Training
We are firm believers that training is the cornerstone to safety. At DRS we offer a wide variety of training options that are meant to be customizable for your organization.
Whether it is just a refresher, or training of new technicians we are happy to facilitate training in the safe procedures and operations of your systems. All on-site training is custom tailored to your venue and the unique challenges that it may present.
If none of these courses fit your needs, please reach out to us and ask for a customized option.
IATSE Rigging Proficiency Program (RPP)
This training developed by the IATSE Stagecraft Department, is a comprehensive, user-friendly training for IATSE workers covers the fundamental knowledge essential to performing the duties of an entertainment rigger in the live events industry.
- 16 Hours
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Lead Rigger Training
Arena or Theatre focus
In this course participants will learn, discuss, and explore the duties of a lead rigger in an arena setting. It should be noted that this course covers topics that are listed on the Body of Knowledge for the ETCP Certifications.
- 16 Hours
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
The Basics Theatre
In this course we cover the basics of rigging as it relates to a proscenium theatre.
This course is designed to give participants a solid background of knowledge so they can go forward using safe practices and industry standards while working in a proscenium theatre.
- 16 Hours
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
The Basics
Arena
In this course we cover the basics of rigging as it relates to an Arena.
This course is designed to give participants a solid background of knowledge so they can go forward using safe practices and industry standards while working in arena rigging.
- 8 Hours
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Fall Protection & Rescue Training
In this course participants will learn the requirements and methods of Fall Protection and Fall Rescue Training in your space on your equipment.
This class will fulfill the OSHA required training on the topic.
- 8 Hours
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Daily Operations of a Counterweight System
In this course we will cover all the information you need to safely handle the day to day operation of your system.
- 4 Hours
Rigging Standards for the Everyday User
- 1 Hour
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
The Dragon Bowline and Other More Useful Knots
- 1.5 Hours
Learning/Teaching Counterweight Rigging Without a System
- 1.5 Hours
Practical Math in Rigging
- 1.5 Hours
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Conducting an ANSI E1.47 Compliant Rigging Inspection
- 4 Hours
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Rigging Myths
- 1 Hour
- ETCP Renewal Points eligible
IATSE Rigging Proficiency Program (RPP)
The Stagecraft Rigging Proficiency Program (RPP) curriculum was developed by the IATSE Stagecraft Department as a training resource for IATSE workers. The goal is to provide IATSE local unions with comprehensive, user-friendly training that will cover the fundamental knowledge essential to performing the duties of an entertainment rigger in the live events industry.
This course will provide participants with an introduction to rigging principles and best practices used in modern entertainment applications. The Stagecraft RPP Training features two distinct parts – a lecture portion and a hands-on portion. During the lecture portion, rigging systems and subsystems, the materials used, and the capacities of the systems are all covered in a classroom setting. Participants will also gain an understanding of general safety practices, fall protection theories and protocols, and professionalism. The hands-on portion will require the students to tie knots and assemble rigging and fall protection systems using the tools of the trade. This course is structured to be a nesting program, where we come and teach it, and then leave all materials with the local union trainers to use in the future. The materials are complete and accurate, and do not require any additional information to be taught. However, trainers may choose to add to the presentation to meet their Local’s needs, as desired.
Please note that the IATSE RPP is only available to IATSE Locals.
Length: 16 hours
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Lead Rigger Training (Arena or Theatre)
In this course participants will learn, discuss, and explore the duties of a lead rigger in an arena setting. It should be noted that this course covers topics that are listed on the Body of Knowledge for the ETCP Certifications.
List of topics covered in this course:
- Formulas and Forces
- General Principles of Rigging
- Drawings and Paperwork
- Layout and Electrical
- Rigging Attachments
- Operations
- Personnel Access Equipment
- Rigging Materials
- Crew management and Communications
Length: 16 hours
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
– Brooke K.
In this course we cover the basics of rigging as it relates to a proscenium theatre. This course is designed to give participants a solid background of knowledge so they can go forward using safe practices and industry standards while working in a proscenium theatre. It should be noted that this course focuses primarily (but not exclusively) on the challenges seen in roadhouses.
