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 Salem, MA to teach an Intermediate-Level Jay O. Glerum Rigging Masterclass!
The intermediate track is a classroom, PowerPoint, and demonstration-based course designed for individuals who are familiar with rigging fundamentals and the safe operation of a counterweight system. It is also suitable for those who have completed the Entry Level course and wish to further develop their skills.
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
- Overview of basic automation controls
- Out of balance loading situations for counterweight systems
When:
June 2-3, 2026
Where:
Salem State University, Sophia Gordon Center for Creative & Performing Arts, 352 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 01970
Member:
Early Rate through April 20: $550
Late Rate after April 20: $600
Non-Member:
Early Rate through April 20: $600
Late Rate after April 20: $650
Please note: If the class does not meet the minimum by May 10, it will be subject to cancellation.
Meet the Instructors:
Ethan Gilson is the owner of Entertainment Rigging Services LLC, a company specializing in entertainment rigging inspections, training, design, and installation. In 2005, he earned one of the first certificates issued by the ETCP in Arena and Theatre Rigging (Cert. # 0048). Gilson has established himself as an authority in the field, and since 014, has served as an ETCP Rigging Certification Subject Matter Expert, a role that includes designing questions for certification exams. He is currently a voting member of the ESTA Technical Standards Program Rigging Working Group, the Event Safety Working Group, and is Co-Chair of the Weapons Safety Working Group. In 2020, he received the TSP “Above and Beyond Award,” which honors volunteers who make significant contributions that advance the Technical Standards Program.
In 2012, Gilson became an ETCP Recognized Trainer and launched Entertainment Rigging Sessions to prepare today’s riggers for the industry’s rapid growth and to promote safety standards across the industry. These sessions are recognized by the ETCP as qualifying instruction for recertification. Gilson actively participates in the Event Safety Alliance, which aims to promote safety and training throughout the industry. He has partnered with manufacturers, the annual LDI trade show, the Event Safety Alliance, various colleges and universities, unions, and local manufacturers to provide educational rigging sessions tailored to meet the needs of each group. In 2021 and 2024, Gilson was elected to the ESTA Board of Directors as the Professional Services Director, and in 2025, he was appointed Secretary of the association. He is also the host of Shackles, Burlap, & Lies, a podcast about the entertainment rigging industry and the people working within it.
Ed Leahy is Head Trainer and Cruise Ship Division Manager at Chicago Flyhouse, Incorporated. In this role since 2015, Ed develops and implements rigging and safety training curriculum 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.
Before Chicago Flyhouse, Ed was Technical Director for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, supervising more than 150 shows, including national and international tours and transfer productions. He served as an adjunct faculty member at The Theatre School of DePaul University for more than a decade, focusing on technical theater production. 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. Ed serves on the Rigging Working Group (part of ESTA’s Technical Standards Program), helping to write and edit standards for the entertainment industry. He is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Theatre) and Recognized Trainer.
About Jay O. Glerum:
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.