Tuesday, March 2, 2021

ETCP Certifiable News: Winter 2021

  

| ETCP Certifiable News: Winter 2021 |

Table of Contents: 
  • ETCP Council extends the grace period for recertification due to COVID-19.
  • The ETCP Council continues to offer the payment deferral for recertifying applications that are out of work.
  • Submit your training information for continuing education credits online.
  • Recent retirees and “We have a form for that!”
  • Mobile testing
  • Facebook study groups

ETCP Recognized Training Companies and Trainers—latest training opportunities

Attend the Virtual New World Rigging Symposium and earn up to nine ETCP Renewal Credits!

In Memoriam: Peter Wright

Newly Recognized

  •   Congratulations to ETCP’s newest certificate holders!
  •   Welcome new ETCP Recognized Training Companies and Trainers
View the archive of past ETCP Certifiable News 
Read past ETCP News columns in ESTA’s Protocol

Winter 2021: ETCP News & Updates

 


The ETCP Council has extended the grace period for recertification due to COVID-19. 
If your certification expired in 2020 or first half of 2021 and you have yet to submit in your renewal, it would be greatly appreciated if you could submit your recertification application soon. Use the recertification portal at: https://etcp.wufoo.com/forms/etcp-certification-renewal. Many industry continuing education courses provide a certificate of completion or wallet card that verifies your participation and completion of the training. Scan your certificates and cards and include them with your application to expedite the confirmation process of your continuing education credits.
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The ETCP Council continues to offer the payment deferral for recertifying applicants that are out of work.
If you have not submitted your recertification application because you are unable to pay at this time due to the pandemic, but want to continue your certification, please send in your renewal application and note on your form you are requesting to defer your payment. Your status on the ETCP website will not be updated until your payment is received, but there won’t be any penalties for deferring.

As an ETCP certified technician, you are in the top third of your industry. Take the time to complete your forms and renew your certification today—you are worth it!
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Attending training along the way for your next renewal? 
Be sure to upload your attendance information when completed here
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Congratulations recent ETCP Certificants that have retired!
  • Timothy Buchman: #278, Entertainment Electrician, Certified 11/11/2006; #2167 – Theatre Rigger, Certified 7/27/2015; Retired 07/2020, Location: New York/New Jersey
  • Olan Cottrill: # 29, Theatre – Rigger, Certified 11/12/2005, Retired 11/23/2020. Location: Pennsylvania
  • Stephen Ellison: #2262, Entertainment Electrician, Certified 1/15/2016, Retired 01/15/2021; #1971, Theatre – Rigger, Certified 10/31/2014, Retired 10/31/2019, Location: Lenexa, KS
  • Margaret Gettings: #1030, Entertainment Electrician, Certified 7/22/2010, Retired 07/2020, Location: Chicago, IL
  • G. Anthony Phillips: #119, Arena – Rigger, Certified 11/12/2005, Retired 11/25/2020. Location: California. Recognized Trainer
Are you an ETCP certificate holder that recently retired? Planning to retire? Please let us know! We will update your status on the ETCP website pages for Certified Technicians. Please complete the ETCP Retirement Form found here: https://etcp.esta.org/recertify/retiring.html
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Want to learn more about the ETCP Mobile Testing option? 
Since PSI has eliminated the paper and pencil exams, this testing option is a welcome alternative. For IATSE Locals or companies with multiple exam candidates testing together, this option could be for you! Read more about IATSE Local 2’s successful experiences here.
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ETCP’s Facebook pages are active! These Facebook groups (ETCPETCP Study Group, and Women of ETCP) offer help with studying for an exam, networking opportunities, and ways to connect with other ETCP certificate holders. Here’s a screenshot of your options: 



Available ETCP Recognized Training: Academy of Production Technology



Richard Cadena is an ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician and an ETCP Recognized Trainer with 31 years of experience in the entertainment lighting industry. He is the author of Electricity for Entertainment Electricians & Technicians, 2nd Edition; Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light, 2nd Edition; Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship; and Focus on Lighting Technology.

