Rigging / Staging

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17 March 2025

UK - Adlib returned to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage earlier this month for the largest annual music industry careers event for young people in the North of England. The team engaged with attendees to discuss career paths and showcase the inspiring roles available in the live events industry.

Over 700 people attended the 2025 Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest, which was delivered in partnership with Universal Music, Spotify, UK Music, PLASA, LIPA, Revere Arts, and LIMF Academy.

Adlib has a long-standing tradition of supporting the next generation of talent through regular open days at Adlib HQ, as well as providing work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, and participation in Early Careers events.

Lisa Mitchell, training and development, Adlib comments: "We’ve been delighted to support the Liverpool Phil

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12 March 2025

UK - Glyndebourne opera house in Sussex is renowned for its annual summer festival, which attracts over 150,000 visitors, and its auditorium combines operatic tradition with cutting-edge production technology. Behind the scenes, seamless communication is critical to delivering world-class performances, and Glyndebourne recently upgraded its systems to include PunQtum’s IP-based communication solutions. This integration has revolutionised the way teams collaborate across the venue.

"Our communication system serves all production departments, from followspots to automation, wardrobe, and chaperones,” explains Jonathan Moss, head of sound and video at Glyndebourne. “We needed a mix of products that could address all user needs while enhancing operational flexibility and future-proofing our technical infrastructure. PunQtum provides advanced features and s

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11 March 2025

International - The latest issue of LSi is out now, and can be read online for free here.

Inside our new March issue, you’ll find Rob Halliday’s in-depth production report on Cirque du Soleil’s gravity-defying Corteo show, as it visits the Royal Albert Hall.

Plus, we bring you our bumper round-up of news from last month’s ISE, Barcelona and expected highlights from next month’s Prolight + Sound, Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, Steve Moles visits the new Design & Digital Arts building at Nottingham Trent University; Phil Ward learns how SSL’s System T is assisting with Sonosphere’s livestreaming projects; and Louise Stickland meets the largely Ukrainian crew behi

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06 March 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians has announced the launch of its one-day Automation Foundation CPD Course and ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians, adding to its already diverse training programme.

The new one-day ABTT Automation Foundation CPD is an entry-level course designed and created to introduce attendees to this sector of the industry, giving them an understanding of the key components and applications for automation within theatre and live events, as well as an understanding of how automation teams operate.

This continuous professional development (CPD) course gives the candidate something to show future employers or training providers, demonstrating that they have invested time and know the rudimentary basics of automation.

It will also enable attendees to progress on to the ABTT Silver Award for T

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06 March 2025

South Africa - DWR Distribution hosted the much-anticipated annual International Rigging Course from 27 January to 1 February, presented by Ruud de Deugd, founder of T&E Support. As the only training programme of its kind in the country, the course drew delegates from across South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Zambia, and Mauritius, ranging from novices to experienced professionals.

Ruud, renowned for leading these training sessions globally, provided insights into the rigging industry. Over six days, participants covered vital topics such as safety protocols, maintenance practices, lifting materials, force calculations, and load tables. Attendees were expected to have a solid understanding of mathematics, as the training blended practical skills with technical theory.

“It feels like the family is back together,” Ruud shared upon his return to Sout

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06 March 2025

UK - Based on the box office hits of Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, Magic Mike Live! is a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular. Conceived by the film’s original star Channing Tatum, the show takes place at London’s Hippodrome Casino and features heart-racing dance routines that take place in front of, above and around the audience.

Due to the immersive nature of the performance, the show has to ensure that its performers are fully safe at all times. As such, they asked Solutions On Stage to design, manufacture and test bespoke steelwork for a specific track used throughout the show, which had to meet the necessary requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Solutions On Stage’s technical director Darren Williams comments: “A request came in from the technical team for us to inspect the suspension of

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06 March 2025

UK - Martin Audio, along with sister brands, Optimal Audio, TiMax, Linea Research and OutBoard, are again joining forces for their open day programme – showing the best of what the Focusrite Pro brands have to offer.

This will take place over three days, from 11-13 March. However, such is the momentum of these twice-a-year networking and demonstration events that the first day is already fully booked.

