Rigging and good lighting are critical for any theater production. Compared to past shows, today’s versions are a visual feast. What happens behind the scenes can make or break a production. Behind every successful rigging operation are standards designed to balance safety and creativity. Without them, production crews and audiences could be injured due to preventable accidents.
Regulatory standards change alongside the technology that brings productions to life. Reassessing and updating your theatrical rigging systems to comply with these standards is critical for safety and production quality.
The American National Standards Institute (A.N.S.I.) establishes guidelines to promote theatrical safety measures and protocols. These standards are designed with performers and audiences in mind, ensuring their well-being and minimizing risks. As the adage goes, “The show must go on.” A.N.S.I standards ensure that it does, covering everything from microphones to navigating the world of effective illumination.
Adequate theater lighting requires careful planning — the slightest error can have significant consequences. The ANSI/IES RP-41-20 takes the guesswork out of the process, addressing specifics of lighting instruments, final layouts based on programming and general techniques for creative lighting.
The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting professionalism in the live entertainment industry. Along with its members, ESTA has created some of the most important safety programs in the industry, including the Technical Standards Program (TSP) and the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP).
Standards ensure safety and compliance throughout your performance through annual rigging inspections crucial to the safety of performance events, particularly with compiled rigging systems for events like concerts and theater productions.
Some key criteria to consider regarding these inspections and the associated maintenance program include:
Like all regulatory standards, the A.N.S.I. theatrical rigging standards can be complex. Some of the main elements A.N.S.I. standards cover include:
As rigging can represent a significant risk for performers, crew and audiences, many of the standards apply to safe and effective setups, including:
Before you admit people, a certified inspector should assess your setup and ensure it’s compliant with the relevant standards. It’s their job to provide actionable feedback in any areas of concern so that you can improve your rigging and keep your team safe. Some of the areas a certified inspector covers include:
Rigging standards have transformed since purchasing pulley systems at hardware stores. People no longer need to haul cables to move complex lighting structures. Innovative technology has changed all industries’ audio, visual and lighting (AVL) protocols. Off-the-shelf automation has boosted safety and efficiency in stage environments.
Safety requirements have also changed alongside modernization. Today’s venues understand that crews need training to operate the rigging equipment safely. The ESTA offers a rigging certification program to train and test professionals, providing ETCP certifications in the following areas:
Yesterday’s rigging systems may no longer comply with modern standards. These changes mean you must consistently reevaluate and update your rigging systems to meet the latest requirements.
Keeping your rigging system safe and compliant means regular internal inspections and replacements. It’s best to stay up-to-date with A.N.S.I. requirements and use those to assess your current system. Some signs you may need to make changes to your rigging system include:
The first step to achieving a compliant and modern rigging system is to conduct a comprehensive audit of your existing rigging infrastructure and identify areas of noncompliance with A.N.S.I. standards.
While you can assess your rigging system internally, missing a critical element is possible. Expert input is essential to ensure you’re putting on the best possible show while keeping your team and audience safe. You can confidently entertain with the right skills and experience, knowing you comply with A.N.S.I. requirements.
If your inspection shows that your rigging system needs upgrading, take the following steps:
Use the A.N.S.I. standards as a roadmap for your upgrade and have a clear start and end point. If you have multiple focus areas, start with the most critical.
Rigging system upgrades can be expensive. Completing all the required changes at once can be costly and disruptive. The show can only continue if you don’t have to negotiate the considerable downtime associated with a complete overhaul. Once you’ve developed an upgrade strategy, consider phased implementation to suit your budget and boost uptime.
Discuss your plan and budget with certified professionals who can help you plan the best implementation based on your budget and timeline. Work with the best suppliers to gather quality, durable equipment. Wherever possible, future-proof your rigging system to prevent making significant changes whenever the standard changes.
When standards and equipment change, your team must know how to operate the new equipment safely. They also need to understand any changes in safety protocols. A.N.S.I. standards require your crew to have appropriate training and certifications. Still, it offers other benefits, including building a safety and compliance culture and speeding up the adoption of new equipment.
Accurate documentation of rigging inspections and upgrades is a requirement, but it also allows you to adopt a posture of proactive maintenance. The data from your records can inform your decisions to replace, repair or upgrade components based on their performance.
What is cutting-edge now will be outdated tomorrow. The art of outstanding visual performance continues to grow, and new technologies will transform the rigging systems of the future. Automation is becoming more advanced, allowing venues to add more complex elements and achieve smoother transitions.
Anticipating future updates and industry advancements is essential to save your business time and money. Work with the experts to stay ahead of the curve in adopting state-of-the-art rigging solutions. With the right combination of technology and expertise, you can perform well in the future.
A.N.S.I. standards keep your team safe and encourage you to explore your creativity without endangering anyone at your venue. When you know your system is safe, you can push creative boundaries and give your audience the most memorable experience. Regular updates and assessments maintain your safety culture as rigging technology evolves, and a compliant and modern rigging system can ensure successful productions time after time.
If it’s time to assess or upgrade your rigging system, Illuminated Integration can help. We specialize in static, manual and motorized rigging systems, working with you from the design phase until we successfully install your upgrades. Contact us today to learn more.
