Rigging / Staging

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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

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21 January 2025

UK - Speaker applications are now open for PLASA Focus Leeds, which returns to the city’s Royal Armouries museum from 13-14 May 2025. Renowned for its welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, the ever-popular PLASA Focus Leeds trade show attracts over 2,000 professionals each year and showcases more than 150 leading brands from across the lighting, sound, AV, rigging, staging and production industries.

Speaking as part of the event’s seminar programme is a unique opportunity to connect with a broad audience, as the sessions draw over 600 industry attendees across two theatres during the show’s two days. 

“Your insights could have an impact far beyond the UK, reaching professionals eager to learn and innovate,” say the show’s organisers. “This is your chance to position yourself as a thought leader, sharing knowledge that could help shape the

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21 January 2025

France - UK-based tech provider SLX was awarded the tender for supplying broadcast lighting and rigging across a range of venues at the Paris Games this past summer, and chose Obsidian Netron data distribution devices as the backbone of its data management strategy.

“We needed a system that was rock solid and could keep us going in case of critical failure,” stated Russell Payne, managing director at SLX. “We were looking for something that we could use not only for the Games but something that could go into our business for the long run. Stability was important, but also availability and return on investment.”

While evaluating available signal distribution products, SLX technicians and engineers took some Netron devices to the SLX facility in Bristol for extensive testing. “We ran them through their paces, stressing them with large amounts

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21 January 2025

UK - PRG UK has appointed Phil McMichael as UK sales & business development director, with Miles Hillyard promoted to commercial director as the company continues to focus on growth.

McMichael has over 20 years of experience in the event industry, working with high-profile clients and growing their accounts. As sales director at Blitz, he focused on corporate accounts and agencies including Boeing, Temenos and Karla Otto. He then co-formed JLLive that later merged with JLLighting and JLUSA to form JLGroup, where he worked with the likes of Pico+, 2Heads & Disney.

“I’m thrilled to take up my new role at PRG UK, forming part of the leadership team and supporting both our strategic development plans and growth ambitions across all sectors of the live event, sports, television, theatre and music industries,” says McMichael. “With a backgr

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20 January 2025

UK - After a year of development, UK-based company Automated Film Props is offering new automation solutions designed to be utilised with film, television and stage props.

“We do this by delivering enterprise-class prop automation software and components that turn narrative events into actions from your props. We use industrial design to build PCBs, modules and subassemblies that you can use in your props during the build process, and the 'grip-equipment' to drive BTS kit like lighting and movement,” the company says. “Your props can display real values and respond to stimuli in a believable fashion.”

Extensive (and costly) production time is taken up between takes and rehearsals in order to reset props for the next one. By creating the infrastructure that allows props to be instantly set/reset, this can help ensure a more efficient, less str

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15 January 2025

Spain - Electric chain hoist manufacturer GIS (Stand 6F500) is expanding its product range in the entertainment sector. In addition to the D8 version, LPL motors are now available for D8+ and C1 applications. Since its launch in 2020, the LPL range, as part of the successful LP chain hoist series, has been known for its outstanding performance at a very low dead weight.

The LPL chain hoists feature chains with a larger diameter, providing increased load capacity while maintaining their compact design and low weight. They are among the lightest entertainment hoists in the world. For example, the LPML250 as a D8 motor weighs only 12kg and has a lifting capacity of 500kg. In the C1 range, the LPL1000 weighs just 51kg and lifts an impressive 1000kg.

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15 January 2025

Spain - With the XOOP 200-2 LED and the XOOP 290-1 LED, HOF is launching two new, patented LED bars that are also trusses. The new XOOP 200-2 LED and XOOP 290-1 LED impress with their possibility of adding additional loads, design possibilities and price-performance ratio.

The XOOP 200-2 LED is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized exhibition stands, shops, car dealerships or similar exhibition areas, and the system is also used in clubs and bars; it is especially ideal for low ceiling heights. The XOOP 290-1 LED is the ideal complement to the XOOP 200-2 LED – it is also an LED bar and truss at the same time!

The same technology is used in both series and there are various connectors for both systems. They can be combined with the classic 200-2 and 290-1 trusses. They have the same static values as the regular trusses.

The patente

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09 January 2025

Europe - ISE 2025 returns to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via from 4-7 February 2025, offering a platform to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and peers.

With a wide range of categories and the experiential Audio Demo Room feature, ISE 2025 covers all technologies essential in creating impactful live events including stage lighting, rigging and staging equipment, loudspeakers, DIVA control consoles, spatial audio, holography, video mapping, intercom systems and more. ISE 2025 will showcase the tools and solutions that are driving the industry forward.

A ticket to ISE 2025 grants attendees access to eight expansive halls, including the newly added Hall 8.1. There are seven distinct Technology Zones and the Innovation Park, where startups showcase their groundbreaking ideas on the Pitching Stage.

ISE 2025 features an expanded Lighting and St

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08 January 2025

Spain - HOF is set to release the MLT Four, which will have a world premiere at ISE in Barcelona. The new MLT Four is the latest development of the MLT Pre Rig Truss series.

With its 80cm height, the MLT Four is designed as a pre rig truss for heavy loads and large spans. It is designed for holding and flexibly positioning motors without losing height. It is also suitable for LED walls.

This distinguishes the MLT Four from the MLT Three and Two pre rig trusses, which are the right choice when little headroom is available and the number of hanging points is not limited.

The MLT Four is for occasions when you need to create a typical pre-rig and bridge a large span, but only have a limited number of hanging points.

The main features of the stackable MLT Four are high load capacity and a heavy-duty rail system.

