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Prepare for rigging and de-rigging for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL8
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about preparing and assembling components for rigging and de-rigging. This involves confirming an understanding of rigging designs and safely preparing and marking out rigging from plans. At the end of the production it also involves de-rigging safely.

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 in rigging and de-rigging for theatre and live productions.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. identify rigging requirements and loads to be applied to rigging or support points in line with rigging plans
  2. identify hazards that may make plans difficult to achieve, suggesting alternatives to appropriate people.
  3. identify rigging equipment and components that comply with required load capacities specified in rigging plans
  4. establish that supporting structures and fixings are suitable, obtaining advice from authorised people when required
  5. check that permissions for loading have been obtained before commencing lifting
  6. use modular structures in line with manufacturer’s instructions
  7. identify the correct rigging points or support points for rigging and de-rigging from plans, getting approval when required
  8. make sure risk assessment control measures are in use
  9. select personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing for work to be carried out
  10. communicate rigging intentions, associated hazards and when particular caution is needed to the people affected

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to interpret rigging plans and method statements and work within their parameters
  2. the principles of scaling from rigging plans and marking out conventions
  3. the methods used to set out
  4. health and safety issues to be taken into account when following a briefing or method statement
  5. legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice relating to rigging and
  6. the range of rigging and safe working practices used in theatre and live productions
  7. the range of rigging and lifting equipment and accessories commonly used for rigging, their advantages, disadvantages, incompatibilities and misuses
  8. how to identify load capacities of lifting equipment
  9. safe manual handling and manoeuvring techniques and requirements
  10. the personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing to wear for different rigging tasks and how to check pre-use

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

SKSSC24

Relevant Occupations

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

SOC Code

Keywords

rigging; de-rigging; theatre and live productions;