Are you ready to dive into the world of theatre rigging and earn 12 hours of ETCP Renewal Credits? USITT has industry experts who are here to help, and they're on their way to Denver to teach the intermediate-level Jay O. Glerum Rigging Masterclass!
The Intermediate-Level course is a classroom, Powerpoint, and demonstration-based class for those familiar with rigging basics and the safe operation of a counterweight system or those who have taken the Entry-Level course and seek to advance their skills.
The two-day curriculum covers design factor, physics of loads and forces, truss basics, bridle rigging and more.
Seats are limited — register today to secure your spot!
Intermediate-Level Curriculum to be covered:
- Review of Breaking Strength, Design Factor, Working Load Limit
- Physics of Loads and Forces
- Beam Loading and Cantilevers
- Truss Basics – inspection and general principles
- Mechanical Advantage
- Bridle Rigging
- Out-of-balance loading situations for counterweight systems
- Where the rules come from - Codes, Standards, and Risk Assessment
When:
Monday, June 2 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where:
King Center
Auroria Higher Education Center
Community College of Denver
855 Lawrence Way
Entrance is on the corner of 9th and Larimer
Denver, CO 80204
Entry-Level: Rawls Theater
Intermediate-Level: Design Studio (KC 260)
Rates:
Member rates:
Extended until Friday, May 30: $620
Non-Member rates:
Extended until Friday, May 30: $670
Meet Your Instructors:
Shane Kelly – Shane Kelly is Professor and Head of The Theatre Technology Program at The Theatre School at DePaul University. He is the co-author (with Jay O. Glerum) of the 4th edition of the Stage Rigging
Handbook. Shane has been rigging for 25 years and conducts inspections, installations, specification of systems, and safety training via his company, Shane Kelly Rigging.
Shane is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre), ETCP Recognized Trainer, OSHA Authorized General Industry Outreach Trainer, and American Red Cross Authorized Training Provider.
Shane’s professional practice and research is focused on sustainability and ecoscenograhy. He worked as a producer, production manager, technical director, and rigger and was the Associate Director of Education for SpaceLab at the 2015 Prague Quadrennial and Technical Director for Six
Acts at the 2011 Prague Quadrennial Scenofest.
Ed Leahy – Ed Leahy is Head Trainer and Cruise Ship Division Manager at Chicago Flyhouse, Incorporated. He develops and implements rigging and safety training curricula for entertainment technicians at theaters, universities, arenas, and other entertainment venues around the globe.
During the pandemic, Chicago Flyhouse online training helped workers stay sharp, learn new skills, and work toward certification. Beyond training, Ed develops fall protection systems and documentation, writes technical manuals, conducts rigging inspections, and produces educational videos.
As an active Member of USITT, Ed helps to promote and teach the Jay O. Glerum Rigging Masterclasses in addition to presenting educational content at the Annual Conference & Stage Expo.
Ed serves on ESTA’s Rigging Working Group helping to write and edit standards for the entertainment industry. He is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre) and a Recognized Trainer.
Eric Rouse – Eric is an ETCP Certified Theatre Rigger. Originally from Fajardo, he lived in Luquillo until 1988 when he began his university studies in Pennsylvania. He has a Master's Degree in Technical Theater from Penn State University and began his first day of work as a professional organizing equipment for a flight by artist Garth Brooks over the audience at Texas Stadium during a concert while filming the video for the song "Ain't Goin Down (T'ill the Sun Comes Up)". During his 30 years in entertainment Eric has worked and taught in the United States, Mexico, Spain, China, Japan, Germany and Finland.
After Garth, Eric continued with Flying by Foy where he was a flight effects supervisor and designer for theater and award shows such as the Oscars, ESPY's and the American Music Awards. After Foy, Eric was in charge of rigging maintenance at the Cirque du Soleil company's "O" theater at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Eric "retired" from professional life and was a professor of theater at Penn State University where he led the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Technical Theater for 10 years. Eric decided to return to professional life and worked as Technical Director at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in Colorado where he worked with designers from Broadway and well-known regional theaters across the United States. Until recently, he worked with Las Vegas company EPS where he directed projects for MSG Sphere, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas and Cirque du Soleil spins, and has most recently joined Sapsis Rigging.
Eric is an ETCP Certified Rigger and Recognized Trainer.
Our Jay O. Glerum Rigging Masterclasses were established in 2016 to honor Jay Glerum's passion for rigging safety and training. Glerum's commitment to safety has made these masterclasses possible and his legacy lives on through both the trainers, attendees, and their combined passion for continuing education and industry safety. To learn more about Jay, click here.