List of topics covered in this course:
- Terminology
- Knots
- Day to day operations of counterweight systems (single or double purchase)
- Operations of counterweight systems in show conditions (single or double purchase)
- Handling out of balance systems
- Pin Rails
- Haven’s Grips
- Adjusting components of a counterweight system
- Common motor rigging hardware
- Floor marking
- Building motor points
- Basic bridle math
Length: 16 hours
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
The Basics Arena
In this course we cover the basics of rigging as it relates to an Arena. This course is designed to give participants a solid background of knowledge so they can go forward using safe practices and industry standards while working in arena rigging.
List of topics covered in this course:
- Terminology
- Knots
- Common motor rigging hardware
- Floor marking
- Building motor points
- Fall arrest systems
- Fall rescue procedures
- Pulling a dead hang point
- Pulling a bridle
- Team Pulling
Length: 8 hours
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Fall Protection/Fall Rescue Training
In this course participants will learn the requirements and methods of Fall Protection and Fall Rescue Training in your space on your equipment. It should be noted that this class will fulfill the OSHA required training on the topic.
List of topics covered in this course:
- NIOSH Hierarchy of Controls
- Discussions on selection of Harnesses, Lanyards, and Anchors
- Inspections of Harnesses, Lanyards, and Anchors
- Discussions on YOUR WRITTEN Fall Protection/Fall Rescue Plan
- Practicing your Fall rescue plan with our 220 pound rescue dummy
Length: 8 hours
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Daily Operations of a Counterweight System
Counterweight rigging isn’t rocket science, but it is a “zero oopsie” craft. In this course we will cover all the information you need to safely handle the day to day operation of your system.
List of topics covered in this course:
- Operating procedures
- Weight Loading Procedures
- Mitigation of “out of balance” systems
- Discussions about batten loading and the forces at work within the system.
Length: 4 hours
Rigging Standards for the Everyday User
There are a lot of standards, codes, and rules to theatrical rigging systems. To the everyday user it may seem like a monumental task to dig through the mountains of documents to find the pertinent information. In this session we will discuss where to find the pertinent standards, how some standards overlap, and most importantly a peek into how to interpret the standards. At the end of this session participants will have the tools they need to locate and comprehend the pertinent information that an everyday user should know.
Length: 1 Hour
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
The Dragon Bowline and Other More Useful Knots
In this workshop you’ll learn multiple ways to tie the Bowline, Clove Hitch, Two-half hitches, Figure 8 Knot, and Stagehand-Timber Hitch.
Length: 1.5 Hours
Learning/Teaching Counterweight Rigging
Without a System
Learning how to operate a counterweight system is a daunting task in the best of circumstances, but how do you do it when you don’t have access to a counterweight system? How do you teach others? In this session we’ll go over the One-Shot Training program and discuss the best ways of implementing and utilizing this FREE online training resource.
Length: 1.5 Hours
I’ll never use that! Practical uses of Math in Rigging
Technical Theatre, and Rigging in particular utilizes a ton of math we all learn in High School and think we will never need. In this class we will learn how to use A2+B2=C2, fractions, inverse relationships, and more to calculate rigging loads, bridle lengths, tension in wire rope, calculate mechanical advantage, etc.
Length: 1.5 Hours
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Conducting an ANSI E1.47 Compliant Rigging Inspection
Participants will get an overview of what it takes to conduct an ANSI E1.47-compliant inspection of a single purchase system and a Fire Safety Curtain–yes, we are going to trip the fire curtain!
List of topics covered in this course:
- Inspector Qualifications
- Ethics and Responsibilities
- Frequency and Scope of Inspections
- Things an Inspector Should Request Ahead of Time
- Rigging Inspection Reports
- Standards an Inspector Needs to Know
- Fire Curtains
- All Components of a Single Purchase System
This course will have a main trainer, but utilize several assistant trainers strategically stationed around the theater to walk through each stage of system inspection and offer their perspectives.
Length: 4 Hours
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Rigging Myths
Do you have to hold that swage tool closed for 5 seconds? Do you really have to “retire” that shackle you just dropped while walking across the arena floor? What about lining up the diagonals in each section of truss or taking a torque wrench to wire rope clips? In this session we will discuss common arguments and dispel the misinformation and confirm the facts.
Length: 1 Hour
ETCP Renewal Points eligible
Note: some courses may be taken for ETCP Renewal Points. Please arrange with your DRS instructor ahead of time.