Are you ready to dive into the world of theatre rigging? USITT has industry experts who are here to help, and they're on their way to Denver to teach a beginner-level AND an intermediate level course!

The Entry-level course is geared toward those who need to reaffirm their knowledge or build upon their understanding of counterweight rigging safety and operation basics.

The two-day curriculum covers rigging basics, terminology, hardware, systems, tools, and safe practices. Attendees are issued the Jay O. Glerum Stage Rigging Handbook and use this text as a reference.

The Intermediate-level track is a classroom, PPT, and demonstration-based class for those familiar with rigging basics and the safe operation of a counter weight system or those who have taken the Entry Level course and seek to advance their skills.

The two-day curriculum covers design factor, physics of loads and forces, truss basics, bridle rigging and more.

All attendees earn 12 hours of ETCP Renewal Credits!

Seats are limited, so register today to secure your spot!

 

Entry Level Curriculum to be covered

• Safe operation of counterweight rigging systems
• Basic rigging tools and hardware
• Overview of safe work at height
• Basic maintenance of rigging systems
• Why rigging inspections are important

      Hands-on sessions to include:

• Making wire rope terminations
• Counterweight system operation
• Counterweight system loading
• Managing out-of-weight situations 
• Common rigging knots
• Rigging inspection practice

 

This is a hands-on learning experience for each attendee so that theory is translated to practice under the supervision of Internationally recognized trainers.

Intermediate Curriculum to be covered

• Review of Breaking Strength, Design Factor, Working Load Limit
• Physics of Loads and Forces
• Beam Loading and Cantilevers
• Truss Basics – inspection and general principles
• Mechanical Advantage
• Bridle Rigging
• Out of balance loading situations for counter weight systems
• Where the rules come from - Codes, Standards, and Risk Assessment

Dates:

Monday, June 2 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Member rates:

Entry

Early – now through Apr. 28 = $495
Apr. 29 – May 26. = $545

Intermediate

Early – now through Apr. 28 = $570
Apr. 29 – May 26. = $620

Non-Member rates:

Entry

Early – now through Apr. 28 = $545
Apr. 29 – May 26. = $595

Intermediate

Early – now through Apr. 28 = $620
Apr. 29 – May 26. = $670

Where:

 

 

 

 

 

King Center
Auroria Higher Education Center
Community College of Denver
855 Lawrence Way
Entrance is on the corner of 9th and Larimer
Denver CO 80204

Entry Level: Rawls Theater

Intermediate Level: Design Studio (KC 260)

 

Instructors:

 Entry Level Instructors

Shane Kelly – Shane Kelly is Professor and Head of The Theatre Technology Program at The Theatre School at DePaul University. He is the co-author (with Jay O. Glerum) of the 4th edition of the Stage Rigging
Handbook. Shane has been rigging for 25 years and conducts inspections, installations, specification of systems, and safety training via his company, Shane Kelly Rigging.

Shane is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre), ETCP Recognized Trainer, OSHA Authorized General Industry Outreach Trainer, and American Red Cross Authorized Training Provider.

Shane’s professional practice and research is focused on sustainability and ecoscenograhy. He worked as a producer, production manager, technical director, and rigger and was the Associate Director of Education for SpaceLab at the 2015 Prague Quadrennial and Technical Director for Six
Acts at the 2011 Prague Quadrennial Scenofest.

 

Latiana "LT" Gourzong (she/her), is from Ocean Township, NJ and proud pet parent to her all around amazing pup DJ. She is currently an Assistant Professor Adjunct of Technical Design and Production, and a Faculty Technical Director at David Geffen School of Drama at Yale.

She has worked in multiple states as a Technical Director, Associate/Assistant Technical Director, and overhire carpenter.  Some companies include American Repertory Theater, Guthrie Theater, Center Theatre Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, and Washington and Lee University. She has been involved in USITT since 2012, received the KM Fabrics Technical Production Award in 2019, and is currently a Co-Commissioner of the Technical Production Commission and an ETCP Certified Rigger (Theatre). Feel free to visit her website for more information www.LatianaLT-TD.weebly.com

 

Intermediate Level Instructors

Ed Leahy – Ed Leahy is Head Trainer and Cruise Ship Division Manager at Chicago Flyhouse, Incorporated. He develops and implements rigging and safety training curricula for entertainment technicians at theaters, universities, arenas, and other entertainment venues around the globe.

During the pandemic, Chicago Flyhouse online training helped workers stay sharp, learn new skills, and work toward certification. Beyond training, Ed develops fall protection systems and documentation, writes technical manuals, conducts rigging inspections, and produces educational videos.

As an active Member of USITT, Ed helps to promote and teach the Jay O. Glerum Rigging Master Classes in addition to presenting educational content at the annual conference.

Ed serves on ESTA’s Rigging Working Group helping to write and edit standards for the entertainment industry. He is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre) and a Recognized Trainer. 

 

Eric Rouse – Eric is an ETCP Certified Theatre Rigger. Originally from Fajardo, he lived in Luquillo until 1988 when he began his university studies in Pennsylvania. He has a Master's Degree in Technical Theater from Penn State University and began his first day of work as a professional organizing equipment for a flight by artist Garth Brooks over the audience at Texas Stadium during a concert while filming the video for the song "Ain't Goin Down (T'ill the Sun Comes Up)". During his 30 years in entertainment Eric has worked and taught in the United States, Mexico, Spain, China, Japan, Germany and Finland.

After Garth, Eric continued with Flying by Foy where he was a flight effects supervisor and designer for theater and award shows such as the Oscars, ESPY's and the American Music Awards. After Foy, Eric was in charge of rigging maintenance at the Cirque du Soleil company's "O" theater at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Eric "retired" from professional life and was a professor of theater at Penn State University where he led the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Technical Theater for 10 years. Eric decided to return to professional life and worked as Technical Director at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in Colorado where he worked with designers from Broadway and well-known regional theaters across the United States. Until recently, he worked with Las Vegas company EPS where he directed projects for MSG Sphere, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas and Cirque du Soleil spins, and has most recently joined Sapsis Rigging.

Eric is an ETCP Certified Rigger and Recognized Trainer.