Martin Audio will be running separate stage monitor, point source, constant curvature and line array demonstrations (with selective on-demand listening sessions). In-depth training will be provided for DISPLAY and VU-NET software.

TiMax will showcase immersive audio solutions across TiMax panLab, TiMax SoundHub and TiMax Tracker.

Optimal Audio will provide an engaging multi-zone commercial audio demonstration, including new products, a

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27 February 2025

UK - Production Futures has announced that its next On Tour event will take place at the AO Arena, Manchester on Monday 28 April. The venue is one of the largest of its kind in the UK, and will host a Production Futures event for the second time, following the success of last year’s arena debut.

Set to attract a wide range of young people from across North-West England and beyond, this free-of-charge event will promote employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, networking, and will present paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.

Manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors will have representatives present at the event to provide advice, information and insights, and discuss specific job and training opportunities. Production Futures also wo

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26 February 2025

Europe - HOF has a new partner in Iceland – Exton will be the official distributor for HOF products. “With this partnership, we have a strong player at our side to push HOF in Iceland,” says Edwin Duivelaar, export and sales manager at HOF.

Exton's sales team will ensure that HOF optimally complements and supports the existing brands in the Exton portfolio. Exton's rental department in particular has a wealth of experience and offers customised solutions for the event industry – with high-quality equipment and technology for events of all kinds.

In addition, Exton will enable HOF to be even better positioned in the area of installations, from event venues and exhibition centres to private and commercial buildings.

Sigurjón Sigurðsson, CEO at Exton, comments: “We appreciate HOF's innovative trussing systems, which offer a perfect s

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25 February 2025

UK - Unusual Rigging has played a pivotal role in bringing Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Oliver! to the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End.

Tom Lee, senior production manager, commented: “We needed to work with a team that could transform the space and overcome some rigging challenges. Moving the production from Chichester to the Gielgud required careful planning and adaptation. The Unusual team, led by design engineer Emily Egleton, had to contend with a constantly evolving brief which involved recreating some elements of the show in a completely different space.”

With Egleton at the helm, the team needed to devise a way of supporting the production’s large and heavy set pieces, including an LED screen that could not be suspended from wires due to a projection surface above, and also needed to be easily movable. “The

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24 February 2025

Europe - TAF (Truss Aluminium Factory) introduced several new products at ISE 2025 that showcased its focus on development of its product lines and new innovations.

TAF’s new Safety Lock System, designed for use on TAF Tower 2, safely and effectively removes all weight of the grid from your chain hoists. The three-part system consists of a Safety Lock Tube (62 x 6mm stainless steel), Sleeve Block Adapter, and Safety Lock Truss segment that mounts tightly on the sleeve block for safe, worry-free support you can trust.

Tower 2 was standing tall and getting attention at TAF’s stand at ISE. Its versatile design makes it a suitable choice for lifting large-scale structures, such as touring roof systems and big show grids, or providing support for other types of structures, such as frames for LED screens. It can reach heights up to 12m and handles high

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21 February 2025

UK - Rigger.co.uk, based in Milton Keynes, has announced a significant investment in Milos S-QTQT 780 steel truss. The strategic acquisition reinforces the company’s commitment to providing robust, high-quality rigging solutions to the live events, entertainment, TV and broadcast sectors.

Milos S-QTQT 780 steel truss is renowned for its strength, durability and versatility, making it a suitable choice for heavy-duty applications. Designed to withstand substantial loads, it ensures enhanced safety and reliability for complex rigging structures. With this major investment in a steel superstructure for an upcoming production, Rigger.co.uk expands its inventory of premium rigging equipment, enabling the company to meet the growing demands of large-scale productions and installations. 

Founded in 2007, Rigger.co.uk has established itself as a leading a

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19 February 2025

UK - PLASA Focus Leeds returns to the Royal Armouries on 13-14 May 2025, bringing together the latest innovations and the brightest minds in live events, installation, and entertainment technology. The show will celebrate the people behind the industry, providing a unique platform for learning, networking, and hands-on exploration of cutting-edge technology.