He is also the technical editor for PLASA Media and a columnist for Lighting & Sound America, Lighting & Sound International, and Protocol magazines. As a freelance lighting designer and lighting consultant he has worked on concert tours, television, theatre, motion picture productions, and he has designed dozens of lighting systems for permanent installations. He is a member of IATSE Local 205 in good standing. Current and former clients include Cirque du Soleil, Carnival Cruise Lines, SeaWorld, Saturday Night Live, NBA, IATSE Locals 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 58, 479, and more.

Upcoming classes include:

March 1-3, 2021
Lighting Controls, Networking, and Programming Workflow Online – IATSE Local 51
Topics include DMX, wireless DMX, RDM, Ethernet, Art-Net, and sACN, and basic lighting console programming workflow. Members contact: Mark Grady

March 13-14, 2021
Portable Power Distribution and Electrics Online – IATSE Local 479
Topics include basic electricity, circuit laws, power distribution, power factor, and harmonics, with an emphasis on electrical safety, the use of PPE, codes and regulations, grounding and bonding, and GFCIs. Members contact: Kevin Amick

May 11-13, 2021
Portable Power Distribution and Electrics Online – IATSE Local 470
Topics include basic electricity, circuit laws, power distribution, power factor, and harmonics, with an emphasis on electrical safety, the use of PPE, codes and regulations, grounding and bonding, and GFCIs. Members contact: Local 470 Education Committee

May 18-20, 2021
Lighting Controls, Networking, and Programming Workflow Online – IATSE Local 470
Topics include DMX, wireless DMX, RDM, Ethernet, Art-Net, and sACN, and basic lighting console programming workflow. Members contact: Local 470 Education Committee

For more information, contact info@APTXL.com or check out www.APTXL.com/training

Available ETCP Recognized Training: American Crane and Safety

 


Basic Entertainment Rigging Training

Our online courses are designed to provide participants with the ground-rigging basic knowledge of inspecting rigging gear, load control, rigging procedures, and techniques used in the entertainment industry through lessons, problem-solving workshops, and videos.

If it’s not on the ground then more than likely you will need rigging. Suspending speakers, truss, lighting, video, and scenic equipment in the air is serious business and safety should always be the first order of business.

Arena rigging, theatrical rigging, and tour production rigging require a large playbook of experience to keep things safe and on time. Whether your application is permanent or touring, attention to detail, the proper methods or principles, and first-rate quality equipment are required to ensure all equipment is flown, attached, or suspended correctly.

We offer two modules online. Both modules meet the ESTA Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) for 3 continuing education units each. 

Please visit our website at https://amcands.com/basic-entertainment-rigging-training/ for more info or to sign up for these courses. You can also call us at (941)730-6576

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Chicago Flyhouse

 


Chicago Flyhouse offers a variety of online classes on rigging and safety topics. Many topics in core rigging skills, such as Design Factor, Hardware, Forces and Load, and Bridle Math are free and offered on a rotating basis. Premium classes are a low-cost paid option that covers a wider range of topics or covers core topics in greater depth, often featuring expert guest presenters. Chicago Flyhouse is an ETCP Recognized Training program and all classes qualify for ETCP renewal credits. Class schedule varies week to week so the best way to know what is coming up is to sign up for the weekly class announcement emails at www.flyhouse.com/training/training-list. Up to date information and a full listing of the class catalog is also available at www.flyhouse.com/training. Customized private training is available as well. Contact training@flyhouse.com for more information.

Available ETCP Recognized Training: ETC

 


ETC continues to offer and develop new ETCP Recognized online training opportunities until we can resume in-person training safely. A collection of ETCP Recognized online courses can be found on our learning site LearningStage in the Continuing Education and Entertainment Controls categories. The catalog will provide you with a class description as well as the cost and how many credits the course is worth. Please note, not all of our online learning is ETCP Recognized, so make sure you look for the “ETCP Recognized” icon. We hope you find some options. Happy learning!

