Lighting Rigger
Riggers are an important part of the technical team and work alongside other event technicians. Without riggers there would be no lighting or screens for the show as they install all the lighting technologies.
The job of a rigger is to move light technologies, projectors and plasma screens. They often work in setting, dismantling and installing equipment for live shows, they do this by using suspension and specialized lifting apparatus as they work at high levels. Riggers use winches, pulleys and hoists, they also use safety harnesses when working at heights.
Riggers work irregular hours with weekend work and also evening work. They may travel around the UK or overseas if they are on tour. They may also be employed for local crew work.
Advance riggers earn £284 for eight hours per day or £355 for twelve hours per day and £410 for ten hours per day, these also include holiday pay. However not all employers offer BETCU rates and therefore rates can be incredibly cheap. For someone with very limited experience the rates start around £8 an hour however this may rise to £15-20 for those who have more experience or higher qualifications.
The job of a rigger is to move light technologies, projectors and plasma screens. They often work in setting, dismantling and installing equipment for live shows, they do this by using suspension and specialized lifting apparatus as they work at high levels. Riggers use winches, pulleys and hoists, they also use safety harnesses when working at heights.
Riggers work irregular hours with weekend work and also evening work. They may travel around the UK or overseas if they are on tour. They may also be employed for local crew work.
Advance riggers earn £284 for eight hours per day or £355 for twelve hours per day and £410 for ten hours per day, these also include holiday pay. However not all employers offer BETCU rates and therefore rates can be incredibly cheap. For someone with very limited experience the rates start around £8 an hour however this may rise to £15-20 for those who have more experience or higher qualifications.
To become a rigger some background experience in live technical events such as audio or lighting can be helpful. However others start out in minor jobs such as a roadie or stage hand then often train as a rigger. Physical fitness is a vital part of this job also, reliability and responsibility. A background in installation of electrical work can be an advantage and also carpentry or building work. Employers will usually look for those with previous experiences and it can be very hard to find a job without any training. Full training is essential but this can be gained on the job or by short courses. The work is often challenging and highly skilled and riggers will need a understanding of safety work.
Apprenticeships as lighting technicians or electricians can be a good foundation base for moving onto rigging in a later stage.
Employers look for an English, Maths and Science GCSE Grade at C or above, also training in a BTEC or degree level in technical theatre can be useful if you're looking to continue in education. The PLASA awards a qualification which assesses riggers within entertainment and events however do not offer any training.
The training that employed riggers may take are safe rigging at heights, rescue techniques and rope training As riggers are often self-employed, they pay for their own training.
Apprenticeships as lighting technicians or electricians can be a good foundation base for moving onto rigging in a later stage.
Employers look for an English, Maths and Science GCSE Grade at C or above, also training in a BTEC or degree level in technical theatre can be useful if you're looking to continue in education. The PLASA awards a qualification which assesses riggers within entertainment and events however do not offer any training.
The training that employed riggers may take are safe rigging at heights, rescue techniques and rope training As riggers are often self-employed, they pay for their own training.
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