Theatrical Supplies and Stage Rigging
- 1). Walk around your chosen stage space and decide what kind of rigging system you need. This will depend on the space that you are using and the needs of the production. Does the space have rigging already? Is it enough for your production or will you be needing extra rigging for this particular production? Does the stage have a fly tower? If so, does it have a gridiron? Is there a loading gallery? There are two main uses for a rigging system: rigging to support a lighting system and rigging to support and change the scenery. Have your lighting and technical designers walk around the space with you so that they can see the kind of space they are dealing with.
- 2). Have your designers put together a design balancing the needs of the production, the stage space and the budget. Budget is particularly important for most theatrical productions. You don't want to skimp on rigging. However, one area where you can save money is by going for a manual rigging system versus a motorized system.
- 3). Talk to a theater consultant. A theater consultant is an important part of the design team. A good consultant will have knowledge of portable theater equipment and maximum loads it will place on the structure. That person will provide drawings and specifications based on load limits and work directly with structural engineers to make sure that the rigging is safe.
- 4). Locate a theatrical supplies and rigging company. The best way to locate a reputable rigging and supplies company is to talk to other local directors and see which companies they prefer to use. Perhaps there was a production that they did with impressive scenery changes. Find out which company they used.
- 5). Make sure that the company you use is a reputable one since there are no building codes for rigging systems. Research their performance history. Have there ever been any accidents? What about their subcontractors? Have it written into the contract that the fabricators and installers must have a satisfactory record. Has there been independent inspection of the rigging system? The owner of the rigging system should be able to provide written reports showing independent inspections.
- 6). Make sure that only people who have been trained with the rigging system can operate the system.
- 7). Test the rigging before any production opens and test once again with stage technicians.
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