You can access the ETC online learning site below: https://courses.etcconnect.com/

If you have any question about ETC training, please contact us at Education@etcconnect.com or call us at 608-824-5170.

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Gravitec Systems Inc.

  

ETCP Certifiable News: Winter 2021 |

It’s Gravitec’s mission to protect the lives and livelihoods of those who work at heights by providing a full range of high-quality fall protection services worldwide including training, engineering, consulting, testing, and technical equipment sales. 

Since 1986, Gravitec has remained committed to consistently setting the standard for excellence and professionalism in the fall protection industry. By facilitating a corporate culture that embraces the principles of innovation and technology, we have earned a reputation for delivering turnkey solutions to even the most complex fall protection issues. We have the right combination of industry experience, technical expertise, and resource capabilities to help our clients implement a managed fall protection program that best suits their individual needs. 

Gravitec is a diverse team with backgrounds in military, firefighting, safety, emergency medicine, climbing, and mountaineering. They provide a full spectrum of services including engineering, training, consulting, testing, and technical equipment sales.

Gravitec’s Fall Protection Campus provides hands-on fall protection instruction. Additionally they can come to you. Finally, much of their training is also available online.

Gravitec engineers perform site surveys to analyze existing fall hazards and recommend the most appropriate fall protection system using their ISO 17025 accredited testing facility.

Their equipment advisors will provide pre- and post-purchase consulting so you know you have purchased the best equipment.

Gravitec’s Fall Protection Train the Trainer Program provides student trainers with the technical knowledge and resource materials necessary to deliver professional, in-house fall protection and rescue training. Student Trainers are expected to have previous experience using active fall protection systems.

The Train the Trainer Program is a 40-hour course designed for employers who use rope descent systems and need to train their staff on how to conduct basic rescues. Gravitec’s Fall Protection Train the Trainer Program provides student trainers with the technical knowledge and resource materials necessary to deliver professional, in-house fall protection and rescue training. 

Gravitec also offers Refresher Courses as well as industry specific trainer trainings; Theatre and Entertainment for example. With a focus on the Entertainment and Theatrical Industries, the course topics include what skills and knowledge apply to the riggers, truss spot operators and others in theatre who regularly work at heights, utilize scaffolds, and work on other elevated work platforms.

The dates for Gravitec’s Trainer Training in 2021 are:

Course Dates:
(Refreshers Wed-Fri)
Gravitec Training Facility
March 8-12, 2021
March 29 – April 2, 2021
April 26-30, 2021
May 24-28, 2021
June 21-25, 2021

Additionally, Competent Climber and Rescue Courses and Fall Protection Competent Person Courses are offered:

Course Dates:
(Refreshers Wed-Fri)
Gravitec Training Facility
March 1-5, 2021
March 22-26, 2021
April 19 – 23, 2021
May 17 – 21, 2021
June 14 – 18, 2021

You can get more information about this or any of their other fall protection courses at https://gravitec.com/fall-protection-training/train-the-trainer. Gravitec training is offered at their Poulsbo (just west of Seattle) Washington world headquarters, at your location, and most refresher courses are now offered online. Please contact Wilo Castillo at Castillo@gravitec.com or call 360.626.1122 for more information. 

Available ETCP Recognized Training: INNOVA

 


Welcome to INNOVA, the online on-demand learning platform brought to you by ESTA and USITT. Whether you are seeking continuing education credits or simply wish to increase your knowledge, INNOVA’s programming allows you to view courses from anywhere at any time.


Check out https://esta.org/ESTA/training.html for training opportunities offered by ESTA members. A few offer ETCP credits for recertification, check to confirm.

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Lankey & Limey Ltd.

