Monday, November 11, 2024

ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024

| ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |

Table of Contents:

• News & Updates: News & Updates; Read more about Pandemic Recovery Grace Period Extension; and congratulations to our newly Certified Technicians!

• ETCP Recognized Training Companies’ training opportunities—look for more information at https://etcp.esta.org/training/training.html

• Owing to the rising cost of producing IDs, as of November 1, the cost of replacing an ETCP ID is now $15.

•  Please use the ETCP Portal to submit your renewal application, log your training after you complete continuing education courses, and notify ETCP of any updates (change of address, new email, new photo for ETCP ID, revise your ETCP profile on the website, etc.)

• ETCP Facebook Study Group—jump on to help answer new candidates’ questions. Join the conversation!

• Get social—check out ESTA on these sites and follow the conversation: Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn | YouTube

ETCP News & Updates

ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |

Covid Grace Period text:
The pandemic is not yet as far behind us as we would like. The impact mentally and financially is only now starting to wane for many technicians. With that in mind, the ETCP Council made the decision to extend a certification renewal grace period to technicians whose certifications expired in 2020-2022. The pandemic followed by the accelerated return to work made those years difficult for technicians to keep their certifications up to date. 

The ETCP Council has set the following as cutoff dates for the extended grace periods:
• Certifications that expired in 2022 have until Jan. 31, 2025, to submit for renewal. 

If your certification expired during 2020-2022, you have until the above dates to submit a renewal application without having to also submit an appeal for approval to renew. Please reach out to Christina Smith with any questions.



Beginning November 1, 2024, the price of replacement wallet ID cards will be $15.00.


ETCP Recognized Employer, Contractor, and Labor Provider Best Practices Agreements 
ETCP Recognized Employers, Contractors, and Labor Provider Best Practices Agreements must be renewed annually. If your company has not yet renewed its Best Practices Agreement for this year, the forms can be found at this link: https://etcp.esta.org/findrecognized/becomerecognized.html.

ETCP Recognized Employers, Contractors, and Labor Providers
ETCP Recognized Employers, Contractors, and Labor Providers have made an important professional commitment to safely serve the entertainment industry by utilizing ETCP Certified Technicians.

Are you interested in being an ETCP Recognized Employer, Contractor, or Labor Provider?
The ETCP Recognition Program represents a commitment to the enhancement of safety and reduction of risk in the workplace by utilizing ETCP Certified Technicians on projects and job sites.

What are the benefits of being ETCP Recognized?
Once ETCP Recognized, your organization will be searchable on the ETCP website with full contact information and a link to the company’s website. Your company may use the special ETCP Recognized logo on its marketing materials, setting your organization apart by making it clear the company prioritized providing highly-skilled workers who are conscientious about safety.

Contractor Recognition Program
You should fill out the Contractor Best Practices Agreement if you do not have full-time ETCP Certified Technicians on staff, but you hire certificate holders to work on your jobs. This is also true if you hire companies that are ETCP Recognized Employers to work on your projects.

Employer Recognition Program
You should fill out the Employer Best Practices Agreement if you employ full-time technicians who are ETCP Certified.

Labor Provider Recognition Program
You should fill out the Labor Provider Best Practices Agreement if you are a union local or other organization who provides ETCP Certified Technicians to job sites.

Find ETCP Recognized Contractors, Employers or Labor Providers
These organizations have made an important professional commitment to safely serve the entertainment industry by utilizing ETCP Certified Technicians. Search here: https://etcp.esta.org/findrecognized/search.php

To learn more about having your organization listed as an ETCP Recognized Contractor, Employer or Labor Provider, click here https://etcp.esta.org/findrecognized/becomerecognized.html

Columbus McKinnon has generously donated seats for their online Lodestar and Prostars | Part # OL-ET Training to ESTA. If you purchase your seat through this site, 100% of your fee goes to support ESTA's Technical Standards Program. Register.    

Available ETCP Recognized Training: APT

ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |

Academy of Production Technology Upcoming Training Sessions

November 11-12, 2024
San Diego, CA
Entertainment Electrics
Two-day class covering basic to advanced electrics, power distribution, electrical safety, codes and regulations for beginning to advanced lighting, audio, and video techs and production electricians.

December 5, 2024
Las Vegas, NV
Setting Up, Testing, and Troubleshooting Lighting Control Systems and Networks
Setting up and testing a lighting control system used to be relatively simple, but it’s becoming increasingly complex, and networking plays an integral part. If you want to advance your career in this industry, then it’s a good idea to know how to set up, test, and troubleshoot lighting networks, including DMX, Ethernet, and Ethernet-based protocols like Art-Net and sACN, and how to use RDM to quickly configure and remotely monitor your equipment. This course covers all of those bases with an emphasis in hands-on activities and learning.

