Show Diving

Question
Hi, I was a gymnast for ten years before I switched to diving, and I've been diving for three years, now.  I noticed that some shows like Sea World's "Viva" incorporate springboard diving.  I was wondering if you might have any information about show diving, like what other places are looking for divers and what ability level is required.  I have little platform experience, so I'm looking for shows that use 1 or 3-meter diving (5-meter platform max) as opposed to high diving.

Answer
Hi Katie -

The website you need to go to to find out about show diving is www.mastersdiving.org. Click on e-mail addresses and then look for people involved in this type of diving. Try contacting Leslie Hasselbach, the coach at Clemson University and a professional diver.I know her from being the Head Diving Official for the ACC Conference her school belongs to. She can send you in the right direction. Also click on diving links at this website. There you will find some professional diving websites to look into. Click on the message board link - it currently has an announcement seeking a female diver for a diving show in London.List your own message at this website and I am sure you will get a reply.

I have worked for the Cirque Du Soleil (Varekai and Corteo shows) and they are always looking for talented athletes with your background. Go www.cirquedusoleil.com and find out where they are having auditions for gymnasts and divers.You will probably need a dvd of yourself to send in. This company is the best to work for when it comes to pro diving. Their show 'O' in Las Vegas has an awesome diving show that pays really well. You do not have to be a high diver to get picked - just know how to go off their "Russian Swing"!! It is worth it to apply and try out for this show.They also have acts comprised of gymnasts/trampolinists & divers that have nothing to do with water.

You might also consider other amusement parks that hire acrobats/divers. Sea World in San Diego is one I can think of.You just have to be willing to dive off the nose of a killer whale!! Also Magic Mountain in Southern California.The Maxwell company has had a long history of hiring divers for amusement parks and county fairs but I do not know their website.I am sure you can find it on Google or from the masters diving website.

As far as ability level goes, diving shows are looking for people who can perform and entertain as opposed to having a high level competitive background. A lot of these shows are comprised of divers who did not make it at national championships or NCAA Division I diving. Many of these shows have very acrobatic with people performing gymnastic/trampoline like skills that enter the water feet first because the depth is not conducive to head first entries. Another factor to know is that all diving water shows have comedy diving that you will have to learn to pass an audition.These shows will require you to do springboard, mini-tramp and some high diving skills as well as the comedy part. If you have to go higher than 5 meters, you should still consider doing it since you can go feet first which is not that hard.Sometimes the high diving skills are easier than the springboard ones.

Here are some other websites about diving you can look into:

www.usadiving.org
www.aaudiving.org
www.usadiver.com
www.flipnrip.com
www.about.diving.com
www.procliffdiving.com

Good luck with your search.