Stage Rigging

We offer dead hung, manually operated, and motorized rigging systems for new construction and renovations. We can work with your consultants or help you design and install complete rigging packages for any size venue or special event, or help you find the right addition to improve your existing equipment.

Dead Hung Rigging

Dead Hung Rigging typically consists of steel pipe battens, individually hung or as a grid, suspended from the ceiling structure without the ability to move up and down. These battens can be suspended with cable, chain or threaded rod (see suspension hardware) and are used to hang curtain track, curtains, lights, or scenery. This type of rigging is perfect for lower ceiling heights and tighter budgets. The disadvantage is that for maintenance work it is necessary to get up to the batten as opposed to having the batten come to you.

Manual Counterweight Rigging

Manually Operated Rigging adds the ability to lower and raise pipe battens by counterbalancing the load with an arbor loaded with counterweight (steel plates). This is typically called Counterweight Rigging and requires manual operation of each line set. A line set consists of a steel pipe batten suspended from lifting cables which pass over loft block sheaves , then over the head block at one side of the stage and down to the counterweight arbor. The key with manual rigging is balance. While a properly balanced load is extremely safe, an improperly balanced load poses great danger. This system requires a trained and experienced operator and strict safety precautions.

In a Single Purchase Counterweight Set the weight and travel distance of the loaded batten equals the weight and travel distance of the properly loaded arbor. These sets are simple to install and operate, and are very efficient.

In buildings where space for vertical travel of the arbor is not sufficient for single purchase sets to operate, the counterweight side of the system can be double purchased. This is a condition that requires twice the amount of weight on the arbor side. However, only one foot of arbor travel is required for each two feet of batten travel. Double purchase systems are very useful in some situations, but they are more expensive and more difficult to install.

In this High School access to the stage was needed. Several line sets had to be installed on a new bridge we built above the doorway. This cut the travel distance of the arbor. Double purchase line sets made up for the difference.

Motorized Rigging

Motorized stage rigging generally refers to "dead haul" operation where a motor (hoist) lifts a load without the use of counterweights, eliminating the potential of improperly balanced sets. This is especially important with loads that are not easily counterbalanced. Automated rigging has the added benefit that it takes less space and less structural steel than a comparable counterweight rigging system.

Safety, convenience, and greater affordability make Automated Rigging a fast growing part of the theatrical industry in any size venue, from schools to professional theaters. The reliability and safety of motorized rigging is incomparable to any other method of moving objects. When dealing with heavy sets, items that have multiple elements or that must be flown with speed and accuracy in complex sequences, motorized rigging and computer-based electronic controls make it possible with a wide selection of hoists for any application and budget. Which hoist is right for you?