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About the course

2-Day hands-on course with a mix of lectures and practical work.

August 11 & 12, 2026
8 AM - 5 PM | Lunch will be provided on both days.

This course is an intro to stage rigging, taking place in both a classroom and theatre setting, focusing on counterweight systems. Topics will include basic rigging theory, rigging hardware, knot tying, wire rope terminations, loading weight, and hanging scenery. Also covered: spot lines, arbor assist devices, trick releases, and hanging chain motors for touring shows, rigging inspection requirements, procedures, and reports.
After completion of the course, attendees will be given a certificate issued by JOEL Theatrical Rigging.
The course is not ETCP certified, however, the course can go towards education credits for certified technicians. The course will provide 0.5 credits per hour of training.

Given by a team of experienced and certified instructors, these courses will enable the participants to master rigging and hoist operation from the basics up to the programming of 3D movements with specialized software.

Instructors: Joe Henning, Wes Jenkins.

LOCATION:
• Day 1: uOttawa - LabO Building
• Day 2:National Arts Centre - Southam Hall

PRICE:
• Option 1: Training Only: $600 +HST
• Option 2 Bundle (Training + Full Conference Pass): $750 +HST (current price for full conference pass starts at $230 +HST)

NOTE: The regular value of this course is more than twice the listed registration price. This discounted rate is made possible thanks to our partnerships with NAC, JOEL Theatrical Rigging, and Wes Jenkins from Down Stage Right Industries.

FRANÇAIS: Veuillez noter : Ce cours sera donné en anglais uniquement. Pour toutes questions, n'hésitez pas à contacter le bureau national.

DAY 1: Outline Details:
All tools provided by JOEL Theatrical Rigging.

Basic Rigging Theory

• Roles and responsibilities
• The four K's of rigging
• Design factors

Knot Tying

• Types of rope used in rigging
• Types of knots
• 5 knots every stagehand should know

Nuts & bolts

• Connecting devices – shackles, eye bolts, turnbuckles
• Chain
• Wire rope & termination hardware Wire Rope &
  Terminations - Practical
• Wire rope clips
• Swage fittings

DAY 2: Outline Details:
Steel toed boots are mandatory. All other PPE (i.e. hard hats) will be provided but participants can bring their own. Participants are also encouraged to bring work gloves.

Counterweight Rigging Systems

• Single purchase counterweight line sets
• Double purchase counterweight line sets
• Line set operation – loading weight, electrics,
  soft goods, hard scenery
• Drapery weight calculation

Single Purchase Line Set Operation

• Pull a line set
• Load a weight
• Move a drape
• Fold a drape & west coast a drop or scrim

Special Conditions

• Deading off a line set
• Arbour assist options
• Drapery hardware
• Tricks & releases
• Motor points in a theatre Logbooks and Inspections
• Requirements
• Daily & annual inspections
• Logbook

Sorry, these sessions are fully booked — all spots have been filled.
Interested in hosting a training session at your own facility?
Contact us to arrange it.

Contact Us

Thank you to Rendez-vous 2026 Venue Partner
Merci à notre hôte pour Rendez-vous 2026

Rendez-vous is presented by / est présenté par: