Andy Schmitz

Andy Schmitz is a circus rigger with over 25 years of entertainment industry experience as a Project Manager, Head Rigger, Technical Director, Lighting Director, and Production Manager. Andy worked his way up to Head of Rigging on Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza while touring over 20 cities on three continents, before he moved back to Vegas to start a family. Andy has rigged with Cirque du Soleil’s “O”, and served as the Assistant Head of Rigging at Le Reve. Prior to his circus career, Andy was a free-lance Technical Director based in Philadelphia, where he had the pleasure of acting as Technical Director for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, worked with the world-class team at Sapsis Rigging, and was the Production Manager for Rennie Harris Puremovement’s Bessie award-winning hip-hop ballet, Rome & Jewels. Andy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre in Dance from Alma College; is an Entertainment Technician Certification Program certified Rigger; and a proud member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers who can tye well over 100 knots from memory (and counting!). While not in the office, Andy loves to climb trees with his son, and CAD design jewelry with his wife.