NEXT DEADLINE October 1

USITT’s Rigging Safety Initiative was created to fund inspections of theatrical rigging in secondary schools across America.  In addition, schools receive 4 hours of training regarding the proper care and operation of the particular system in their facility.

This program is open to all secondary schools, public and private, nationwide.  The cost to the schools is only that of the travel and housing of the inspector (if necessary) and any special equipment required (such as a lift or other item to access the system).  See below for more information and an application form.

With a network of inspectors nationwide that are participating, many schools will find that their actual cost is nothing.  Schools that apply and receive the inspection will get to choose from a list of participating inspectors in their area.  USITT pays the inspector directly, so there is no paperwork or processing for administrators.

What does the school receive?  A detailed report in layman’s terms regarding the safety and health of their rigging.  Presented in a clear language by professional inspectors, schools will see what is working properly and what potential problems may arise and be eliminated with routine care.  Should there be a major issue of safety, the inspector may address the issue by taking that part of the rigging out of service, but these instances should be rare.

In addition to the inspection, schools receive four hours of training for up to eight faculty, staff, and students, on the safe operation and maintenance of the specific system in their school.  This will insure that the people supervising and operating the system have the most current knowledge on safe operation of a complex system.

So what’s the catch?  There really isn’t one.  Through the generosity of our founding sponsor, JR Clancy, and other sponsors, the program is established to promote safe theatrical environments for our students nationwide at little to no cost to the end user.

Here are the following links:
School Application and Information Form

Contractor Information

Contractor Application