December 6, 2024
Las Vegas, NV
Sustainable Power Distribution for Live Event Production
Learn about the latest advancements in sustainable power technologies and how to integrate them into your live event setups. You will be guided through the fundamentals of solar collection, battery storage, inverters, and energy management. You will gain insights into designing systems, anticipating power needs, and equipment selection. Through engaging discussions and real world examples, you will discover strategies for de-carbonizing your stages and optimizing energy consumption. We will also address the importance of safety protocols and compliance with industry standards. By the end of the class, you will be equipped with the knowledge to design and implement sustainable power distribution systems that align with environmental goals without compromising the quality and reliability of live event production.

December 7, 2024
Las Vegas, NV
Setting Up and Monitoring Portable Power Distribution Systems
It’s easy enough to run stinger cables (a.k.a. a single or an extension cord) to power an audio console, video projector, lighting instruments, or an entire stage, but is it safe? Is it reliable? The safety and reliability of a portable power distribution system depends on every link in the chain. Given the way we toss around our equipment, the way to throw it in a road case, run it along the ground and step on it, run over it with forklifts and golf carts, leave it outside all day long to bake in the sun, day in and day out, there are usually hidden weak links that could devolve into major problems. But we can get ahead of potential problems by learning to spot those weaknesses using the right tools for the job, and by monitoring the system during operation. This one-day class is designed to walk through best practices for setting up and monitoring portable power distribution systems so that they are safer and more reliable.

December 16-20
Boston, MA
Power Distribution and Electrical Safety for Live Events
This 3-day class includes hands-on training in electrical power distribution, electrical safety, and basic rigging with Ethan Gilson, ETCP Recognized Trainer. The first two days covers electrical power distribution, electrical safety, and practical power distribution, and the third day is a combined class with rigging.

January 6-7, 2025
Orlando, FL
Two-day class designed to accommodate a wide range of skills and experience, starting with basic electricity, circuit laws, and theory, and building towards more advanced topics including power distribution, power factor, and harmonics, with an emphasis on electrical safety, the use of PPE, codes and regulations, grounding and bonding, and GFCIs. Other topics: DC electricity, terminology, basic circuits, Ohm's law, DC power, AC electricity, impedance, AC power, phase angles, power factor, 3-phase power, harmonics, electrical safety, imminent danger, human reaction to electrical current, lockout/tagout, arc flash, arc blast, boundaries of protection, categories of meters, codes and regulations, portable power generators, transformers, HMTs, grounding, enclosure ratings, over current protection, GFCIs, and more.

January 8, 2025
Orlando, FL
Setting up and testing lighting control systems for live event production used to be pretty simple, and it’s increasingly becoming more digital and networked. This 1-day class covers DMX, RDM, Ethernet and Ethernet-based protocols, and how to set up, test, and troubleshoot DMX, Ethernet, and Art-Net systems. Bring your laptop (PC or Mac) for networking exercises.

January 22, 2025
Anaheim, CA
NAMM Entertainment Tech Summit: Powering the Stage
Electrical Safety: Electrical power distribution comes with hazards, but they can be mitigated with the right precautions. The first precaution is understanding the hazards. 
Voltage Drop: Ohm’s law says that when electrical current flows through a conductor, it drops voltage. Consequently, the voltage applied to a load is less than the supply voltage. How does that affect the operation of the equipment? 
Power Requirements: Understanding and predicting power requirements is the most important job of a live events technician or electrician. How do the equipment specs help us with our circuiting and power requirements?  
Grounding and Bonding: Faulty grounding is the most common cause of electrical stage mishaps. What is faulty grounding? What is proper bonding? Why do they matter? 
Cabling: Cords and cables are made for specific purposes, and they have limited ability to carry electrical current. Where do you go to find the ampacities of cables, and what factors would influence that? 
Codes and Regulations: In North America, electrical codes dictate how we should be distribution power on stage. What are the codes, how do they work, and why should we comply with them? 

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Rigging International Group (RIG)

ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |


Dates: See the calendar for current course dates and locations. We offer several courses a month at our Las Vegas and Anchorage training centers.

Time: 8am-4pm Daily

4-days of training followed by a 1-day IRATA assessment and 1-day SPRAT evaluation. For dual certification, you may need to attend both days of testing. Please speak to the office for information on your specific course scheduling. Full attendance is required. Please be punctual.

