Entry-level track
The Entry Track spans two days and is intended for individuals looking to strengthen or broaden their foundational knowledge. It equips theatre educators and technicians with the skills to implement industry-standard safety protocols when working with theatre counterweight rigging systems for scenery and lighting, thereby promoting safety and operational excellence in educational and community theatre environments.
Curriculum to be covered
- Safe Operation of Counterweight Fly Systems
- Basic Rigging Tools and Hardware
- How to Safely Rig and Fly Scenery
- Safety Procedures for Working at Heights and Using Ladders
- Basic Rules for Fall Protection
- Basic Maintenance of Rigging Systems
- Day to Day and Why Professional Inspections are Important
- Hands-on segments to include:
- Hardware – proper use and application
- Fly System – system identification, safe operation, and maintenance overview
This hands-on training allows attendees to apply theory in practice under the guidance of renowned trainers. Certificates will be issued for continuing education credit recognition.
Member
Early Bird: $495 / After April 20: $545
Non-Member
Early Bird: $545/ After April 20: $595
Please note: If the class does not meet the minimum by May 10, it will be subject to cancellation.
Salem Entry June 26 Presenters
Sandy Everett ETCP Certified Rigger (Theatre)
Sandy Everett (they/them) is a Project Manager for On Services based in Washington, DC. Previously, they have worked as an associate technical director at the University of Maryland and a technical director at Allegheny College. Sandy received their ETCP Theater Rigging certification in December 2020. They are currently Co-Commissioner for the USITT Safety & Health Commission. ETCP-certified rigging for the theatre
Latiana Gorzong ETCP Certified Rigger (Theatre)
Latiana "LT" Gourzong (she/her) is from Ocean Township, NJ, and proud pet parent to her all-around amazing pup, DJ. She is currently an Assistant Professor Adjunct of Technical Design and Production, and a Faculty Technical Director at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale.
She has worked in multiple states as a Technical Director, Associate/Assistant Technical Director, and an overhire carpenter. Some companies include American Repertory Theater, Guthrie Theater, Center Theatre Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, and Washington and Lee University. She has been involved in USITT since 2012, received the KM Fabrics Technical Production Award in 2019, and is currently a Co-Commissioner of the Technical Production Commission and an ETCP Certified Rigger (Theatre). Feel free to visit her website for more information www.LatianaLT-TD.weebly.com
Christopher (Topher) Morris ETCP Certified Rigger (Theatre)
Topher is a theatre professor and the department Chair at Salem State University with over 30 years of experience in both academia and the professional theatre world. With a passion for creating immersive environments and enhancing the storytelling experience through design, they have contributed significantly to theatre productions as a set designer, sound designer, and technical director. He is also a Certified Theatrical Rigger through ETCP.
Topher earned a BA in Theatre from the University of New Hampshire, followed by an MFA in Technical Production for Theatre from the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware. His academic training laid the foundation for his multifaceted career, blending artistic creativity with technical expertise. He has worked for The Santa Fe Opera, American Players Theatre, Tibbits Opera House, The Chicago Flyhouse, and other companies and theatres.