Pre-Conference Workshops

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.

Theatrical Rigging and Counterweight Fly Systems | General Crew and Performer Firearms Safety

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)

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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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

Sponsored by

 

General Crew and Performer Firearms Safety

September 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Location: Actsafe Office, Burnaby, #140-4259 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 1H1

Cost: $105 + GST

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The General Crew and Performer Firearms Safety 4-hour course was designed for crew members and performers working on set around firearms. Participants are provided with a hands-on introduction to the types of firearms and their uses, the safety protocols in place when firearms are in use and how to identify when a weapon is safe. The course will highlight vital safety knowledge that allows the participant to feel safer and more comfortable working around firearms.

Please Note: This is NOT a required course to qualify as an IATSE 891 permittee status. To fulfill the requirement, check out the Props Firearms course.

    • Firearms Set Protocol

    • The Types of Firearms Used on Set

    • Basic Rules of Firearms Handling

    • Blank Ammunitions and Risk Associated

    • On Set Firearms Safety Rules

    • Assistant Directors

    • Production Managers

    • Producers

    • Locations Department

    • Grip/Lighting

    • All Performers (including Actors, Background Performers, Stand ins, Stunt Performers, etc.)

Cancellation policy: Cancellations requests made 3 or more business days before the course/workshop date are eligible for rebooking at no additional cost. Requests made less than 3 business days before the course/workshop date will be subject to a 50% rebooking fee. No-shows will be charged $105 + GST to rebook.

Motion picture safety for supervisors

September 22, 2026 | 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Location: Actsafe Office, Burnaby, #140-4259 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 1H1

Cost: FREE

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How do you lead by example to cultivate a strong safety culture within your team? As a supervisor in the motion picture industry, your role in promoting safety is vital. This workshop provides a fundamental understanding of current WorkSafeBC (WSBC) regulations, focusing on your safety obligations as a supervisor and the requirements for occupational health and safety programs that organizations must follow.

Through facilitated group activities and relevant discussions, you’ll engage in a shared learning exchange of industry experiences. You’ll learn how to identify potential hazards, implement safety protocols, and effectively communicate safety practices to your team. This workshop empowers you to transfer your knowledge and skills to your worksite, enabling you to supervise health and safety with confidence and foster a culture of safety that protects both you and all other crew members on set.

    • Definition and responsibilities of a supervisor

    • What is an occupational health and safety program

    • Rights and responsibilities

    • Joint health & safety committees

    • Incident reporting and investigations

    • Hazard identification, risk assessments and controls

    • Communication and leadership

    • Due diligence

    • Bullying & harassment

    • Young and new worker orientations

    • Motion Picture Industry Supervisors

    • Heads of Department

    • Department Keys (Grip, Makeup, Hair, Costumes, Props, VFX, Locations, ALM etc.)

    • Foreman (construction, paint)

    • 1st and 2nd Assistant Director

    • Coordinators (background, special effects, stunt)

    •  Transport Captain

    • Shop Stewards

    • Director of Photography and Gaffer

    • Production Coordinators

    • Production Managers

    • Producers

Cancellation policy: Cancellations requests made 3 or more business days from the course date 100% refund, credit*, or rebook without penalty; within 1-2 business days of the course date Pay $45 fee to rebook; No-show Pay $45 fee to rebook 

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