Locations:
Las Vegas, NV
4240 N. Lamb Blvd, Suite 115, Las Vegas, NV 89115
702.984.6313

Anchorage, AK
6601 Arctic Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99518
702.526.2093

Cost:
SPRAT $1750
IRATA $1750
IRATA/SPRAT Dual Certification $2100
SPRAT to IRATA Conversion $450
SPRAT Direct Entry $450

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) are internationally recognized standards for rope access work. Certification is attained by completing a 4-day course, then passing a written, oral and practical test administered by an independent IRATA Assessor or SPRAT Evaluator. 

In both the SPRAT and IRATA schemes, the test is pass or fail. In the case of a failed assessment or evaluation, certification cannot be attained on that day. A re-attempt will need to be scheduled within 60 days of the final day of training. After 60 days, or at the discretion of the trainer or assessor, a full course is required prior to re-assessment.

We will spend much of our time climbing and practicing techniques on rope. We will also cover theoretical material and equipment specifications. Some coursework needs to be completed in the evenings, requiring 1-2 additional hours per day.

The material being covered during our four days of training can be found:

OUR TRAINERS
RIG’s instructors are experienced rope access and rescue professionals who are dedicated to the highest standards of safety. Our company performs incredibly challenging projects at height, in a variety of industries. We train to be able to meet the demands of the most rigorous work conditions and environments.

OUR COMPANY
Rigging International Group is an IRATA Member company. IRATA International has a continuously evolving regime of work procedures that members are required to follow and which are monitored for compliance to ensure that a safe system of work is established and maintained. This sets IRATA International member companies apart from rope access companies that are not subject to such rigorous monitoring, controls, and IRATA’s robust Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS).

PRE-QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be suitable for rope access work, which requires a good level of fitness, a head for heights, and an aptitude for ropes and related systems. Medical contraindications include, but are not limited to: heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, blackouts, fear of heights, vertigo, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug abuse, psychiatric illness, and diabetes. A medical evaluation by a doctor is recommended prior to the start of the course. Due to the systems and equipment, user weight is limited to 310 lbs.

LOGBOOKS
IRATA
Rope access Technicians who are upgrading or revalidating shall provide their logbooks to the IRATA Trainer member company prior to the start of the training course. Where rope access Technicians have lost their logbooks, they shall arrange for a replacement to be issued, completed, and verified before training commences. In order to meet this requirement, we require a scanned copy of your logbook at the time of registration. Time and experience requirements are detailed in the flowchart on the last page of this document.

Logbook entry verification signatures and company contact details shall only be provided by the following persons:

a) An IRATA Level 3 Technician who was directly involved in the supervision of the rope access activities; b) A Director, General Manager, Rope Access Manager, or Technical Authority of the rope access company responsible for the undertaking of the rope access activities; c) A rope access site Project Manager who is responsible for the project management of the worksite where the rope access activities were undertaken.

If any rope access Technician loses their logbook, they shall contact IRATA immediately to arrange for a replacement. Technicians shall obtain credible references. Where lost hours are required to move up a level, e.g. Level 1 to Level 2, the Technician shall obtain credible reference documents to verify the hours in the replacement logbook before training commences. Maintaining a scanned copy of a logbook can facilitate the process of completing a replacement logbook.

SPRAT
Rope access technicians shall document their experience, including:
• Rope access work experience 
• Rope access certification 
• Rope access training 

Experience documentation shall provide the following information: 
• Date(s) of work 
• The date range of an entry shall not exceed two weeks. 
• Employer name 
• Work details (These details should include the industry, structure, location, and description of the work undertaken.)
• Rope access tasks and application (These details should include the type of rope access skills used.) 
• Rope access hours worked (These hours shall be the time spent carrying out rope access tasks including establishing rope access systems, training, working on rope, and worksite safety management.) 

Signature of individual verifying rope access hours worked. (This signature should be obtained from the Rope Access Supervisor, employer, competent trainer, Evaluator, or client. Rope access technicians working together may verify each other’s rope access hours. Rope access technicians shall not self-certify their own hours.)

If you have lost your IRATA or SPRAT certification or logbook and need to order a replacement prior to your training dates. Please contact them directly:


Candidates who are not competent at their existing level may require additional training. As little time is available on upgrade courses for refresher training, pre-course evaluation is recommended. Expired and direct entry candidates must meet additional requirements and should contact a training company to discuss their situation. If you are not sure whether you meet any of the requirements listed above, please contact: Robert Goodwin: Bob@rigintlgrp.com

EQUIPMENT AND ATTIRE
All the climbing equipment will be provided. Personal equipment, including helmets, is only permitted if you have traceability and inspection records for them. Appropriate clothing for climbing in a harness is advised. 

