Partnering with an experienced and knowledgeable theatre rigging company allows you to create safe, engaging visual displays for your crew, performers and audience. It’s important to research different rigging suppliers and review testimonials and case studies to assess their capabilities and breadth of work before you invest your time and money. The right vendor will also provide long-term technical support and training opportunities to assist your staff and promote equipment longevity.
Why Choosing the Right Rigging Supplier Matters
Working with a dependable theatre rigging company can help minimize safety risks, streamline workflows and optimize your budget. A quality supplier should have the expertise to guide your assessment, installation and maintenance processes, reducing the stress of trying to identify the ideal product for your venue.
A rigging supplier will assess your space to determine a unique solution that suits space limitations, weight capacity and production requirements. Pay attention to how they field your questions, especially if you ask for references to learn about their previous work. Being forthcoming with that information suggests quality work and positive relationships with previous clients.
Factors to Consider
Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations
A responsible theatre rigging supplier must be up to date on the latest industry standards and certifications to ensure their equipment meets the necessary requirements. Consistent compliance displays their commitment to quality control and safety protocols. Ask them for testing and certification documentation to verify their transparency.
Theatre rigging should meet regulations set forth by entities such as:
- American National Standards Institute
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Entertainment Services and Technology Association
- Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Using certified equipment and processes enhances safety features during rigging installation and use that can keep your crew and performers protected. That also reduces your risk for financial and legal liabilities.
Experience and Expertise
Experience is the best teacher. A long-standing presence in the industry is typically indicative of a rigging supplier’s expertise in creating innovative solutions. Discuss the types of facilities, crews and production requirements a supplier has worked with to assess their design flexibility. Consult their portfolio to learn about their technical capabilities and discern how they’ve handled similar venues.
Years of experience provide an understanding of the complexities of rigging systems, including load calculations, counterweight systems, lighting and sound integration and automation. That knowledge allows them to spot opportunities for optimizations you may not have considered.
Product Range
A wide selection of equipment reflects a supplier’s commitment to providing diverse solutions to meet varying theatre rigging needs.
A comprehensive line of products may include:
- Manualand motorized options
- Battens and grids for lighting and set configurations
- Hoist and counterweight systems for transitions
- Safety equipment
- High-tech automated machinery
It’s important to discuss the resource quality of the rigging supplier’s products. High-strength materials must follow strict manufacturer standards to receive safety certification. A vendor can also help you determine which type of equipment is right for your space.
Customization and Design Capabilities
Adaptability is a crucial requirement when you’re looking for a theatre rigging supplier. Each theatre has different structural and performance specifications, so a company must be able to scale their services and products to your unique layout. Discuss elements like weight distribution, space efficiency and clearances to verify their design suits your system. A supplier’s integration capabilities may save you money on venue modifications and protect the integrity of your equipment.
Installation, Training and Ongoing Support
Rely on your rigging supplier’s expertise when establishing safety measures and best practices. They should verify your system’s compliance with industry standards and train your stage crew team to handle the equipment correctly.
Some suppliers offer ongoing training opportunities to share their knowledge of operational procedures and emergency protocols. Ask if your potential vendor offers periodic inspections, spare parts and expansion capabilities to enhance the longevity of your rigging system.
High-Quality Theatre Rigging Solutions at Tiffin Scenic Studios
Whether you’re beginning your search for a supplier or interested in switching vendors, Tiffin Scenic Studios can help you find the right rigging solutions for your theatre or performance facility. Contact us to learn about our design, installation and inspection services.
