Purpose:

Lights: Often the most suitable place to position the majority of stage or venue lights is to suspend them from above. This maximizes their control and alleviates the blinding effect that bright lights have when position too low such as on push-up stands. People and scenery in theatre also look more natural when lit mostly from above.

Audio: Sound systems can also be suspended from structures above, thereby increasing their coverage and control. This also alleviates the usual “hot-spot” that occurs when people are sitting or standing near ground stacked speakers. The added control also enables less reflected sound from bouncing off the walls and ceiling that usually takes place when speakers are simply directed forwards. More direct and less reflected sound equates to better clarity.

Video: Video equipment including screens and projectors can also be installed via rigging. Benefits include that of using less floor space and less possibility of a disturbance to a projector or interference with the projected image. The added height from suspending screens can also increase their performance and the impact that they have.

The choice of rigging or ground placement is subject to venue facilities, cost and time.