The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts is launching a new aerial arts course this fall, welcoming both enrolled students and members of the public to learn acrobatic and performance skills.
Course Details and Access
The Introduction to Aerial Arts course operates on two tracks. University of Idaho students enrolled in the theatre program attend twice weekly, while community members participate once per week through Keep Learning Idaho, the university’s Continuing Adult Professional Education program.
Public participation requires no university admission process. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
What Students Learn
The curriculum covers both soft and rigid aerial equipment. Participants train on aerial fabrics—sling and silks—as well as rigid apparatus including the lyra (an aerial hoop) and dance trapeze. University students additionally practice ground circus skills such as hand balancing, juggling, wire walking, and German wheel work.
The program reflects a growing interest in integrating circus and aerial arts into academic theatre training and community enrichment. The dual-access model allows the university to share specialized instruction with the broader Moscow-area community while maintaining focused coursework for degree-track students.
Community members interested in registering for the public sessions can learn more through Keep Learning Idaho’s offerings. For University of Idaho students, the course counts toward theatre arts coursework.
The Department of Theatre Arts continues to expand its performance training options. The university is also pursuing state funding for three new Moscow campus projects as part of its broader investment in academic facilities and programs.