 

Lankey & Limey Ltd.
OSHA 30 Classes for the Entertainment Industry
 

OSHA 30 Classes for the Entertainment Industry
  • All classes will be held via live interactive video conference.
  • OSHA 30 for General Industry – 5 Mondays: March 22nd through April 19th, 2021
  • OSHA 30 for Construction – 5 Mondays: May 3rd through June 7th, 2021
  • OSHA 30 for General Industry – June & July 2021 – Dates to be Announced
For class schedules, additional dates & further details, visit: llltd.events/osha

COVID Safety Series & Other Safety Training
  • All classes are 1-day workshops, held via live interactive video conference.
COVID Safety Officer - Planning & Working Onsite in the "New Normal"
  • Monday, March 1st, 2021
  • Thursday, March 25th, 2021
  • Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 
  • Thursday, May 13th, 2021 
  • June & July 2021 – Dates to be Announced
COVID Safety for Designers & TDs: Practical Considerations & Implementation
  • Thursday, April 8th, 2021 
COVID Safety: The Audience & Attendees Return
  • Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 
The Principles of Emergency Planning
  • Thursday, May 6th, 2021 
For class schedules, additional dates & further details, visit: http://llltd.events/class-information-entertainment/

To register, contact: Elisa Kuhar at elisa@lankeyandlimey.com or 212-202-0421

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Motion Labs

3-Phase AC Power Training Course (Online)
Explains the basics of alternating current (AC) power. A brief review of electrical theory basics and an overview of how AC is created and transmitted. Offered online only, administered live on a web conference platform. ETCP-recognized course providing 1.5 renewal credits.

Topics include:
  • Electromagnetic fields
  • Induction & power generation
  • Effect of AC on loads
  • AC vs. DC
  • Frequency
  • System configurations
  • Single-phase vs. three-phase
Schedule:
Every Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. EST

Questions: Learning@motionlabs.com or 914-788-8877 x425 

Phase Sequence Training Course (Online)
Explains what 3-phase AC power phase sequence is and the impact it has on electric chain hoist control systems. Students learn why phase swaps within the system could result in incorrect operation and possibly hazardous conditions.

System examples include every scenario of an electric chain hoist control system with phase reverse and phase OK indication operating in the field, for both input power phase sequence possibilities, for both in-phase and out-phase controller setups, for both hoist phase wiring possibilities, and for both engaged and disengaged conditions of the phase reverse feature. 

Offered online only, administered live on a web conference platform. ETCP-recognized course providing 1.5 renewal credits.

Topics include:
  • Phase reverse feature
  • Phase OK feature
  • Phase swapping
  • Best practices per ANSI E1.6-4
Schedule:
Every Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. EST

Portable Fixed Speed Low Voltage Chain Hoist Control Repair Course (In-Person)
Learn how Motion Labs portable fixed speed low voltage chain hoist control equipment works and how to repair it. Presentations provide in-depth theoretical training. Practical system demonstrations and hands-on simulated repairs with MLI equipment provide applied learning and experience in a controlled environment. ETCP-recognized course providing 16 renewal credits.

Topics include:
  • System design, components, and basic operation
  • Techniques for diagnosing and troubleshooting
  • Phase reverse
  • Contactor enable
  • Relay/contactor function
  • Maintenance and repair of cables
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (both days) May 19 – 20

Portable Power Distribution Repair Course
Learn how Motion Labs portable power distribution equipment works and how to repair it. Presentations provide in-depth theoretical training. Practical system demonstrations and hands-on troubleshooting with MLI equipment provide applied learning and experience in a controlled environment. We explain system design as well as the function and properties of circuits and components in the system. ETCP-recognized course providing 9 renewal credits.

Topics include:
  • System design, components, and basic operation
  • Techniques for diagnosing and troubleshooting
  • 125/250 VAC vs. 120/208 VAC comparison
  • Maintenance and repair of cables
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 18

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Sapsis Rigging, Inc.

 


Uncle Bill’s Remote Seminars

Weekly seminars on topics taken from the entertainment rigging industry.

