When I find a quote, I'll let you know…“
— Hal Anderson

Hal didn’t plan to become a flying trapeze instructor. Twenty years ago, he simply dropped his brother off for a class at TSNY, and never really left. What began as a quick stop became a passion. Within months, he was teaching at the trapeze school that first inspired him, and he has been part of the community ever since.

Since then, Hal has filled many roles, including Senior Instructor/Coach, Rig Manager, Rigging Manager, Head Rigger, Staff Mentor, and Master Trainer. He has coached, flown, and performed in the U.S., Australia, Sweden and Costa Rica, but what keeps him coming back is the joy of teaching—especially watching students surprise themselves with what they can do.

Before trapeze became his full-time focus, Hal served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear plant operator and electronics technician. He was also the lead Lab Assistant at the Free Electron Laser Lab at Rutgers University. Those experiences shaped how he approaches flying today: calm, methodical, safety-driven, and grounded in teamwork and trust.

Hal earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University, completing a double major in Physics and Applied Mathematics. He loves using those tools to help flyers understand why something works, not with formulas, but with clear explanations that make flying feel more intuitive and less intimidating. Whether it’s a first climb onto the platform or a breakthrough on a big trick, Hal brings patience, curiosity, and genuine excitement to every class.