Theatre and film knots keep the rigging behind a show safe and quick to change between scenes. The essential stage rigging knots hold under load and untie fast. Known to riggers as the High Tie, the Backhand Hitch fastens a line to a pipe or batten and provides control during release while under strain. The Bowline, a rigger's favorite, puts a fixed loop on a line used to fly scenery or a lighting bar up to the grid. On a fly system, a Cleat Hitch ties the operating line off to a cleat or belaying pin at the rail until a cue calls for it to move. When a set piece or lamp has to be pulled in tight, the Trucker's Hitch gives a grip or stagehand the leverage of a block and tackle. The top theatre and film knots listed below cover the skills behind safe stage rigging. Because a rigged load hangs over people below, every knot is tied, backed up, and checked before the house opens.
Autolocking Trucker's Hitch
Mechanical advantage system for securing loads using a block-and-tackle mechanism.
Backhand Hitch
Secure a rope to a spar or rigging.
Bow Knot
Commonly used for tying shoelaces.
Bowline
Relatively secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.
Cleat Hitch
Secure a rope to a cleat on a dock or boat.
Clove Hitch
Secure a rope to a post or spar.
Clove Hitch on a Bight
Attach a rope to a post without access to ends.
Figure Eight
Simple stopper knot preventing rope from slipping through belay device or hole.
Gasket Coil
Neatly store rope or cords, preventing tangles for easy handling.
Lanyard Hitch
Temporarily attach cord to a post, ring, whistle or name tag.
Prusik
Bi-directional friction hitch used for ascending or descending on a rope.
Sheet Bend
Securely join ropes of different or similar size.
Simple Overhand Noose
Simple noose that tightens when pulled.
Square Knot
Simple binding knot for securing objects, not suitable for joining two ropes.
Trucker's Hitch
Mechanical advantage system for securing loads using a block-and-tackle mechanism.
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