The MLT Four is av

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06 January 2025

UK/Ireland - Entedi closed out the year with major announcements that set the stage for continued growth in 2025 and beyond, including an expanding team and the announcement of a new Board of Directors.

Founder Cally Bacchus reflected on the year, saying: “2024 was a whirlwind of everything I love about this industry. Our team has grown, our partners continue to amaze us with their boundary-pushing innovations, and we’re thrilled to be backing the next generation of industry talent through our technical partnership at RADA.

“I’m delighted to announce some key updates to our team and the launch of our Board of Directors to guide us into this exciting new chapter." Cally Bacchus will step into the role of CEO; Erik Lynas will become managing director; and Marcel Wijnberger will transition to technical director.

“These changes in our s

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17 December 2024

Denmark - Entertainment automation specialist Motor Stage Automation (MSA) supplied performer flying winches, hoists for scenic motion, stage lifts and a full Moveket control system together with innovation, creativity and expertise in the art of automation for the production of Another Brick in The Wall, Part 5 staged at the charismatic Østre Gasværk Teater in Copenhagen.

MSA was brought in by Østre Gasværk’s stage manager Rumle Dons, artistic director and creative producer Søren Møller, and production manager Markus Schulin-Zeuthen, together with the show’s director Heinrich Christensen when they decided on automation as the best technical solution to deal with several challenges involved in staging this complex work.

“We needed so many elements precisely executed at specific times to fit the musical timeline and narrative,”

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12 December 2024

UK - This year, at the ABTT Members' Christmas Party on Friday 6 December, the Association of British Theatre Technicians, with the support of ETC and LW Theatres, honoured four of its members by awarding them Honorary Membership and Fellowship for their extraordinary work.

ABTT co-chairs Mig Burgess and David Evans kicked off the afternoon at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, welcoming the crowd and sharing the exciting news that this year, more members than ever would be celebrated. The Awards began by announcing that there were “two exceptional individuals whose contributions to the Association have been nothing short of extraordinary. This prestigious recognition of Honorary Membership is reserved only for those who have truly excelled in advancing the ABTT’s charitable goals – and these two individuals have certainly done just that.”

The first

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11 December 2024

UK - Unusual Rigging has played a pivotal role in the technical setup for Cameron Mackintosh & Nick Grace’s Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular World Tour.

Unusual took on the full design of the rigging infrastructure for the entire show, as well as manufacturing and assembling a custom mothergrid, which supports the lighting and scenic elements for this ambitious production.

Luke McBride, design engineer at Unusual explained; “Our involvement with the concept of the Arena Spectacular tour began way back in 2020. This was a time when Covid-19 was at its peak and theatres had gone dark. At the time it was rumoured that arena events would be the first to restart as the scale of the venues would allow social distancing to be possible. Nevertheless, we didn’t begin work in earnest until February 2024, working with the show’s techn

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11 December 2024

UK - After another successful year of ideas being entered, the ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform had the tough job of choosing a winner for the 2024 Idea of the Year Award.

Set up as collaboration between the ABTT and Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the Virtual Ideas Platform serves as an informal introduction service between independent creative innovators and commercial developers behind the sectors’ leading brands, products and services.

Following a stimulating debate about the submissions, the judging panel came to the unanimous decision to present the ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform 2024 Award to Steve Macluskie, lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Toby Cass, third year production technology and management student for their innovative product Beam Strap which is a lightweight beam clamp derivative, designed to take the hassle and

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05 December 2024

UK - Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland has announced the acquisition of the businesses JL Lighting Limited, JL Live Limited and Digiset Limited (together the JL Group), specialists in technical broadcast and production solutions.

With the addition of the JL Group, Sunbelt Rentals is broadening its capabilities to offer a wider range of equipment, specialist knowledge and solutions for the film and TV, broadcast and events industries.

Founded in 2009, the JL Group is a UK-based production and equipment rental partner known for its expertise in delivering technical production across a variety of sectors, including corporate events, conferences, live events and film and TV productions.

Additionally, this acquisition will bring a team of technical production specialists into Sunbelt Rentals’ Film and TV division. They will be based out of the co

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03 December 2024

UK - PLASA and NRAG (the National Rigging Advisory Group) have issued the following statement relating to recent fraudulent use of National Rigging Certificate (NRC) cards: “It has come to our attention that there are fraudulent NRC cards in circulation, and some individuals are falsely claiming to hold NRC accreditation.

“PLASA and NRAG highly respect the work of all those who have achieved the NRC, and are dedicated to preserving the high standards set by the NRC. We are taking the matter seriously and acting with urgency to ensure that this issue is resolved, promptly and permanently for the safety of all.

“If you are approached by anyone new, or work with anyone that you're not sure about, please make contact directly via nrc@plasa.org to check their credentials. You can also look up certified NRC riggers

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27 November 2024

The Netherlands - The Dutch National Opera & Ballet has selected 13 ETC Prodigy P2 stage machinery hoists and 32 ColorSource V fixtures for its Studio Boekman theatre.

ETC dealer Ampco Flashlight Sales worked on the installation and supplied the equipment, which includes P2-300kg hoists and ColorSource V luminaires; 20 ColorSource Spot V and 12 ColorSource Fresnel V fixtures.

The Dutch National Opera & Ballet – the largest theatre production house in the Netherlands – transformed a former municipality space into Studio Boekman, a premier black box theatre in Amsterdam. The Dutch National Opera & Ballet has a reputation for excellence and a commitment to innovation. Its investment in ETC’s products aligns with the venue’s efforts to use advanced technology and improve their efficiency.

Technical director at the National Ope