• Seminars take place on Wednesdays starting at 2:00 p.m. ET (US)
• Seminars are 90 minutes long.
• 1.5 ETCP re-certification credits available per seminar
• Registration for each individual seminar is required.
• Registration opens at 10:00 a.m. ET on the Friday before the seminar.

UPCOMING SEMINARS

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET (US)
Risk Assessment: A game the whole family can play. Special guests Eddie Raymond and Jonathan Deull will discuss the processes for identifying and managing risk in the live event environment.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ET (US)
Ground Support Systems: We'll talk with special guest Elmer Veith about the dos and don’ts on choosing and setting up ground support rigs.
 
Registration for this session opens March 5 at 10:00 a.m.
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Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ET (US)
Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative: Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of Behind the Scenes, will talk with us about this initiative and how it can help members of the entertainment community.

Registration for this session opens March 12 at 10:00 a.m.
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Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ET (US)
Open Mic Session: An opportunity for everyone to discuss whatever we want.

Registration for this session opens March 19 at 10:00 a.m.
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Please register with the email address you use to access Zoom. Once you register, you will be sent a confirmation with the meeting link and passcode. DO NOT LOSE THIS CONFIRMATION. Each registration is unique and if you lose yours, we may not be able to get you in once the session has started.


PAST SESSIONS
Subscribe to our Remote Seminar YouTube Channel Playlist to receive notifications when recordings become available.

For more info contact Bill Sapsis.

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Stage Rigging

 


Stage Rigging has been committed to providing ETCP Recognized training since 2009 and will continue to offer recognized training at our Redwood City, California training center once the San Mateo county COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Please check the Stage Rigging Facebook for the most current information on courses offered and scheduled dates. All classes offered provide ETCP renewal credits. Stage Rigging is still providing on-site and custom online classes during the pandemic. For information about on-site or an online training classes please call 650-299-1189.

Stage Rigging, Inc. is a diversified theatrical rigging company that provides a full range of specialized rigging services on a global basis for tours, corporate and special events, and expositions. Since its inception, Stage Rigging has had a single mission to provide the highest quality rigging services in the entertainment industry and has set many of the standards used in the market today. The result significantly reduces the risk associated with rigging activities, thereby creating a safer work environment for all.


Winter 2021: Attend the Virtual New World Rigging Symposium

ETCP Certifiable News: Winter 2021 |

Earn ETCP continuing education renewal credits by attending the virtual 2021 New World Rigging Symposium. Learn more at https://www.esta.org/events/symposium/nwrs.html. Attending the full Symposium will carry up to nine ETCP education renewal credits for recertification—and enjoy the inspiration and informative sessions from the comfort of your home!

Registration is now open for the New World Rigging Symposium (NWRS), produced by ESTA and USITT, which will take place online April 6 – 8, 2021. The NWRS provides a virtual opportunity for riggers and those interested in the entertainment rigging industry to network, discuss current issues and new technologies, and help shape the future of the industry. The cost has been reduced to $99 and the Symposium carries up to nine ETCP education renewal credits for recertification.

Participants will be given a range of opportunities to further their technical knowledge in sessions on video wall rigging, automation and motorization, performer flying and rescue, and types of ropes. They’ll have a chance to learn about how the installation of a tension grid is working in a major facility, to get their questions answered by a panel of the industry’s most knowledgeable structural engineers, learn about working in cinema rigging, and how to be aware of and address the mental health impact of the pandemic. Jeanette Farmer will deliver the Symposium’s Keynote speech. Visit www.esta.org/nwrs to see a complete schedule, session descriptions, and presenters.

The Symposium has been expanded to three days to allow more time for discussion and virtual networking over lunch and during the Rigging Cornucopia Happy Hour that will close each day’s sessions.

Thank you to our sponsors for making the 2021 New World Rigging Symposium possible:

Stage Rigging (Platinum); ETC (Gold); CertexGeiger EngineersKish Rigging, and TAIT (Silver); CM-ETH&H SpecialtiesReed RiggingReliable DesignSapsis Rigging Inc.Texas Scenic Company, and Wenger | J.R. Clancy (Bronze).

