If you are a theater fan, you may have wondered who was working behind the scenes to make an actor fly or how a set gets changed during an act break. Those people are stage riggers, and it can take several of them to make a show run seamlessly. Stage rigging includes a great deal of preparation beforehand and, depending on the type of show, maybe even more work while performers are on stage. Without their expertise, no show would be possible.
Equipment
No two jobs are the same and there is a wide variety of equipment and tools available to bring a show to life. Hanging speakers, lights, banners, displays, props or sometimes even people all require something different. Experienced riggers will know their way around chains, ropes, pulley systems, clamps, carabiners, shackles, trolleys, clamps, turnbuckles and a vast array of hand and power tools. For special events, they might also fabricate new stage pieces and equipment. These workers make their jobs look easy, but don’t let them fool you. It’s tough work that should always be carried out by trained professionals.
The Job
Some riggers work on the ground and assemble structures waiting to be suspended in the air. Others will attach, realign and disassemble those same structures standing or hanging far above. Those concert speakers won’t install themselves. Stage rigging requires intimate knowledge of materials, trusses, lifting frames and safety procedures. To this last point, each worker acts as a supervisor for one another.
Events
Stage rigging might get done a lot more than you think. This particular set of skills is applied to theater sets, arenas, ballets and even circuses. It’s not a glamorous task, but without it, there would be no stages for your stars to shine on.
To learn more about stage rigging, go to the Gallagher Staging & Productions website or call 714-690-1559.
