Pre-Conference Workshop

For 2026, we’re bringing pre-conference workshops to the industry, designed to deliver practical insights, fresh perspectives, and meaningful conversations that help shape the future of arts and entertainment. We’re curating an exciting lineup of hands-on sessions to build real-world skills and deepen your knowledge. Stay tuned as we finalize the details! We’ll be sharing more information soon.

Theatrical Rigging and Counterweight Fly Systems 

September 22-23, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Classroom: Queen Elizabeth Theatre | Hands-on: Playhouse theatre

Cost: $945 + GST (includes lunch)

An introductory, hands-on, two-day course on stage rigging in a theatre setting, focusing on the use of counterweight rigging systems. This workshop is designed for entertainment professionals looking to build practical rigging skills in a real theatre environment.

Delivered on stage, the course combines foundational knowledge with applied, hands-on experience. The goal is to establish a benchmark understanding of safe rigging practices and help participants recognize when rigging systems may not be safe. Rigging is one of the least understood areas of theatre, and this course aims to improve awareness and safety across the industry.

This course is intended for anyone who works in or around a theatre environment, including head carpenters, wardrobe teams, assistant stage managers (ASMs), deck audio technicians, students in a college/university program, musical directors, set designers, concert riggers, and many others.

  • Participants should have a basic knowledge of general stagecraft. 

  • A certificate will be issued to each successful participant. Completion is based on full attendance and participation in all sessions. A short quiz will be held at the end of Day 1, followed by a final assessment at the end of Day 2.

  • This is an introductory course and will cover the basics of theatrical rigging. It is aimed at entertainment professionals, technicians, and venue crew looking to build rock-solid, practical rigging skills in a real theatre environment.

Learning Outcomes: Students will understand basic rigging theory including roles and responsibilities, understand the concept of design factors; be able to tie basic knots; terminate wire rope; use appropriate rigging hardware; operate a counterweight rigging system; and understand the requirements for and be able to complete basic rigging inspections. 

Topics covered: Basic rigging theory, hardware, knot tying, wire rope terminations, counterweight system operation and best practices, hanging drapery and scenery, arena rigging in a theatre, log books, inspection requirements and procedures.

Dress Requirements: Participants must arrive prepared to work in a theatre environment. Required attire includes full-length pants (no shorts or kilts), shirts with sleeves. Students must bring their own PPE including hardhat, gloves and green patch safety shoes. Participants should arrive alert, fit for work, and ready to actively participate.

Please note: This is a hands-on course. All tools and supplies will be provided. The course is not ETCP certified, however, the course can go towards education credits for certified technicians. Each certified technician can report their individual attendance using this form.

This workshop may qualify for reimbursement. Please contact your respective union for eligibility details and more information.

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Instructor: Joe Henning

Joe started his career as a stagehand, flyman and rigger before becoming Technical Supervisor at the Oakville Centre. He was a member of the design team for the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and then became Operations Manager. In 2018 he joined The Centre in the Square in Kitchener as Director of Operations. He was actively involved in the Ontario Presents Technical Directors Group and taught Entertainment Rigging at Sheridan College from 2011 through 2018. Joe is now semi-retired, working with JOEL Theatrical Rigging doing Inspections, training, and site supervision.

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Cancellation policy: Cancellations made on or before August 21, 2026 are eligible for a 100% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after August 22, 2026.

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