CHAPTER 4. RIGGING 36
4.1 Introduction
In a typical theatre production, set pieces, lighting equipment and sound rein-
forcement speakers are flown over the heads of both actors and audience. To
safely rig and fly equipment and set pieces, a knowledge of both rigging hard-
ware and methodology are necessary. If items are improperly rigged and flown,
people can be killed!
The intent of this chapter is to present a general overview of rigging tech-
niques for a wide variety of tasks. Reading this chapter does not, however,
make one an expert in rigging. There are many books dedicated to the specific
topics discussed only briefly in this chapter. There really is no substitute for
being trained by a professional rigger. It’s highly recommended that at least an
introductory course in rigging be taken before any rigging task be undertaken.
4.2 Common Rigging Hardware
There are several pieces of hardware that are used for many different tasks in
theatrical rigging. It is this hardware that forms the toolbox of the stage rigger,
and as with any work, knowledge of one’s tools is of paramount importance for
successful and safe job completion.
4.2.1 Rope
There are two main categories of rope available — natural fiber and synthetic
fiber. It is not uncommon to work with both types of rope at a given theatre,
so knowledge of how to properly care for and work with each rope type is
important.
Manila rope, often called hemp, is made from manila hemp material, and is
quite durable and strong. It is typically made up of three strands, and comes in
many rope diameters. Most modern manila ropes are chemically treated to resist
moisture and mildew. This treating only helps marginally, so keeping ropes dry
is very important, as moisture and the resulting mildew are the largest enemies
of manila rope. Manila rope is tough on the hands, so when working with it, it
is always recommended that a pair of gloves be worn to avoid splinters.
Cotton braided rope does not have the appropriate structure for lifting loads,
but it is a quite suited to drives and pulley systems for curtains and tie lines for
soft goods. Cotton braided rope is typically soft and easy on the hands, thus
gloves need not be worn when working with it.
Synthetic fiber ropes include ropes made of various man-made materials such
as nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester. Synthetic fiber ropes have
the advantage of being made out of continuous strands of material, as opposed
to short overlapping fibers as in manila rope (Arnold, 278). These continuous
fibers can not tear or separate as they can in manila rope. Other advantages
such as near-complete immunity to water and mildew, chemical resistance, and