Richard Martin and Pete Hughes with MD Yan Stile developed the idea. Experienced members of Canegreen's staff taught the next generation of staff and freelancers the skills required to work safely and efficiently at events. Focusing on line-array rigging, attendees gained an understanding of the processes involved in setting up events, from opening the back of the lorry and loading in, to rigging line-array speaker systems, de-rigging and loading out. Some attendees used the day as a refresher course, whilst others used it to advance their basic skills. The day allowed people the chance to make mistakes, learn why they were made and how to rectify them. The delegates worked in a non-threatening environment, with no tour or stage managers to rush them.
The day began with an introductory talk from Martin, followed by rigger Gez Edwards-Webb who explained what riggers expect from crew and technicians and why. He demonstrated how to set a rigging point and how to communicate when speech is difficult during noisy load-ins.
The delegates were then split into four groups. Two groups learned how to work with a two-tonne CM Lodestar motor, rigging Meyer M3D, MILO and M2D arrays using the flying frame, with Hughes and Reese instructing.
The remaining two groups used a CM Lodestar one-tonne motor to fly the EAW 760 line array using its flying frame with Nick Garrett and George Breacker instructing. Each group then lowered and dismantled their speakers and swapped places.
Later, the instructors took a step back and a temporary crew was brought in. The delegates then ran the new, inexperienced crew through the lessons they had learned earlier. This is seen as an essential part of training, helping technicians to communicate effectively with numerous crews at a variety of venues.
Martin commented: "The enthusiasm throughout the day has been superb. The people who signed up were clearly keen to develop their skills, which has been obvious by the attentive looks on their faces throughout the day. Myself and Pete have also been able to build relationships with, and monitor the abilities and aptitudes of the delegates towards the job."
Both Brixton Academy and KB Events supplied their services at cost and the temporary 'local' crew was supplied by CrewCo.
