Theatrical Rigger Onboarding Checklist

Theatrical Rigger Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Theatrical Rigger starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Entertainment onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Theatrical Rigger, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Theatrical Rigger onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Theatrical Rigger Onboarding Checklist

1. Safety Training: The first task for a theatrical rigger would be to undergo comprehensive safety training. This includes learning about the potential hazards and risks associated with rigging equipment, understanding safety protocols, and familiarizing oneself with emergency procedures. This training is typically conducted by the company’s safety officer or a designated safety trainer.

2. Equipment Familiarization: Theatrical riggers need to become familiar with the various types of rigging equipment used in the entertainment industry. This includes understanding the different types of rigging hardware, ropes, cables, and hoists. The task of providing equipment familiarization is usually performed by experienced riggers or the company’s technical director.

3. Venue Orientation: Theatrical riggers must be familiar with the specific venue where they will be working. This includes understanding the layout of the stage, fly systems, and rigging points. Venue orientation is typically conducted by the venue’s technical staff or the company’s production manager.

4. Team Introduction: It is important for a theatrical rigger to meet and get to know the rest of the production team. This includes introductions to the stage manager, lighting crew, sound technicians, and other relevant personnel. The task of introducing the new rigger to the team is usually performed by the production manager or the stage manager.

5. Rigging Plan Review: Theatrical riggers need to review the rigging plans for upcoming productions. This involves studying the technical drawings, understanding the rigging requirements, and identifying any potential challenges or modifications needed. The task of reviewing the rigging plans is typically performed by the company’s technical director or the head rigger.

6. Safety Inspections: Before starting any rigging work, it is crucial to conduct safety inspections of all rigging equipment. This includes checking the condition of ropes, cables, harnesses, and other rigging hardware. Safety inspections are usually performed by the rigging crew, led by the head rigger or an experienced rigger.

7. Communication Systems Training: Theatrical riggers need to be proficient in using communication systems such as headsets or radios to ensure effective communication during performances. Training on communication systems is typically provided by the company’s technical director or the head of the audio department.

8. Load Calculations: Rigging involves calculating the weight loads that various rigging points can safely support. Theatrical riggers need to learn how to perform load calculations accurately to ensure the safety of performers and equipment. Load calculation training is usually provided by experienced riggers or the company’s technical director.

9. Knot Tying Techniques: Theatrical riggers must be skilled in tying various knots used in rigging applications. This includes knots such as the bowline, clove hitch, and figure-eight knot. Knot tying techniques are typically taught by experienced riggers or the company’s head rigger.

10. Emergency Response Training: Theatrical riggers need to be prepared for emergency situations such as equipment failures, accidents, or evacuations. Emergency response training includes learning first aid, evacuation procedures, and how to handle emergency situations safely. This training is usually conducted by the company’s safety officer or a designated safety trainer.

11. Rigging System Maintenance: Theatrical riggers need to learn how to properly maintain and inspect rigging systems to ensure their safe and efficient operation. This includes regular inspections, lubrication, and replacement of worn-out components. Rigging system maintenance is typically performed by the rigging crew, led by the head rigger or an experienced rigger.

12. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Theatrical riggers must maintain accurate records of rigging plans, inspections, maintenance activities, and any incidents or accidents that occur. This documentation is essential for compliance, safety audits, and future reference. The responsibility for documentation and record-keeping usually falls on the head rigger or the company’s technical director

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Theatrical Rigger checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Theatrical Rigger up to speed and working well in your Entertainment team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.