Rigging Design, Installation, & Inspections

Rigging Design, Installation, & Inspections

Did you know your rigging system should be inspected annually?

 

Schedule A Rigging Inspection

 

ANSI Requires Annual Rigging Inspections

ANSI E1.47-2022 7.2.2

Illuminated Integration will inspect the mounting, suspension, and attachment of any items to the buildings structure.

What Is Rigging?

Rigging might happen behind the scenes, but it has a visible impact on every moment of production. Rigging is the structural system that makes the magic happen. From lighting and dramatic curtain openings to backdrop movement and memorable stunts, a strong rigging setup ensures every production effect can happen smoothly and seamlessly.

How Does Rigging Work?

A rigging setup — commonly known as a fly system — uses a long beam, called a batten, above the stage. This batten becomes the foundation for hanging essential equipment, including lights and backdrops, that will set the scene for your production.

Quality rigging requires a complex combination of equipment to operate properly. Successful rigging design  typically includes rigging anchors for rope pulling systems, pulleys to lift heavy equipment and safety cables for hanging lights. A rigging structure will vary between shows, as each production has its own scope and needs. As a result, stage rigging requires a versatile range of equipment that’s ready to fit any situation that arises.

The tremendous versatility, show-stopping significance and safety hazards of production rigging make it a task best left to the professionals. From installation to maintenance, rigging setups require an expert eye for detail and knowledge of safety precautions. When it comes to one of the most vital ingredients for your show’s success, why take any chances?

The right rigging is essential for supporting any performance, whether you’re giving a sermon or managing a theatrical show. With properly installed rigging, you can masterfully control the lights, backdrops and curtains throughout your show — paving the way for an unforgettable, immersive audience experience.

Types of Rigging

Explore the primary differences of each popular rigging style below. Our trained team can inspect, design, install and certify your rigging systems.

 

Our rigging inspection team is here to ensure your equipment meets your needs and goals while remaining in compliance with any regulations or restrictions. Our professionals also have the experience needed to get your equipment up to ANSI, OSHA, and ESTA standards.

Static rigging — otherwise known as a no flying system — is a suspension rig style that stays in one location. With a static rigging design and integration, borders and legs are commonly tied to pipe hung from the roof structure, where the entire rig stays permanently during operation. Because of its unchanging position and magnitude over time, static rigging offers several benefits and drawbacks:

  • Advantages: Static rigging offers a higher level of consistency, as it remains in one place throughout the entirety of the show.
  • Disadvantages: The unmoving nature of a static rigging setup doesn’t lend itself to versatility. Performances with multiple set changes, dramatic stunts or multiple ambiance shifts may find themselves limited by a static rig.

Overall, this type of rigging plays a key role in entertainment productions, offering increased safety and production efficiency. Whether you use it for installing set pieces and props, hanging audio and speaker systems, mounting projection screens and displays, or suspending lighting fixtures, our system will help you get the job done.

Depending on your needs and goals, we provide several types of motorized rigging solutions, like motorized hoists and winches, motorized chain motors, and automated track and trolley systems. With our motorized rigging installation service and support, you’ll be able to enhance the safety, efficiency and creativity at your site.

A motorized rigging design is fully automated. This setup uses powered winches and motorized devices to move the equipment rather than relying on manual power to get the job done. By combining the batten and motor in one unit, attached cables can move the motor and pipe together.

This design allows for several advantages, along with a few cons to consider:

  • Benefits: Motorized stage rigging is the ultimate choice for moving scenery, lighting or curtains. Theaters can enjoy unmatched flexibility when transporting equipment from the stage level to the fly loft. As a result, the stage can transform with ease and efficiency.
  • Drawbacks: Motorized rigging typically requires more technical operating expertise than a static rigging setup, which can be a challenge for smaller companies with staff restraints.

Along with working well in settings ranging from concerts and live music events to corporate events and exhibitions, motorized rigging offers countless career possibilities. With the right motorized rigging, you’ll be able to seamlessly lift and lower pieces and adjust set changes. You can also use it for dynamic movement of scenery and set pieces, aerial acts, and much more. 

A counterweight rigging system is designed to raise and lower lighting, equipment and scenery by relying on counterweights. Your equipment will be held and hoisted over the stage by an equal load. With our counterweight rigging installation services, we’ll make sure your set is prepared to transform seamlessly whenever you need to change up the look or draw your audience’s attention to a certain location or individual on stage.

 

Offering the quality and convenience of a fully engineered theatrical rigging system, clew winch line sets offer simple and secure operation. Large and small theater venues, arenas, churches, museums, convention centers, places of worship, and other large event facilities. This winch is ideal for venues where traditional counterweight rigging systems cannot fit.

As authorized dealers we offer a full line of curtain tracks, curtain machine operators, curtain lift systems, and controls.

As authorized dealers we offer a full line of curtain systems.  We work with manufacturers of custom theatrical and event drapery, backdrops and virtually anything sewn with fabric for venues that range from high school auditoriums to regional theaters and more. 

While traditionally used in theaters, pipe grids are versatile enough to be installed in all kinds of small and large spaces with low or high ceiling-mounted stage lighting. From lobbies to classrooms, pipe grids offer a way to easily mount your lighting and technical equipment. These perpendicular cross-hatches will provide you with endless opportunities to mount instruments and lights whenever and wherever you need to.

