Updating the industry standard stage rigging text for a new generation 

First published in 1987 and revised in 1997 and 2007, Stage Rigging Handbook remains the only book in any language that covers the design, operation, and maintenance of stage rigging equipment. Though often unnoticed, these systems are critical in both easing the workload of stage technicians and creating storytelling magic for the audience. This landmark text imparts the foundations for understanding and implementing rigging systems, such that upon completion of the book, the reader is ready to begin hands-on training and practice.

Organized into four sections, the handbook combines research and practical experience to guide riggers through their work. It begins by explaining the construction and care of basic lifting media. Part two analyzes types of rigging systems; then the handbook details the forces that impact rigging, from Newtonian physics to calculating expansive modern systems. Finally, it presents day-to-day best safety practices, including brand new sections on risk assessment and fall protection.

This reorganized and greatly expanded fourth edition of Jay O. Glerum’s industry standard text updates much of the information in the previous editions with the addition of chapters on truss (the framework that supports lighting, screens, and other accessories), motorized chain hoists, hardware, and job safety, including fall protection systems. Award-winning production manager Shane Kelly preserves Glerum’s voice while bringing fresh information to a new generation of riggers, supplementing the text with updated versions of earlier photographs and drawings as well as an additional one hundred illustrations. The handbook facilitates the development of a rigging practice rooted in safety, precision, and professionalism.

Jay O. Glerum (1939- 2014) held seminars on stage rigging throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. A fellow of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, he served as chair of the Rigging and Stage Machinery Standards Committee of the Institute and taught at Seattle University, Marquette University, and the University of Washington. He was president of Jay O. Glerum & Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in consulting for the entertainment industry.

Shane Kelly is professor and head of the theatre technology program at The Theatre School at DePaul University and is an Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) certified freelance rigger and OSHA Authorized General Industry outreach trainer. He has worked as production manager for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Society, and the DePaul School of Music Opera. He cofounded and served as executive director of Cloudgate Theatre and has worked as a technical director, carpenter, rigger, craftsperson, and sound and lighting designer at theaters all over the country and internationally.

“The most important book for any theatrical rigger’s library. . .a must-have that will raise your technical knowledge, awareness, and ability to be a productive, safe theatrical rigger.”—Dan Culhane, senior project engineer, Wenger Corporation, and past president of USITT

“This latest edition of Stage Rigging Handbook, spearheaded by Shane Kelly, does a tremendous job of carrying on Jay [O. Glerum]’s message and making updates that reflect the current expertise and practices in the industry…with this must-read for anyone involved in entertainment rigging.”—Erin Grabe, ESTA executive director

“The seminal work by Jay O. Glerum, painstakingly updated by Shane Kelly, a masterful rigger and scholar in his own right, to reflect the culture of safety that Jay fostered and the massive changes in technology since this book was first written.”—Beth Martell, theatre planner with DLR Group and coauthor, The Physics of Theatre Mechanics 

“The fourth edition of the Stage Rigging Handbook truly builds on the foundational text that so many started using in 1987 and have continued to reference since 2007. Additional context of what’s been learned over time, reference to ANSI Standards that have since been developed, and new organization of the parts and makeup of the content both allows the reader to continue to jump around as needed in the moment and simultaneously have a singular place to reference and start their journey on an education in stage rigging. As the book mentions in its fourth edition preface, ‘Rigging is a craft that should be available to anyone who wants to participate in it.’”—Latiana “LT” Gourzong, assistant professor, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale

“Stage Rigging Handbook: Fourth Edition is a comprehensive resource on the mechanics and principles of rigging, and a tool for understanding how components work together to create safe and effective systems. With practical examples, tables, and illustrations, this edition is an essential reference that is accessible to both seasoned technicians and the next generation of riggers.”—Jen Seleznow, associate technical director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival; adjunct professor and acting head of theatre technology, The Theatre School at DePaul University

“Jay’s passion for furthering the knowledge base in the entertainment industry through the Stage Rigging Handbooks has been instrumental in helping riggers of all stripes work better and safer. This fourth edition is a testament to his legacy and should be a part of every rigger’s library.”—Bill Sapsis, author of Heads Tales: Uncle Bill’s Musings on the Theatrical Experience, Entertainment Rigging for the 21st Century, and coauthor of The International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging

— -