Permanent Rigging

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE CHANDELIER – Dallas, TX Entertainment Structures Group (ESG) provided the structural design for the theater rigging, including the stunning chandelier. The Winspear chandelier is made of 318 acrylic rods suspended from long, individual cables. Each acrylic rod is between six and eight feet long with an LED or light-emitting diode on the top.   It is 50 feet tall and tapers down to just 25 feet above the stage. Each hoist controls seven or eight cables, requiring incredibly complex rigging. For the chandelier to move, it needs 44 automated, computer-controlled hoists, all coordinated to move together. For a short video on the workings of this beautiful chandelier, check out the YouTube video.

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER CATWALK SYSTEM – Laie, Hawaii ESG provided the structural design for this new catwalk system supported by existing structure.  We reviewed and analyzed concept drawings for the 65 ft x 73 ft system composed of aluminum truss and aluminum extrusions.  The challenge was that the catwalk was comprised of two 73 ft spans running upstage to downstage and three 65 ft spans running stage left to stage right. We also provided the analysis for the stairs, handrails, and hanger connections.  For more information about this project and photos, click here.

TAHQUITZ HIGH SCHOOL – Hemet, CA This rigging project for Tahquitz High School involves 19 line sets, which are pipes used to support curtains and scenery. Analysis of the system includes theater rigging, a fire curtain and some motorized components. ESG is putting the structural calculation package together, while Roy Mead is analyzing the mechanical portion of the project. The rigging system is located in a small area, so the rigging lines utilize mule blocks, or large sheaves, to change the line directions multiple times to allow for the proper lifting height.

THE GRENADA THEATRE – Santa Barbara, CA The 1934 Granada is Santa Barbara's oldest standing movie palace and is being returned to its original appearance while being converted into a performing arts center. The renovation on this eight-story building is expected to be completed by early 2008. Entertainment Structures Group provided the structural design for the new theatre rigging system which contained both manual and automated rigging. The automated rigging was used both in the theater and in the audience.

NATIONAL CITY PAVILION / RIVERBEND – Cincinnati, OH This new pavilion includes a 30,000 sq ft steel framed roof over 4,000 seats. Seats are a combination of fixed and folding and are on a mix of tiered slab-on-grade and elevated cast-in-place concrete framing. The stage house encloses 4,400 sq ft of stage floor with 65 ft tall precast concrete walls. In addition, we are providing the stage rigging programming including the design of rigging supports and catwalks. Five dressing rooms, with steel framed roofing and masonry walls will be located directly behind the new stage house.