After dependably demonstrating accurate steel-building skills on the ground and demonstrating proficiency with basic stagehand operations, there are two directions in which these skills can be taken; Uprigging and downrigging. Both are specific subsets of specialized labor within the General Carpentry division of Stagehanding and have the same general goal. Look at it as making the "show go on" (for patrons), making the client (production company) happy, or fulfilling our contract with the U of O (our employer). From whatever perspective, we collectively agree to provide a professional service to each recipient.
Working at height is not for everyone, regardless their history and experience. Being at height indoors and over people is different than being at height in a gym or other indoor settings, or outdoors. Having a healthy respect for where you are, what you are doing, what else is going on and how you feel about it all is very important to observe and recognize. Upriggers are working above other stagehands to assemble equipment which must then hang over performers and audience. The welfare of each worker, performer and show patron is at risk of injury or death as a direct result of each uprigger's performance. Secondly, the show must go on, and it will not go well without lights and sound. The quality of everyone's day hinges upon the rigging going smoothly. If you are interested in and comfortable with working at height, uprigging might be for you. This training continues by going into the grid of the Arena and navigating out onto a beam in a practice setting to "pull"/Make some Points (mocking a Load In), and lowering points In (to the ground, mocking Load Out activities).
Downrigging is an important, fun, and totally different experience. It takes a certain kind of mindset and an awareness of everything from a very different aspect. Much skill is required, as well as a certain perspective. If you like to be more in the thick of things, on the "sharp end" of the action, and possess a keen eye for detail, downrigging might be your thing. This training continues through the activity of ground operations, which includes tying ropes onto Points for Flying Out (on the Load In), and "shagging" them on the Load Out (receiving them as they are lowered In to the ground).
A broad understanding of the larger picture helps a person understand intimately how to do each well. Click the links above to look at them in turn. Talk
with your Lead/Head Rigger to express your interest.
