Jay O. Glerum Rigging Classes | Columbia, SC
Jan. 18-19, 2027
When: Jan. 18-19, 2027, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: District Auditorium, 7500 Brookfield Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
USITT is headed to Columbia, SC for both an entry-level and an intermediate-level Jay O. Glerum Rigging Masterclass. Check out which track is the right one for you below!
Entry-Level
The entry track spans two days and is intended for individuals looking to strengthen or broaden their foundational knowledge. It equips theatre educators and technicians with the skills to implement industry-standard safety protocols when working with theatre counterweight rigging systems for scenery and lighting, thereby promoting safety and operational excellence in educational and community theatre environments.
Curriculum to be covered:
- Safe Operation of Counterweight Fly Systems
- Basic Rigging Tools and Hardware
- How to Safely Rig and Fly Scenery
- Safety Procedures for Working at Heights and Using Ladders
- Basic Rules for Fall Protection
- Basic Maintenance of Rigging Systems
- Day-to-Day and Why Professional Inspections are Important
- Hands-on segments include:
- Hardware – proper use and application
- Fly System – system identification, safe operation, and maintenance overview
This hands-on training allows attendees to apply theory in practice under the guidance of renowned trainers. Certificates will be issued for continuing education credit recognition.
Intermediate-Level
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.
This class qualifies for 12 ETCP renewal credits.
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
Rates:
Member Rates:
Early Price through Dec. 13: $495
Late Price: $570
Non-Member Rates:
Early Price through Dec.. 13: $545
Late Price: $620
Registration closes on Jan. 8, 2027, 5:00 p.m. EST.
DISCLAIMER: This class is contingent upon a minimum of 16 attendees and may be cancelled if this minimum is not met. Please do not wait to register. Please do not book flights and/or hotels that cannot be canceled without a cancellation fee.
If the class does not meet the minimum by Dec. 28, it will be subject to cancellation.
Travel and hotel accommodations are not included in this rate.
Meet the Entry-Level 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.
Meet the Intermediate-Level Instructors:
Ed Leahy
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.
