Oversee the rigging and de-rigging activity for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL33
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about supervising a rigging team. You will need to interpret and where necessary consult and adapt the rigging design and then supervise the preparation, marking out and installation of rigging and de-rigging to make sure that it is carried out safely and efficiently.

The rigging referenced in theatre and live productions is distinct and separate to entertainment rigging. In theatre and live productions rigging refers to installing technical production equipment, scenery and masking on rigging equipment or assembling scenic or technical elements for a production.

This standard is for anyone involved with overseeing rigging and de-rigging for theatre and live productions.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. define work areas in line with plans with sensitivity to the venue and other contractors
  2. check that rigging points are those identified and approved for use
  3. oversee the safety of work on site, making sure risk assessments, method statements and rescue plans are communicated
  4. take action in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice in response to any unforeseen risks or unsafe working practices
  5. schedule work in ways that enhances the safety of others
  6. provide required information to persons responsible for constructing structures and fixing to the fabric of the supporting structure
  7. oversee the installation of rigging, making sure it is carried out in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
  8. check that rigging of secondary suspensions is correct and in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
  9. deal with deviations from plans or rigging designs so that rigging and de-rigging continues to meet production requirements
  10. provide advice on the selection and use of equipment and accessories in line with rigging principles, legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
  11. provide information relating to the specifications of the lifting equipment and accessories used
  12. check and confirm that de-rigging is carried out in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice and that all equipment and accessories are stored and the site is left clean and tidy
  13. keep records in line with organisational processes
  14. sign off and hand over completed work to the responsible people

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to carry out a risk assessment in line with legislation, regulations, organisational requirements and codes of practice
  2. how to interpret risk assessments
  3. the technical specifications of lifting equipment and accessories for lifting and the importance of carrying out pre-use checks
  4. how to calculate angular forces for example bridle legs, how to use load tables and the relevance of load conditions on structures
  5. how to calculate the loads and distribution of proposed loading on structures
  6. the basic principles of structural steelwork design and the effects of loads on buildings
  7. the rigging requirements of the production and how to apply that knowledge to the context of the venue
  8. how to interpret the rigging design into a list of equipment and resources
  9. how to devise rigging plans, method statements and how to schedule elements of rigging work
  10. how to deal with deviation from rigging plans
  11. the principles of safe working load, working load limit, simple statics and rigging materials and their compatibility
  12. the importance of communication to rigging teams
  13. the importance of gaining authorisation to use structural members for rigging points or supports
  14. the principles of best practice in rigging methods and techniques
  15. the specifications required to rig adequate secondary suspensions
  16. implications of providing accurate load information to the venue and to any persons responsible for making attachments
  17. the requirements for keeping records, signing off and handing over work in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2028

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

ScreenSkills

Original URN

CCSTTL25

Relevant Occupations

Rigger, Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew

SOC Code


Keywords

oversee; rigging; de-rigging; theatre and live productions;