PORT: A Guide to Installation of Stage Lighting Rigging And Curtains

Learn the process of installing your rigging and stage curtains from PORT’s seasoned experts.

February 2024 -

What Goes Into Installing Rigging And Stage Curtains?

The concept of rigging in theatrical installations revolves around establishing suspension points for lighting, scenery, audio, curtains, and any elements essential to a theatrical or stage production requiring overhead placement.

A theatrical rigging installer must be a skilled professional who comprehends and addresses their client’s requirements, while also ensuring the safe and code-compliant hanging and rigging of all elements in a performance setting.

Elements included in the installation process include:

• Engaging In Client Communication To Understand Their Requirements
• Rigging Design
• Rigging Plan
• Rigging Installation

The Process of Rigging Installation

The rigging installation process commences with a customer inquiry to a rigging installation company. Usually, the rigging company will pose a series of questions to grasp the project
and customer requirements.

Subsequently, a questionnaire is commonly employed to pinpoint aspects of the facility and project. For intricate projects or comprehensive redesigns, many companies may necessitate an on-site visit to gain a deeper understanding of the design requirements and venue.

After completing the design phase, the necessary equipment for the theater lighting and rigging installation will be obtained. Once all the required equipment is secured, the rigging installation will proceed according to a mutually agreed-upon timeline between the contractor and client.

Why PORT?

At PORT, our team embodies our core values through a commitment to delivering top-notch service and quality. Our well-informed staff is adept at offering customers optimal solutions tailored to their needs.

Our team possesses the distinctive ability to manage installation tasks seamlessly, starting from specification and extending through in-house installation, thanks to our versatile and knowledgeable full-time staff.

What To Expect When Calling PORT For Rigging Installation Services:

Step 1: Getting Started 

When initiating your rigging installation project with PORT, we’ll match you with a dedicated subject matter expert. Once you’ve been paired with a PORT expert, you’ll receive a questionnaire designed to capture details about the scale and extent of your project. The questions aim to establish a clear understanding of your requirements for a successful installation.

If our team determines that additional information is required, we will conduct a site visit to your facility to gather any pertinent details necessary for the project.

Step 2: Design And Quoting

Following the completion of the questionnaire and site visit, our team will furnish drawings based on the project’s complexity. For straightforward projects, drawings are usually unnecessary. However, for comprehensive redesigns, drawings may be essential.

Our team possesses the capability to generate internal drawings and also utilize an engineering firm for engineered drawings in cases where weight loads are unavailable or an
engineer’s stamp of approval is necessary.

Upon approval of the design and rigging equipment, our team will compile a quotation outlining the project’s costs. Once this quotation receives approval, our team will proceed with the subsequent steps.

Step 3: Installation Process

Following the approval of the quote and design, the installation phase begins. The initial step involves ordering all the required equipment for the project. Once the equipment is on-site, our team will collaborate with you to coordinate logistics and ensure the rigging is installed within your specified timeframe.

At PORT, our team will mobilize all equipment and execute the installation according to the approved design.

Step 4: Maintenance

PORT provides supplementary services, including safety inspections for rigging. By OSHA and ANSI standards, it is mandatory to conduct annual inspections of all rigging systems to guarantee compliance.

Safety inspections come in different levels. A level one inspection involves examining any equipment accessible to the inspector without the need for additional tools. A level
two inspection entails using a lift to visually assess all rigging equipment.

At PORT, our team recommends performing a level two inspection if it has not been conducted at your facility before. Additionally, we are more than willing to carry out level two inspections upon request.

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