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:
- define work areas in line with plans with sensitivity to the venue and other contractors
- check that rigging points are those identified and approved for use
- oversee the safety of work on site, making sure risk assessments, method statements and rescue plans are communicated
- take action in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice in response to any unforeseen risks or unsafe working practices
- schedule work in ways that enhances the safety of others
- provide required information to persons responsible for constructing structures and fixing to the fabric of the supporting structure
- oversee the installation of rigging, making sure it is carried out in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- check that rigging of secondary suspensions is correct and in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- deal with deviations from plans or rigging designs so that rigging and de-rigging continues to meet production requirements
- provide advice on the selection and use of equipment and accessories in line with rigging principles, legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- provide information relating to the specifications of the lifting equipment and accessories used
- 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
- keep records in line with organisational processes
- sign off and hand over completed work to the responsible people
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- how to carry out a risk assessment in line with legislation, regulations, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- how to interpret risk assessments
- the technical specifications of lifting equipment and accessories for lifting and the importance of carrying out pre-use checks
- how to calculate angular forces for example bridle legs, how to use load tables and the relevance of load conditions on structures
- how to calculate the loads and distribution of proposed loading on structures
- the basic principles of structural steelwork design and the effects of loads on buildings
- the rigging requirements of the production and how to apply that knowledge to the context of the venue
- how to interpret the rigging design into a list of equipment and resources
- how to devise rigging plans, method statements and how to schedule elements of rigging work
- how to deal with deviation from rigging plans
- the principles of safe working load, working load limit, simple statics and rigging materials and their compatibility
- the importance of communication to rigging teams
- the importance of gaining authorisation to use structural members for rigging points or supports
- the principles of best practice in rigging methods and techniques
- the specifications required to rig adequate secondary suspensions
- implications of providing accurate load information to the venue and to any persons responsible for making attachments
- 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;