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The First Counterweight System

Educational Session

I've been looking for the first counterweight rigging system for almost 10 years. I have found it. This will be the first time anywhere on this earth that the findings will be presented.

In 2014, I presented on the first 'documented' counterweight system, which was the Vienna Court Theatre. Persistence pays off, though. I have found the person that developed/invented the system and two proto-counterweight systems.

After attending this presentation, attendees will have a fuller understanding about the history of this ubiquitous technology.

Be there for this fantastic unveiling.

Presenter: Rick Boychuk

Rick Boychuk is an author, inventor, designer and consultant specializing in permanent stage rigging.

A theatre practitioner since the late 1970’s, his career has evolved through positions as technical director, production manager, designer of sets, lighting and costume, university lecturer and theatre consultant, in which he specialized in stage safety. His most recent career iteration is as an inventor of safety devices for stage rigging systems. His devices are installed in the many professional, amateur and educational theatres around North America. You can learn more at www.gridwellinc.com.

Boychuk possesses a unique body of knowledge about historical counterweight rigging systems, having written Nobody Looks Up: The History of the Counterweight Rigging System: 1500 to 1925.