Hire Riggers for Live Event Productions

What Does a Rigger Do on a Live Event?

A rigger is responsible for the safe suspension of production elements from overhead structures. This includes flying lighting trusses, line arrays, LED video walls, scenic elements, and any equipment that needs to be suspended above the performance area or audience. Rigging work involves calculating load weights and structural capacity, selecting and inspecting hardware — shackles, steel, chain motors, spansets, and bridles, interpreting rigging plots and working with venue rigging points, operating chain motors and controlling trim heights, and performing safety inspections before, during, and after the event. Rigging is one of the most safety-critical positions in the live event industry. An improperly rigged truss or motor failure can result in catastrophic injury or death. This is why production companies need experienced, certified riggers — not general labor.

Events and Venues That Need Riggers

Riggers are required whenever production elements are flown from an overhead structure. This includes arena and stadium concerts with flown lighting and PA, convention center shows with ceiling-hung truss and fixtures, theater productions with fly systems, outdoor festival stages with ground-supported or roof-system rigging, corporate events in hotel ballrooms with limited rigging points, and any venue where local regulations require a certified rigger on-site. Many venues — especially arenas, convention centers, and union houses — have specific rigging requirements including in-house rigger approval, weight load documentation, and pre-show safety inspections.

Staff Riggers Through Booked AV

Finding certified riggers with live event experience is challenging through generic staffing platforms. Booked AV connects production companies directly with rigging technicians who specialize in entertainment rigging. Post your rigging call with venue details, load requirements, and schedule — and qualified riggers apply with their certifications, arena experience, and availability. Direct hire. No broker. No mystery crew.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certifications should I look for in a rigger?

ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) certification is the industry standard for arena and entertainment riggers. Some venues require ETCP certification specifically. Check technician profiles for certification details.

How many riggers do I need?

That depends on the number of rigging points, the complexity of the rig, and the load-in timeline. A small ballroom show might need 1-2 riggers. A full arena rig can require 8-12 or more. Include your rigging plot details in the job posting.

Do riggers work during the show or only load-in/out?

Most rigging work happens during load-in and load-out. However, on some productions — especially arena concerts and theatrical shows — a rigger may be on standby during the performance for safety monitoring or scenic fly cues.