When you need a sturdy, reliable surface in your studio, theater or other setting, a tension grid can deliver exactly what you’re looking for. The panels are designed in a grid format and can be installed above open areas, allowing individuals to walk freely and safely when working with equipment like audio cables, lighting and loudspeakers. 

When working from an elevated surface, falls are one of the biggest risks you’ll face. Make sure you protect your crew day in and day out with the right fall protection systems. Illuminated Integration has the solutions you need to help minimize the risk of serious injuries or even death when working from heights.

Teal And Purple Intersecting Lines.
Teal And Purple Neon Lines Making A 90 Degree Angle.
Teal And Purple Neon Lines Making A 90 Degree Angle.

Quality Matters

A variety of benefits come with a high-quality stage rigging design and integration, including:

  • Streamline Your Stage Work: For many performances, your stagehands are always in motion. With an update to your rigging, such as a motorized stage rigging, you can expedite and streamline your stage work, such as scene transitions, and create a smooth experience both behind and in front of the curtain. With our team’s first-hand knowledge of stage rigging design, we can customize your rigging to your requirements.
  • Complement Your Performances: Rigging tailored to your venue, as well as performance types, can help boost the quality of your shows. If you host stand-up comedians, for example, our team can create a simple static rigging design. Or, if you’re booking a variety of performers, from dance groups to acting troupes, our designers can put together a motorized stage rigging design that makes scene transitions seamless.
  • Expand Capabilities: With an advanced, high-quality stage rigging design, you can even expand your capabilities as a performance venue.

The Makings of Quality Rigging

We believe the makings of quality rigging start with collaboration and passion, which is why all our designs go through the following process:

Meet:

Our team of talented designers begin by meeting with you and your team. This provides us an opportunity to learn about your vision, expectations and requirements, as well as a chance to see your venue’s existing static or motorized stage rigging setup. 

Inspect:

Our initial visit, will also include an inspection of your current system. We will provide a list of current conditions and observations, items that do not conform to ANSI, OSHA, or ESTA standards, curtains will be inspected for fire rating, curtain flame testing. Pictures of all noted items will be included in the report summary of observations, suggestions, and next steps. 

Schedule an Inspection Today!

Design:

Next, we’ll begin your original stage rigging design with CAD and 3D rendering programs. The result is a realistic design that gives you and your staff perspective about how the new rigging will look and operate.

Revise:

We then provide you with the draft of your motorized or static rigging design. In this phase, we’re curious to hear your thoughts, because we want to create a rigging system that checks off every box on your list. If we need to make changes, we’ll take care of them for you.

Install:

Because we’re a design-build firm, we’ll also handle your stage rigging’s design and integration, which makes the process hassle-free for you. Our team also makes sure the installation matches our draft and your vision, ensuring you’re satisfied with your new system.

Rigging Design, Installation, & Inspections
 

Our Happy Clients

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

I am the Technical Director at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel, NJ. Illuminated did a complete overhaul of our audio system; replacing the speakers, sound board, infrastructure, 20 wireless body mics and receivers, and adding some plug and play XLR ports to the front of the stage which work off touchscreens in various places in […]

Chris ScolesHolmdel, NJ

Tyler and Mike from Illuminated did a superlative job with our Frederico Theater. They started the project soon after signing the contract, they met every deadline, they had no change orders, they communicated clearly and often and their training sessions were superb. We could not have asked for a better partner for Holy Ghost Prep’s Frederico Theater.

Tim WoodsBucks County, PA

We’re really pleased with your recommendations and install.  You’ve been a real blessing to the Faith Family in Hazleton!

Jim PaisleyHazleton, PA

At Dorney Park we have a 200’ tall attraction that had an antiquated lighting system. It was inefficient, and static color changes would consume a large amount of time from our team. Illuminated Integration proposed a solution utilizing technology from SGM Lighting for our attraction. The tower is not only much brighter than before, but now it […]

Michael FehnelLehigh County, Pennsylvania

Why Choose Our Static Rigging Company?

At Illuminated Integration, we have a team of audio, visual and lighting professionals who can provide the cutting-edge solutions you need. With our array of rigging options and assistance, you can trust that our creative leaders have you covered. 

When you work with us, you can take advantage of:

  • One-of-a-kind designs: Your vision and needs are unique, which is why we are committed to delivering one-of-a-kind designs. Your rigging design will be fully customized and unlike anything we’ve produced before.
  • Comprehensive services: No matter what industry you’re in or how complex your project is, our consultants will be with you every step of the way. We’ll make sure you get the exact design you need to bring your vision to life.
  • Continuous support: Once we complete and install your design, we won’t leave you on your own. Our team offers long-term support so that you always have access to the advice and answers you need.
A Dark Colored Audio System.

Start Your Rigging Design With Illuminated Integration

At Illuminated Integration, we’re passionate about creating experiences for our client’s spaces, from the curtains of a theater to the rigging system of a performance venue. Whether you’re revitalizing your stage rigging design or equipping your new building with one, our team can design and install one tailored to your requirements and unique vision.

Contact us today to start your stage rigging design and integration!

A Party Venue With High Wood Ceilings And Colored Neon String Lights.

Rigging Inquiry

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    CounterweightMotorizedStatically SuspendedPipe GridsTension GridFall ProtectionFire CurtainsUnknown

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