What Is Entertainment Rigging? An Introduction

Entertainment rigging is the backbone of any live performance, from theater productions to massive arena concerts. If you’ve ever marveled at moving lights, flying curtains, or massive video screens suspended above a stage, you’ve witnessed the results of rigging in action. 

Entertainment rigging is a blend of art, engineering, and technology. As productions become more ambitious, the need for precise planning and reliable systems only grows. With the right tools and knowledge, riggers make the magic of live entertainment possible — safely, efficiently, and creatively.

This article breaks down the essentials of entertainment rigging — what it is, the main types, core concepts, and how modern software like Vectorworks Spotlight and Braceworks are transforming workflows.

Entertainment rigging refers to the systems and techniques used to suspend, move, and secure equipment such as lighting, speakers, video screens, and curtains in entertainment venues. Rigging makes it possible to quickly and safely change the look and feel of a space, supporting creative design and technical requirements for performances. It’s essential for any production that needs to move or hang heavy elements above performers and audiences.

Entertainment rigging typically falls into two broad categories: theatrical rigging and event rigging. While both disciplines share fundamental principles of load bearing and safety, they differ significantly in terms of equipment, installation, and application.

Also known as “flying,” theatrical rigging is common in traditional performance venues such as theaters and opera houses. These venues usually have permanently installed systems, most notably counterweight fly systems. These systems consist of line sets (or flying bars) that help with the precise, repeatable raising and lowering of scenery, lighting, curtains, and other stage elements. Because the infrastructure of the venue is fixed, theatrical rigging focuses on leveraging this built-in architecture for a consistent and safe show.

Event rigging encompasses all forms of temporary rigging systems used across a wide range of venues and event types, including concerts, tours, exhibitions, trade shows, and arena events. Unlike theatrical rigging, event rigging doesn’t rely on permanent structures. Instead, you’ll need to assess the building's structural capacity (e.g., roof beams or gridiron) and design a custom rigging plan that supports the needs of each specific production.

Event rigging also involves the suspension of trusses, lighting arrays, LED walls, audio systems, and scenic elements, frequently above large crowds. Whether in a stadium, convention center, ballroom, or outdoor setting, event rigging is all about adapting to ever-changing locations and show requirements.

A safe and effective entertainment rigging system relies on a clear understanding of its key components, which fall into several categories:

These are the primary elements that support equipment such as lighting, audio gear, and scenic pieces. Common structural objects include:

•Trusses – Modular frameworks, typically made of aluminum, that offer strength and flexibility for building structures in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

• Pipes, Lighting Ladders, and Side Arms – Used to hang lighting and other equipment in fixed or temporary configurations.

These components bear the weight of structural objects and maintain proper positioning in a venue. They include:

• Hoists – Manual or motorized mechanical devices that lift and lower loads like trusses or scenery.

• Bridles – Cable assemblies used to distribute loads and precisely position rigging points, essential for adapting to the unique requirements of each venue.

• Rigging Points and Structural Members – Attachment locations in a venue’s architecture or added structures that support rigging loads.

Hardware components connect elements of the rigging system and help secure equipment. These include:

• Shackles – U-shaped devices with a pin or bolt that closes the open end. They act like links in a chain and are used to suspend or lift loads.

• Slings – Flexible, closed loops made from wire rope, chain, or synthetic fibers (such as webbing), used to lift or secure loads.

• Clamps – Usually made of steel or aluminum, clamps (including beam clamps) attach structural elements to beams or trusses.

• Other Items – Such as truss crosses and bridle steels, which help connect or reinforce structural and support components.

All rigging hardware must be rated, meaning it has a clearly defined Working Load Limit (WLL) or Rated Capacity (RC). Remember, a rigging system is only as strong as its weakest link.

These are the elements the rigging system must support — typically lights, loudspeakers, video walls, and scenic pieces. Proper load distribution is key to maintaining system safety and functionality.

Rigging involves more than just assembling equipment — it also includes precise load calculations and application of safety factors. Using tools like Braceworks in Vectorworks allows you to analyze loads, validate structural integrity, and generate documentation for approval by the qualified, legally responsible person.

Modern rigging relies heavily on specialized software to plan, model, and analyze rigging systems. Vectorworks Spotlight’s Bridle tool is a great place to start; and to dive deeper into the feature and its capabilities, click here. 

As previously mentioned, Braceworks, Vectorworks’ entertainment rigging add-on, offers an even more comprehensive approach to rigging design and analysis. 

Braceworks allows you to model entire rigging systems in 3D, including trusses, hoists, and loads. You can also perform detailed load calculations to verify that every rigging point, truss, and hoist can safely support the intended loads.

Furthermore, you can simulate real-world forces, helping spot potential issues before anything is installed, and generate detailed reports and documentation for production teams and venue operators. 

Ultimately, Braceworks helps you optimize your designs for safety and efficiency through the automation of complex calculations and visual feedback.

This course on Vectorworks University offers an in-depth exploration of Vectorworks Spotlight and Braceworks’ rigging tools, catering to riggers, technical directors, lighting designers, sound engineers, video designers, and scenic designers—essentially anyone involved in managing flown elements.

The first part of the course focuses on the Vectorworks Spotlight rigging tools. This section will equip you with the knowledge to properly assemble a rigging system. The second part of the course is tailored specifically for riggers. You’ll learn how to conduct precise load calculations using Braceworks.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the Vectorworks Spotlight rigging tools and an understanding of how to perform complex load calculations with Braceworks, making you proficient in handling all aspects of flown elements in your productions.