CHAPTER 7

THEATRE RIGGING

RIGGING CAN MEAN a variety of things in the entertainment business. A shirt may be “rigged” with Velcro when a quick change happens too fast for buttons. Flats may be “rigged” with stiffeners when they are too floppy to stand on their own. Chain motors in an arena are “rigged” with wire rope and shackles. In this chapter though, rigging will cover the techniques and equipment used in hanging scenery and lighting over the stage.

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TRADITIONAL RIGGING SYSTEMS

There are two main types of theatre rigging systems. The first and oldest type is known as the hemp system, and a second, newer type is known as a counterweight system. ...

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