With over 175 leading brands spanning audio, AV, lighting, rigging, and staging, the show floor will be brimming with groundbreaking technology and industry-first launches. Attendees can get hands-on with the latest products, connect directly with brand specialists, and build lasting relationships with industry peers.

Lighting professionals can explore leading brands including headline sponsor Ambersphere, alongside Avolites, ChamSys, Chauvet Europe, Entedi, ETC, GLP UK, Prolight, Robe UK, TMB, a

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12 February 2025

Europe - With the two new Event Carts EC16 and EC19, HOF is launching a flexible, stackable, ultra-light and yet resilient solution for transporting equipment.

The Event Carts can be equipped flexibly and can be customised for different applications. Conversion is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes. The Event Carts are a flexible alternative to conventional cases and therefore a practical transport solution for (event) equipment of all kinds. 

In order to use the space in the Event Cart as effectively as possible, the different levels can be screwed in at 7.5cm intervals. This creates space for a wide range of optional accessories such as shelves, transport boxes and handles. Lamps can be hung underneath the transport boxes. The Event Carts can be loaded up to 500kg.

Thanks to the materials used, such as water-repellent 12mm s

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12 February 2025

UK - Steeldeck has announced the appointment of Katherine Herzog Parsons as the new group CEO. Taking over the role from her father, Philip Parsons, who founded the company in 1972, Katherine steps into the position with a strong vision for the company’s future while honouring its rich legacy.

Katherine brings a wealth of experience in finance, investment, and technology. She joined BP in 2010, rising to the position of Head of Low Carbon Trading Platforms. Passionate about sustainability and the energy transition, Katherine has led investments and represented BP on the board of various climate tech start-ups. 

As Steeldeck continues to expand its presence across the UK and the USA, with branches in London, Manchester, Los Angeles, and New York, Katherine’s leadership is set to guide the company into its next phase of growth.

St

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11 February 2025

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services), supplier of staging and structures, technical production, and equipment hire to the events industry, is proud to announce a major milestone in its growth and development: the opening of a new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built warehouse in Milton Keynes this April. This expansion represents a pivotal chapter for IPS as the company continues to build on its steady growth since the pandemic, strengthening its capacity to deliver efficient, sustainable, and innovative services to clients.

Since its inception, IPS has experienced remarkable growth, doubling in size with each move to larger facilities. This latest expansion, located just a mile from the current site, is no exception. The impressive 6.5-acre site features newly constructed buildings purposefully designed to meet modern standards, with significantly upgraded inf

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10 February 2025

Spain - Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 wrapped up ‘a highly successful week’ in Barcelona. The exhibition showcased its highest number of exhibitors with 1,605 and the largest show floor space with 92,000 sq.m net.

ISE 2025 welcomed 85,351 unique verified visitors from 168 countries, marking a 15.5% increase from the previous year.

Attendance from the DACH region saw a significant increase of 7% at ISE 2025, coming close to the numbers last seen during the event’s years in Amsterdam, highlighting the region’s strong and growing engagement with the show.

Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events, stated: “ISE 2025 has surpassed all expectations, setting new milestones in both attendance and innovation. The energy and engagement from our attendees and exhibitors have been truly remarkable. From the dynamic sh

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05 February 2025

UK - TSL’s James McBride is an inspiration for aspiring live event technicians. After completing a live event technician apprenticeship at TSL, delivered in partnership with Access Industry, McBride achieved a Distinction - the highest grade attainable.

McBride joined TSL in 2022 following a successful degree course in Television Production Technology so was able to make an immediate start with a good level of background knowledge.

“You get given the bare bones of the theory at university, and to be honest with you, the apprenticeship has taught me a lot more about the different departments and how everyone works together to produce a show.”

Joining the team at TSL while coming out of COVID, a notable obstacle for all in the creative industry, McBride used his prior broadcast engineering knowledge to leverage his way into his new career

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31 January 2025

Europe - Denmark-based entertainment automation specialist Motor Stage Automation (MSA) is supplying a full rigging, control and automation package for the current Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular world tour, co-produced by Cameron Mackintosh Ltd (CML) and Nick Grace Management and performing in over 15 countries and regions worldwide.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production team led by technical director Chris Boone directly approached MSA wanting an ingenious touring solution and global technical support for the tour.

