11:15am ANSI E1.43 – Performer Rigging Standards
11:30am – 1:00pm Free Body Diagrams
1:00pm – 2:00pm LUNCH BREAK
2:00pm – 6:00pm Storytelling In The Third Dimension
6:00pm – 7:30pm DINNER BREAK
7:30pm – 10:00pm Creation, Rigging, and Rehearsal of Devised Pieces

Saturday, August 17

9:00am – 1:00pm Creation, Rigging, and Rehearsal of Devised Pieces
1:00pm – 2:00pm LUNCH BREAK
2:00pm – 4:00pm Performances of Devised Pieces
4:00pm – 5:00pm Closing Thoughts
5:00pm – 7:30pm Strike and Pack
7:30pm – 11:30pm Farewell Barbeque and Video Presentations at Nunnally Residence