The following are general recommendations:"
• Pants or shorts that come down to the knee.
• Short or long sleeve shirts are fine; a collar can keep the straps from chaffing the neck.
• Lightweight shoes or boots. Socks that cover the shin.
• Gloves are not required but a thin pair may be useful.
• A bandana or buff may also be comfortable inside the helmet. 

Available ETCP Recognized Training: TAIT

ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |


TAIT NAVIGATOR Automation Platform Training
Introduction (4 days)
• Principles and foundations for Automation Operators in live events
• Practical motion exercises and basic cueing in the Navigator Classic GUI
• Gain practical experience with the TAIT Navigator suite of products

Currently available Introduction classes:
• February 10-13, 2025
• May 5-8, 2025
• July 14-17, 2025
• October 6-9, 2025

Programming (4 days)
• In-depth exploration of live event programming
• Development of rules and collision avoidance
• Introduction to 3D visualization and modeling
• PREREQUISITE: Introduction class. This ensures a common baseline for all of the students in the Programming class. Given the flexibility of the Navigator Automation Platform, people may never be exposed to some of the ways in which we work in the classes. 

Currently available Programming classes:
• May 12-15, 2025
• October 13-16, 2025

3D (4 days)
• Creating Objects and Lace Attachments
• Lace Calibration and setting up the 3D space
• 3D cueing and object control
• Creation of Profiles
• Practical application: students will setup and run a real 3D rig

Currently available 3D classes:
• May 19-22, 2025
• October 20-23, 2025

TAIT iQ Automation Platform Training
iQ Online Training Series (4 hours)
The iQ Online Training Series includes everything you need to know to begin building the foundation necessary to successfully work with TAIT’s iQ automation platform. The online, self-paced courses can be completed stand-alone, for those looking for an introduction to the platform’s capabilities and functionality. They also serve as the prerequisite to attending an inperson classroom iQ Fundamentals Lab Session. 

Courses included in the series:
• Introduction to Entertainment Automation
• Basic Axis Moves
• Show Management
• Programming Level 1

iQ Online Training Series (2 days)
The iQ Fundamentals lab session builds upon the prerequisite iQ Online Training Series by
providing hands-on experience with the iQ automation platform using the epiQ console. This
hands-on experience solidifies the foundation for using TAIT’s iQ software and understanding
of how to set up your working show environment. It’s designed to create a familiarity with the
tools and menus available in iQ via the epiQ console, their use for show creation, automation
control, and monitoring.

Currently available iQ Fundamentals Lab Sessions:
• January 22-23, 2025
• April 9-10, 2025
• August 27-28, 2025
• November 12-13, 2025

Available ETCP Recognized Training: USITT

ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |


Jay O. Glerum Entry-Level Rigging Class - Richmond, Virginia
Register by Monday, Dec. 30

REGISTER HERE


Contact: info@usitt.org with any questions
Dates: Monday, Jan. 6 - Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

USITT Member rates:
Early – now through Nov. 29 = $495
Nov. 30 – Dec. 30 = $545

Standard rates:
Early – now through Nov. 29 = $545
Nov. 30 – Dec. 30 = $595

Where:
St. Catherine’s School
6001 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23226
Attendees are responsible for their own housing accommodations.

What:
Are you ready to dive into the world of theatre rigging? USITT has industry experts who are here to help, and they're on their way to Richmond, Virginia to teach a beginner-level course! This entry-level course is geared toward those who need to reaffirm their knowledge or build upon their understanding of counterweight rigging safety and operation basics. This course is ideal for classroom teachers and technicians who want to uphold industry-level safety practices in their theatre departments. We'll go over safety practices using theatre counterweight systems, and show you how to safely and efficiently use these systems to rig scenery and lighting instruments. Our number one goal is that you walk away with the tools you need to make your theatre feel safe and secure! Get hands-on experience and informational lectures from the best of the best in the rigging game!

The two-day curriculum covers rigging basics, terminology, hardware, systems, tools, and safe practices. Attendees are issued the Jay O. Glerum Stage Rigging Handbook and use this text as a reference.

Attendees earn 12 hours of ETCP Renewal Credits!

