More than just a rigging company

About our company

Our History
Joel Theatrical old logo
The Early Years

Len Davis was a founder of JOEL Rigging, a rigging equipment company based in the province of Quebec in the mid 1970’s installing various manufactures’ equipment.

In the later 1970’s, JOEL Rigging relocated to Ontario, and in 1980, became JOEL Theatrical Rigging Contractors (1980) Ltd. and has since become the predominant rigging company in Canada.

In 1982, JOEL Rigging decided to design and manufacture its own equipment. By 1983, JOEL had completed its designs and became the first Canadian company to offer a full line of theatre equipment manufactured entirely in Canada. We believe that JOEL Rigging’s products have proven to be superior in design and quality in comparison to other manufacturer’s products.

JOEL Rigging has been offering quality stage rigging and related equipment to the theatre, television and film industries for over forty years. During that time, JOEL Rigging has become widely recognized for its excellent product quality and thoroughness of installation works, supported by an ever-increasing list of successfully completed projects and contented clients.

In 1996 Len retired and the company was taken over by long time employee, Van Marineau, who continued to grow the company and to develop new products and to offer an increasing more complete selection of products from industry leaders in the field of rigging

Looking towards the future

The company was eventually sold to its current owners, SHOWSDT. The management and operation of the company is now in the hands of JP Sproule – another long-time company employee in the role of VP Operations.

Under the leadership of SHOWSDT and its CEO, Mr. Denis Lefrançois, JOEL Rigging is able to ensure a solid future and growth for the company. JOEL Rigging now provides rigging solutions and services for not only the live entertainment and TV/Film sectors but also sports arenas and stadiums, educational and government facilities and specialty architectural applications.

From a basic system to a fully programmable system JOEL can meet your needs.

Joel Theatrical new logo
Associations

JOEL Rigging is proud to be a member of these professional associations that serve the Live Entertainment industry. High standards, ongoing training and education of technicians ensures the safety of everyone that works in our industry. Professional associations provide networking and professional development opportunities which we feel are essential part of our mission.

association

Canadian Institute
for
Theatre Technology

CITT/ICTS is a national arts service organization that actively promotes the professional development of its members and works for the betterment of the Canadian Live Performance Community.

association

Toronto Alliance
for
the Performing Art

TAPA is the voice of theatre, dance and opera in Toronto. Its mission is to nurture an environment in which theatre, dance and opera may flourish and play a leadership role in the vitality of the City of Toronto.

association

Theatre
Alberta

Theatre Alberta is a Provincial Arts Service Organization. Theatre Alberta is dedicated to the growth and development of the Alberta theatre community. We are committed to achieving this mandate by providing responsive and quality programs, services, and advocacy that serve and unite the professional, amateur, and educational theatre constituencies in Alberta.

Certifications

Our professional certifications are a testament to our commitment to deliver quality products that are properly and safely installed and maintained. These certifications ensure that JOEL Rigging conforms to the most recent codes and regulations in all of its work and that we maintain a high standard of excellence.

certification

Entertainment Technician Certification Program

The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is an industry-wide program that has brought together an unprecedented group of industry organizations, businesses and individuals to create a program of rigorous assessments for professional technicians.

certification

Technical Standards
and
Safety Authority

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) promotes and enforces public safety. It's TSSA’s vision to be a valued authority for a safer Ontario.

certification

Canadian
Welding Bureau
Group

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Group is an industry-supported private sector organization providing welding certification, management systems registration and training services. JOEL Rigging uses CWB certified steel workers union welders on its job sites.