Winter 2021: In Memoriam: Peter Wright



In Memoriam: Peter Wright


Broadway stagehand Peter Wright died in a fall at the Winter Garden Theatre on November 12, 2020. He was 54. Wright was a member of IATSE Local 1 and became an ETCP Theatre Rigger in 2016.

According to The New York Times, Wright “fell from the narrow, raised platform alongside the stage around 8:45 a.m. while performing routine maintenance, the police said. Emergency medical services workers found the man lying on the floor of the theatre, which sits between 50th and 51st Streets, and transported him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.”

The Winter Garden is currently empty. The musical Beetlejuice, the previous tenant, closed on March 10. The next occupant, a revival of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, is scheduled to begin previews on December 10, 2021.

Wright’s main job was as a flyman at the August Wilson Theatre, currently the home of the musical Mean Girls. The August Wilson is part of the Jujamcyn Theatre chain. The company said in a statement, “We are all devastated by the news and mourn this immense loss alongside Pete’s family, his work family, and his union family. Since all of our marquees have been dimmed during the shutdown, we will illuminate the marquee at the August Wilson Theatre this weekend to remember and honor Pete, who brought such light into that theatre year after year.”

A spokesperson for the Shubert Organization, owner of the Winter Garden, said in a statement, “We mourn the loss of our valued colleague. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.”

Dylan Foley, a Broadway stagehand, posted on Facebook, “Pete was a force of nature, often doing the work of three men when he ran load-ins and load-outs. He had a dry wit, an unstoppable work ethic, and a trademarked grin. If you asked for something from Pete, his line was, “For you, the grid’s the limit.” He was completely fearless in how he lived his life as a stagehand.”

According to Deadline.com, “The New York Police Department and OSHA launched investigations, though the NYPD did not suspect any criminality.”

Wright is survived by his wife, Marcie, whom he met when both were working as stagehands on a revival of Grease at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, and their two sons. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Wright’s family at this difficult time: https://tinyurl.com/y247jnwy.

Winter 2021: Newly Certified



Congratulations to ETCP’s newest certificate holders!


ETCP Arena – Rigging Certification:
Tansy Chau, Toronto, ON Canada
Craig T. Ciuba, Arlington, VA
Schuyler Cleven, Marshall, WI
David A. Findlay, Orlando, FL
Matthieu Lacombe, Sainte Anne des Planes, QC Canada
Terrance Lumadue, Windsor, ON Canada
Luke J. Ricca, New York, NY
Myles Douglas Schnorbus, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Russell Stinnett, Blanco, TX

ETCP Entertainment Electrician Certification:
Rob Baxter, Driftwood, TX
James Kline Larsen, Salt Lake City, UT
Mark P Williams, Goleta, CA
James Worman, Pasadena, CA

ETCP Portable Power Distribution Technician Certification:
Christopher T. Cronin, Sparkill, NY

ETCP Theatre – Rigging Certification:
Robert R. Anderson, Pittsburgh, PA
Joel Brandwine, Mansfield, MA
Kenny Brock, New York, NY
Michael Donohue, Chicago, IL
Sandra M. Everett, Laurel, MD
Christopher Haugh, Santa Ana, CA
Bek Swan Lambrecht, Wilmette, IL
Lewis Long, Dekalb, IL
John Marczeski, Santa Ana, CA
Scott L. Richardson, Logan, UT
Sean P. Saphire, Oceanside, NY

Welcome new ETCP Recognized Training Companies:
Academy of Production Technology, Austin, TX
David Carmack Consulting, Meadowview, VA
Industrial Training International, Inc., Woodland, WA
Lankey & Limey, Ltd., Yonkers, NY

And, new ETCP Recognized Trainers:
Joe Griffith, Lacey, WA
Dennis Moore, Turnersville, NJ
Christopher Wren, La Grange Park, IL