Rigging

Rigging is the process of suspending production equipment — lighting fixtures, PA speakers, video screens, truss, and other elements — from a venue's structural system using motors, cables, and hardware. It's one of the most safety-critical aspects of concert production.

How rigging works

Professional riggers climb into a venue's ceiling structure (the "steel") and attach motors to designated rigging points. These motors hoist truss sections that hold lighting, sound, and video equipment. The weight capacity of each rigging point is specified by the venue and must not be exceeded. The production manager or head rigger works with the venue's rigging information during the advance to confirm point locations, weight limits, and any structural restrictions.

Why rigging is safety-critical

Rigging puts thousands of pounds of equipment above the audience and performers. Failure means equipment falls. There is zero margin for error. Professional riggers are trained and certified, rigging hardware is inspected and rated, and weight calculations are done with engineering precision. Venues provide rigging plots with certified point locations and capacities.

Rigging in the technical rider

The technical rider specifies the number and location of rigging points needed, the weight per point, and any special rigging requirements. Venues that can't meet rigging specs may require ground-supported alternatives (truss on legs instead of flown) — which affects sightlines and production design.