Entertainment rigging. Rigging in the Entertainment world can be broken down into two main subjects - Theatrical rigging and Arena Rigging. All the same skills apply in both genres. One takes place in a theater, the other in an arena or "exposed structure venue" such as a convention center, ballroom, warehouse etc. Many Arena Riggers find themselves hanging a full Proscenium theater in an arena environment.
In Theatrical rigging the venue may have anything from a Dead Pull Scenery Flying system, a hemp rigging system, a counterweight rigging system, a winch or hoist driven automated rigging system, or any hybrid of the aforementioned, used to fly props, people and scenery.
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Both of these rigging disciplines have four basic stations.
Maintains Safe perimeters Underneath High Work being Done, maintains a safe Path and perimeter around Aerial Work Platforms, monitors the movement of Aerial Work platforms, assembles Rigging on the ground for High Work Being Done, attaches Gear and Assemblies to Lines for High Work being Done, marks or "lays " out points on the floor and moves Designators for High work (Rigging Points and Laser Plumbs ), assembles and Checks out Motion Control Systems, makes Attachments to Lifting Frames, Lighting Trusses, Audio, Video and Scenery for hoisting or Flying, does Visual and Mechanical Safety Inspections.
A Ground Rigger needs- Situation Awareness = Sight, Hearing, Smell, and touch, Good Rope Skills, must be Able to work on their Knees and on a ladder,must be able to identify malfunctioning or damaged rigging hardware and apparatus, must be able to lift 60lbs, and most of all have good communication skills.
Deals with Aerial performers.
Has ALL of the skills and responsibility of a Ground Rigger and must also be able to operate an aerial work platform, must be able to Identify suitable structure and attachment for rigging, must be able to lift 100 lbs, must have Advanced Rope Skills, be able to apply rope work mechanical advantages, as well as knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods and the proper applications of different rigging systems..
Is virtually identical to a Bucket rigger, only they apply their trade while standing, sitting on or hanging from an exposed, (and sometimes not as exposed) Structural member.
Has ALL of the previous Skills and Responsibilities of the other 3 Riggers and they must also have exceptional rope skills. They must also be Very Physically fit and able to pull their own Body Weight up into Structural Ceilings on Belay while applying personal fall protection as they go. They must be proficient with harness positioning system and advanced rope friction and hauling systems.
Most Entertainment Rigging training is done either by apprenticeship or Formal training through Unions i.e. the Stagehands Union or I.A.T.S.E. [1] The recognized Entertainment Rigging certification is the e.t.c.p. Arena and Theater rigging certification programs.[2] See also "Entertainment Rigging" the paperback written by Harry Donovan.[3]