USITT Members save the most on registration now through Nov. 29 with our early-bird pricing! Don’t wait!

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 Richmond, Virginia to teach a beginner-level course! This 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.

This course is ideal for classroom teachers and non-professional technicians who want to uphold industry-level safety practices in their theatre departments. We'll go over safety practices using theatre counterweight systems, and show you how to safely and efficiently use these systems to rig scenery and lighting instruments. Our number one goal is that you walk away with the tools you need to make your theatre feel safe and secure! Get hands-on experience and informational lectures from the best of the best in the rigging game!

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.

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

Curriculum to be covered

• Safe Operation of Counterweight Fly Systems 
• Basic Rigging Tools and Hardware
• How to Safely Rig and Fly Scenery
• Safety Procedures for Working at
• Heights and Using Ladders
• Basic Rules for Fall Protection
• Basic Maintenance of Rigging Systems
• Day to Day and Why Professional
• Inspections are Important
• Three hands-on segments to include:
  • Hardware – proper use and application
  • Fly System – system identification, safe operation, and maintenance overview
  • Working at Heights – ladders & Genie lifts and maintenance overview

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

Registration will close on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024

Attendees are responsible for their own housing accommodations.

Dates:

Monday, Jan. 6 - Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Member rates:

Early – now through Nov. 29 = $495
Nov. 30 – Dec. 30 = $545

Non-Member rates:

Early – now through Nov. 29 = $545
Nov. 30 – Dec. 30 = $595

Where:

St. Catherine’s School
6001 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23226

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 curriculum 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. 

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.

Bridget Solini – Founder – Athena Theatrical

Specializing in rigging and project management for over 20 years in the performing arts industry, Bridget uses that experience to facilitate the successful implementation of creative solutions in unique venues worldwide.

​By focusing on the intertwined relationships within our industry supported by a strong company culture, Bridget has been able to put her BFA and MBA to good use bringing many notable projects to a successful completion around the world over the last two decades.

​Bridget is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Theater), an ETCP Recognized Trainer, holds an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification, and is a member of IATSE Local 4. 

About Jay O. Glerum

Noted rigging authority Mr. Jay O. Glerum was an annual presenter at the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo. As the sole earner for his family, he moonlighted during the mid-1960s and early 1970s with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union (IATSE) Local 15 in Seattle as a part-time extra. He went on to become a career artist and educator. He held various offices for USITT, including Vice-Commissioner, Commissioner of Technical Production, and several terms as a Director-at-Large on the Board. He received the International Health and Safety Award (1992) and the Joel E. Rubin Founder's Award (2001), and was inducted as a Fellow in 1995. USITT aims to uphold his legacy by continuing to educate the theatre technicians of the tomorrow, utilizing the skills and wisdom left to us by Mr. Glerum. Click here to learn more about Glerum’s legacy.