Rigging Design, Installation & Inspections
Rigging systems come in many forms, each designed to safely support, position, raise, lower, or suspend equipment within a space. From traditional theatrical rigging and motorized systems to fixed structural supports, curtains, lighting, audio, video, and specialty installations, the right solution depends on the equipment, environment, and how the space needs to function.
Pierson designs and installs rigging solutions for theaters, auditoriums, schools, houses of worship, performance venues, and other multipurpose spaces—bringing together safety, functionality, and thoughtful system design.
Types of Rigging Systems
A fixed, overhead system of interconnected steel pipes that provides flexible attachment points for lighting, audio, curtains, scenery, and other production equipment. Unlike systems designed to raise and lower equipment, a static pipe grid remains permanently in place, with equipment accessed and positioned directly on the grid.
Pipe grids are a practical solution for theaters, studios, schools, houses of worship, and multipurpose spaces where flexibility is important but frequent vertical movement of equipment isn't required. When properly engineered and installed, they provide a versatile framework that allows equipment to be repositioned as production needs change.
Combines the traditional balance and flexibility of a theatrical fly system with powered operation. These systems allow battens supporting lighting, scenery, curtains, and other production equipment to be raised and lowered efficiently, reducing the manual effort required to move loads.
Ideal for theaters, auditoriums, schools, and performing arts spaces, motorized fly systems provide convenient access to overhead equipment while supporting more efficient scene changes and production setups. Proper system design, installation, and operation are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable rigging environment.
a traditional theatrical fly system that uses counterweights to balance suspended loads, allowing trained operators to manually raise and lower battens supporting lighting, scenery, curtains, and other production equipment.
Common in theaters, auditoriums, schools, and performing arts spaces, manual counterweight systems provide flexible access to overhead equipment and allow productions to efficiently reposition scenic and technical elements. Proper design, installation, inspection, and operator training are essential for safe and reliable operation.
Curtain track systems provide the support and movement needed for stage curtains, drapery, masking, room dividers, and other theatrical or architectural fabric applications. Systems can be configured for manual or motorized operation and designed to accommodate straight, curved, or custom track layouts.
Common in theaters, auditoriums, schools, houses of worship, and multipurpose spaces, curtain tracks allow curtains and drapery to move smoothly and reliably while supporting the functional and aesthetic needs of the space. Proper track selection, mounting, and installation help ensure dependable long-term performance.
Types of Rigging Services
Regular rigging inspections are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable performance environment. Pierson provides thorough inspections of theatrical rigging systems to help identify wear, damage, improper operation, and other conditions that could affect system safety or performance.
Our team evaluates key components including cables, ropes, battens, blocks, counterweight systems, hardware, mounting points, curtain tracks, and motorized equipment. Following the inspection, we provide clear documentation of our findings and recommendations for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades when needed—helping facilities understand the condition of their systems and plan appropriately for continued operation.
Proper installation is the foundation of a safe, reliable rigging system. Pierson provides professional installation of theatrical and architectural rigging systems for new construction, renovations, and upgrades to existing spaces.
From static pipe grids and manual or motorized fly systems to curtain tracks and specialty rigging, our team coordinates each installation with the facility, design team, and other trades to help ensure equipment is properly positioned, secured, and integrated into the space. The result is a rigging system designed to support the functional and production needs of the venue for years to come.
From new installations to upgrades and ongoing system support, Pierson provides comprehensive rigging services designed around the safety, functionality, and unique needs of each space. Our team works with theatrical and architectural rigging systems in theaters, auditoriums, schools, houses of worship, performance venues, and multipurpose facilities.
Services include system design and installation, inspections, maintenance and repairs, equipment upgrades and modernization, curtain and track systems, and modifications to existing rigging. Whether you're planning a new system or evaluating aging equipment, Pierson can help develop a solution built for safe, reliable, long-term performance.
