Riggers, the Unsung Heroes Behind the Scenes in the Events and Entertainment Industry

Riggers play a crucial role in the setup and safety of various events, theaters, and concert productions. Their skillset spans multiple disciplines, enabling them to work efficiently across diverse venues. This article delves into the essential skills a rigger must possess and outlines their responsibilities across different types of venues, providing a clearer understanding of this dynamic profession.

What Does a Rigger Do?

"Rigging in entertainment can be broken down into two main subjects – theatrical rigging and arena-style rigging. All the same skills apply in both genres. The first takes place in a theatre, and typically involves the theatre's permanent fly system. The other in an arena or "exposed structure venue" such as a convention center, ballroom, warehouse etc." (Wikipedia, "Entertainment Rigging."

A rigger is primarily responsible for setting up, maintaining, and ensuring the safety of the rigging systems used to move and support equipment and scenery in a variety of settings. This includes everything from lighting and sound equipment in a concert hall to elaborate stage sets in theater productions and heavy materials at large-scale events. Rigging tasks require a keen understanding of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and often, a good eye for design and spatial arrangement.

Photo: Shell cloud line sets flown out, Wikipedia.
"Photograph of two orchestra shell ceiling units (middle and left) stored, in a vertical orientation, in a fly tower, with an electric batten (right). Also shown is the T-bar wall (beyond) of the counterweight system used to support the ceiling units and electric batten."

Essential Skills of a Rigger:

1. Mechanical Proficiency: Riggers must understand the mechanics of pulleys, levers, and winches, and be adept at calculating loads and stresses to ensure safe setups.

2. Spatial Awareness: Effective riggers have excellent spatial awareness, enabling them to plan and execute complex setups that optimize space and efficiency while ensuring safety.

3. Attention to Safety: Safety is paramount in rigging. Riggers must be well-versed in safety regulations and able to implement best practices to prevent accidents.

4. Problem-Solving: Riggers often encounter unique challenges that require creative problem-solving skills to adapt rigging systems to specific venues or productions.

5. Communication: Clear communication with event planners, directors, technicians, and other crew members is vital for coordinating efforts and ensuring that all aspects of the production come together smoothly.

Riggers Across Different Venues:

1. Events
At corporate events, exhibitions, and outdoor festivals, riggers are essential for setting up stages, lighting, sound systems, and sometimes elaborate display structures. These venues require riggers to be versatile, often working under tight schedules to transform spaces into spectacular event settings.

2. Theatre
In the theatre, riggers contribute to the artistry of a production. They work closely with designers to rig curtains, scenery, lighting, and sometimes special effects that are crucial for creating the magical atmosphere of live performances. Theatrical rigging can be particularly complex due to the dynamic and changing nature of live performances.

Photo: Wikipedia, Entertainment Rigging
"Photograph of two orchestra shell ceiling units (middle and left) stored, in a vertical orientation, in a fly tower, with an electric batten (right). Also shown is the T-bar wall (beyond) of the counterweight system used to support the ceiling units and electric batten."

3. Concerts:
Concert riggers must handle the rigging of large lighting arrays, sound systems, video screens, and staging used during performances. Given the scale and temporary nature of concerts, especially in large arenas or outdoor settings, concert riggers often work under pressure to ensure all elements are securely and precisely installed.

 

Photo: Great Hall at First Ontario Concert Hall's counterweight fly system. Learn more about fly system's here. 

Types of Venues and Their Specific Needs:

- Indoor Arenas and Auditoriums:
These venues typically have built-in rigging systems, requiring riggers to understand and adapt to permanent structures.

- Outdoor Venues:
Riggers working outdoors must consider additional factors such as weather conditions and uneven ground, which can complicate the rigging process.

- Historic Theatres:
These venues often have unique architectural elements and older rigging equipment, requiring riggers to be particularly sensitive to the building’s structural integrity and historical significance.

Photo: Electric line set flown in, Wikipedia.
"Photograph of an electric batten line set flown in to the stage deck of a theatre. A connector strip with pigtails (mounted atop the batten) powers the ellipsoidal, par and moving lights that are hung from the two pipes of the truss-style batten."

Riggers are the unsung heroes behind the scenes in the events and entertainment industry. Their expertise ensures that the visual and functional elements of an event are executed flawlessly, contributing to the safety and success of productions.

Whether working in the controlled environment of a theatre or the dynamic setting of a large outdoor concert, riggers apply their diverse skills to meet the challenges of any venue. As technology and stagecraft evolve, so too will the role of the rigger, continuing to be an essential part of the creative and logistical teams in the world of entertainment.

Rigging resources:

• International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
• National Rigging Certificate (NRC)
• "Rigging Terminology" (PDF)