Stage Rigger

Stage riggers install, operate, and maintain the systems used to fly scenery, lighting, and equipment in theatres, concert halls, and live event venues. Counterweight flying systems — the standard in traditional theatre — involve operating a grid of ropes and cast iron counterweights to raise and lower scenery bars, lighting bars, and cloths to precise flying positions. Motor flying systems (chain hoists, automated fly systems) are used in large-scale productions and touring events. Riggers also work on the structural steel above stages to hang lighting, speakers, video screens, and scenic elements directly from the roof structure using shackles, slings, beam clamps, and motors.

Live event and touring rigging involves working in arenas, stadia, and temporary venues — building truss structures, rigging points, and motor arrays that carry the production's lighting, audio, and video systems. PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association) and ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) publish technical standards for stage rigging. LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) applies to all rigging work involving lifting equipment, and riggers must be competent to inspect and certify equipment under LOLER. IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) rope access qualifications are required for height work at certain venues.

Entry routes include venue-based training (most theatres train their own flymen and riggers from casual and stage crew backgrounds) and courses offered by PLASA, ABTT, and specialist rigging training providers.

Live performance and events cannot be delivered remotely — every show requires physical setup, operation, and get-out by skilled people on site. Stage rigging is safety-critical (LOLER-regulated) and requires certified competence: an uncertified or unskilled person cannot be placed on a rigging position for a live performance. The combination of safety regulation, height working, and production knowledge creates a genuine barrier to entry.

Theatre rigging is a specialist role within the UK performing arts — a major employer and cultural export earner. Arena and live event rigging is a growth sector: the scale and technical ambition of major tours, festivals, and live events continues to increase. Once established as a competent rigger with PLASA or LOLER credentials, there is consistent work across the touring circuit, in-house theatre positions, and event rigging companies.

Arrive at the venue for a get-in call at 8am. Morning: rig fourteen chain motors across the grid to the production plot positions, connect motor cables, and load the control system. Afternoon: begin loading out the truss system — raising and connecting truss sections at working height, dressing cables, and flying in lighting bars to their trim heights. Evening: assist with the lighting focus call, flying lighting bars in and out to position as required by the LD. Complete a LOLER inspection checklist for all rigging equipment used.