What is Rigging in Live Events?

Rigging is the safe suspension of lighting, sound, video and set pieces above a stage or venue, using rigging points, motors, truss and certified hardware. It is one of the highest-risk jobs in live events, so it is only done by trained riggers.

How rigging works

Rigging follows a careful process:

  1. Rigging plot: the production sends a plan showing every hanging point, its position and its load.
  2. Venue check: the venue confirms the roof or structure can carry those loads at those positions.
  3. Points: high riggers climb to the roof steel and attach slings and shackles at each point.
  4. Motors and truss: ground riggers connect chain hoists and truss, which lift lighting, PA and video into position.
  5. Checks: loads are checked, safety bonds fitted, and the area is kept clear while anything moves overhead.

Rigging plots and load calculations are shared before the show so the venue can approve them. Many teams exchange these through documents in Crescat.

Rigging vs staging

Rigging hangs equipment from above. Staging builds platforms, decks and structures from the ground up. Outdoor stages combine both, with a roof structure that the rigging hangs from. Riggers and staging crews work closely during the build.

Common rigging equipment

  • Chain hoists, or motors, to lift loads
  • Truss to hang lights, speakers and screens
  • Steel wire slings and round slings
  • Shackles and other certified hardware
  • Safety bonds as a secondary safeguard
  • Motor controllers and load cells

Frequently asked questions

What is a rigging point?

A rigging point is a place where a load can be hung, usually from the venue's roof steel. Each point has a maximum safe load set by the venue's structural engineer. Exceeding it can damage the building or cause a collapse.

Who is allowed to rig at events?

Only trained and competent riggers. In the UK, many riggers hold the National Rigging Certificate, and venues usually require proof of competence before anyone works at height on their structure.

What is ground support?

Ground support is a system of towers and truss built from the floor to hold lighting and other equipment. It is used where a venue's roof can't take the weight or has no rigging points. It takes longer to build but can go almost anywhere.

Related terms