Course Description
Presentation of information and applied skills in theatrical rigging, physical theatrical facilities/venues, and the safety and well-being of all who work in entertainment-related fields. Safety is an integral part of all courses and work in Theatre and Film Studies. Course participants are required to tour local performance facilities.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will take on an advanced project in their
choice of an advanced rigging application or safety study that
is directly applicable to backstage/entertainment technology.
Athena Title
Rigging Facilities and Safety
Non-Traditional Format
Combination of lecture, studio/lab sessions, and on-site tours.
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have knowledge of the tools, materials, and safe/ecologically responsible practices in the application of theatrical rigging; facilities renovation and all aspects of the safety and well-being of theatre artists, craftspeople and patrons. Special attention will be paid to historical preservation and renovation of theatre spaces.
Topical Outline
- Fire Safety in the Theatre: Physical and legal aspects of protecting the theatre workers and patrons from fire hazards - Local laws and fire codes of Georgia - Case studies of theatre fires historically and today - Specific equipment for fire prevention in the theatre and shops - Safety and well-being of theatre workers and artists: Research, discussion of case studies and evaluation of all aspects of occupational hazards in the theatre -Solvents, Dyes and Pigments -Eye and Hearing loss prevention -Trauma prevention in the shops -Effects of sleep deprivation and fatigue -Drugs and alcohol in the work place -Ventilation in the shops -First Aid Training -Laws and regulations regarding occupational hazards & information sources -OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) -Actors Equity -IATSE (International Alliance of Stage Theatrical Employees) -USA (United Scenic Artists) -USITT (United States Institute of Theatre Technology) -Workers Compensation in Georgia -Independent safety consultants and risk evaluators -Local governments -Theatre rigging: An overview of application, components, types and mechanisms used in moving scenery -Types of Fly Systems -Counterweight -Hemp -Motorized -Advantages, Disadvantages, Costs -Parts of fly System -Rope and related rigging hardware -Flying People -Fly System Safety -Theatre Facilities: Architecture from the Greeks to today -Theatre Styles of Presentation -History of famous theatres -The Globe -Teatro Olympico -Der Festspielhaus Beyreuth -The Guthrie -Found Space Theatre -"Black Box" theatre -Architects and the Theatre Consultant -Planning the new theatre -Renovation & Preservation of Historically Significant Theatres -Case Studies of local projects -Tour and evaluation of local theatre facilities -Seney Stoval Chapel -Classic Center -The Morton -The Cellar Theatre (UGA) -The Fine Arts Theatre (UGA)