Aaron Clarke
Well-Known Member
Hey CB folks. Time for me to get that warm cozy feeling of support from the community on probably the most common sense thing in theatre rigging.
I was asked to do lights for and upcoming production of Tarzan for our community theatre. My first question I asked is "are you having Tarzan swing and if so who have you hired to rig it".
Answer from the director: "We're having *volunteer name redacted* tie a line from the main beam on the gird. We've done this before with no issue and I trust him"
This person is not a professional nor trained in rigging in anyway. Everyone involved are community volunteers with no formal training (including myself should I become involved).
My response was a stern but polite "I would love to do this but I will not be part of a production that puts a volunteer in potential danger by not employing the healthy amount of common sense that even professionals will exercise when it comes to life safety. In other words, swinging is flying and should be approached is the same manor"
I provided them with the big name flying companies names and suggested it never hurts to ask for quotes and to see what it would cost. I told them to look at their options and get back with me when they decide how you look they want to handle it and then I can give them an answer.
I'm sure I will have everyone's support here. Since becoming involved with the group my biggest worry is how a relaxed approach to safety puts the organization at huge risk. I'm pretty confident that one law suit for a injury would shut the organization down and no effect for a show is worth that.
I was asked to do lights for and upcoming production of Tarzan for our community theatre. My first question I asked is "are you having Tarzan swing and if so who have you hired to rig it".
Answer from the director: "We're having *volunteer name redacted* tie a line from the main beam on the gird. We've done this before with no issue and I trust him"
This person is not a professional nor trained in rigging in anyway. Everyone involved are community volunteers with no formal training (including myself should I become involved).
My response was a stern but polite "I would love to do this but I will not be part of a production that puts a volunteer in potential danger by not employing the healthy amount of common sense that even professionals will exercise when it comes to life safety. In other words, swinging is flying and should be approached is the same manor"
I provided them with the big name flying companies names and suggested it never hurts to ask for quotes and to see what it would cost. I told them to look at their options and get back with me when they decide how you look they want to handle it and then I can give them an answer.
I'm sure I will have everyone's support here. Since becoming involved with the group my biggest worry is how a relaxed approach to safety puts the organization at huge risk. I'm pretty confident that one law suit for a injury would shut the organization down and no effect for a show is worth that.