Nick Grace Management, who is responsible for contracting the touring personnel, asked Roger Smissen onboard as head of rigging and automation, with his company, Van Der Smissen Production, providing a touring crew team to work with the production’s rigging and automation requirements.

Smissen worked in conjunction

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29 January 2025

France - Tracking startup Naostage is growing its presence in Europe with the addition of four new distributors. These strategic partnerships in Poland, Spain, as well as the Benelux and Scandinavia regions serve the demand for expanding need for Naostage’s K System beaconless, live 3D tracking solution.

Operating through its subsidiaries in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, Arva Audio is representing Naostage in Scandinavia. Lars Baun Frederiksen, CEO of Alfa Audio A/S in Denmark, daughter company to Swedish Arva Trading, sees Naostage as an essential addition to the company’s portfolio: “Tracking technology is becoming increasingly important in pro audio, and Naostage is a perfect match for the immersive solutions we provide.”

Headquartered in Gdańsk, Lauda Central has over time evolved into a cross-border sales and marketing platform d

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29 January 2025

UK - FBT Audio (UK) has been named as the new distributor for Ultimax in the UK. The brand was recently acquired by Mark Parkhouse and has been relaunched to bring its range of DJ booths, stands and accessories back to the market.

Ultimax built its reputation on quality components and innovative design. The relaunched brand offers a variety of solutions ranging from stands for mics, speakers or laptops to trolleys, carts, speaker poles and full DJ booths.

“Ultimax stands are meticulously designed to provide the ultimate support for your valuable equipment, whether it’s a presentation booth for DJs, a safe home of a state-of-the-art speaker system, or a haven for the microphone of an exuberant frontman,” stated Parkhouse. “Crafted with precision engineering and using only the finest materials, Ultimax stands not only elevate your equipment but

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29 January 2025

Switzerland - GIS AG, global manufacturer of electric chain hoists, is expanding its LPL lightweight series.

Building on the success of the LPML250, which was designed for D8 applications, the LPL series is now also suitable for D8+ and C1 installations. The LPML250 is the lightest hoist in its class, says the company, with a weight of just 12kg and a capacity of 500kg in D8. The LPL500 weighs 23kg yet has a maximum lifting capacity of 1,000kg, while the LPL1000 offers a 2,000kg capacity and weighs only 46kg.

Designed for the entertainment industry, the LPL range is part of GIS’ popular LP chain hoist series. LPL motors were initially intended for D8 category applications in mobile use, such as concerts and open-air events, where riggers prefer the lightest possible motors. This expansion means they are now also suitable for D8+ scenarios – holdi

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29 January 2025

Spain - Broadweigh will be exhibiting a range of its products at ISE as it joins its Scandinavian product partner, PSRIG at the show. Visitors to stand 6-J660 can expect to see some of the brand’s best sellers on display as well as discovering more about its newest products.

PSRIG has designed a new stand from which to present its latest stage mechanical solutions and rigging accessories. Aart Gigengack, CEO and sales director at PSRIG comments: “This year, we’ve dedicated significant time and effort to creating an exciting showcase and we look forward to inviting visitors to our stand to experience it firsthand. Broadweigh will feature prominently and we’re delighted to have the team – Matthew, Elliot and Tom manning the stand with us. They’ll be available to answer any questions you might have with their expert knowledge of the brand and share

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27 January 2025

UK - Through pioneering a new entry-level qualification, Poole’s Lighthouse is highlighting offstage roles to young people interested in exploring careers in theatre and live events.

Working with the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) Lighthouse will host a pilot of the new Copper Award, created to recognise the achievements of initial entrants in the industry by engaging them in introductory training into backstage jobs.

The pilot is being run as part of the Young Technicians course at Lighthouse from next month and is already underway at the Southbank Centre in London as part of its Technical Academy.

“Lighthouse is proud to partner with ABTT and the Southbank Centre to pioneer the new Copper Award and to help nurture the UK's next generation of theatre technicians,” says chief executive Elspeth McBain.

“We wa