Curriculum:
  • 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
  • Three hands-on segments to include:
    o Hardware – proper use and application
    o Fly System – system identification, safe operation, and maintenance overview
    o Working at Heights – ladders & Genie lifts and maintenance overview
This is a hands-on learning experience for each attendee so that theory is translated to practice under the supervision of Internationally recognized trainers.

Instructors:
Ed Leahy – Ed Leahy is Head Trainer and Cruise Ship Division Manager at Chicago Flyhouse, Incorporated. He develops and implements rigging and safety training curriculum for entertainment technicians at theaters, universities, arenas, and other entertainment venues around the globe.
During the pandemic, Chicago Flyhouse online training helped workers stay sharp, learn new skills, and work toward certification. Beyond training, Ed develops fall protection systems and documentation, writes technical manuals, conducts rigging inspections, and produces educational videos.
As an active member of USITT, Ed helps to promote and teach the Jay O. Glerum Rigging Master Classes in addition to presenting educational content at the annual conference. Ed serves on ESTA’s Rigging Working Group helping to write and edit standards for the entertainment industry. He is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre) and a Recognized Trainer. 

Shane Kelly – Shane Kelly is Professor and Head of The Theatre Technology Program at The Theatre School at DePaul University. He is the co-author (with Jay O. Glerum) of the 4th edition of the Stage Rigging Handbook. Shane has been rigging for 25 years and conducts inspections, installations, specification of systems, and safety training via his company Shane Kelly Rigging. Shane is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre), ETCP Recognized Trainer, OSHA Authorized General Industry Outreach Trainer, and American Red Cross Authorized Training Provider.
Shane’s professional practice and research is focused on sustainability and ecoscenograhy. He worked as a producer, production manager, technical director, and rigger and was the Associate Director of Education for SpaceLab at the 2015 Prague Quadrennial and Technical Director for Six Acts at the 2011 Prague Quadrennial Scenofest.

Bridget Solini – Founder – Athena Theatrical - Specializing in rigging and project management for over 20 years in the performing arts industry, Bridget uses that experience to facilitate the successful implementation of creative solutions in unique venues worldwide. By focusing on the intertwined relationships within our industry supported by a strong company culture, Bridget has been able to put her BFA and MBA to good use bringing many notable projects to a successful completion around the world over the last two decades. Bridget is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Theater), an ETCP Recognized Trainer, holds an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification, and is a member of IATSE Local 4. 

Congratulations to New Certifications

ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |

 

Congratulations to all who became certified or got new certifications so far in 2024!

ETCP Arena – Rigging 
Triston Angelucci
Benjamin J Asher
Travis Monroe Beaty
Tyler Bland
Daniel Brennan
Jose L. Carranza Jr
Craig W. Catolane
Gabriel Alicto Chavez
Anthony J. Corbo
Aaron Dawley
Charles E. Duer
Jhon Farr
Dylan E. Griffin
Benjamin Jobe
Andrew Johnstone
John R. McGonegal III
Christopher Miller
Don S. Monson II
Nadir A. Noor
Scott O'Shea
Andrew Y. Pannell
Robbin Park
April Richardson
Andrew C. Riggs
Osvaldo Rodriguez
Paul C. Scott
Caleb Smith
George R. Spencer
Paul D. Swan
Kevin Thomas

ETCP Theatre – Rigging 
Latiana Gourzong
Ella Lemos
Phillip Martin
Mitchell McEntee
James McGregor
Reed Otto
Guillaume Paquin-B
Andrew C. Riggs
Colton Trout
Connor Wellins
James White

ETCP Entertainment Electrician
Peter Colavito
John Coots
Hannah Cypress Staelin-Lefsky
Christopher Dodge
Frank LaFrazia
Evin Lowe
Ethan Edward McKeny
Henry Meola
August Popkin
Joel Tishcoff
John Woods

In Memoriam: Karen Butler

 ETCP Certifiable News: Fall 2024 |


 
"Energy can neither be destroyed nor created, it can only change form". 

On June 27th 2024, the universe lost a powerful force of nature.

Karen Butler joined I.A.T.S.E. Local 336 in 1988 and was the shop Steward at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix for nearly two decades. A fierce advocate for safety, Karen became a founding member, subject matter expert (SME) in rigging, and published author within the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). As a scenic artist, her work and passion was enjoyed by worldwide audiences in theatre, film, television, and multimedia.

Karen is survived by her loving family, sister Candy, brothers Billy, Bobby, and Paul, her two sons, Alex, Charles and husband John.

Travel well to the other side. 
There is no news on a celebration of life yet.