Stage Rigging Handbook

“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