In the production of Cats, I managed the rigging of the Ascension Tower, which involved integrating a custom truss system into the building’s architectural steel to create safe and stable pulling points. We modified the lift into a double-purchase system by adding extra pulleys to the head block, which allowed for smoother travel and improved control during Grizabella’s ascent. To balance the system, we installed a 200-pound arbor add-on at the base to counteract the actor’s weight once she entered the swing.

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Since the tower extended beyond the audience's sightline, we also constructed a dedicated truss platform to accommodate it. This enabled a crew member to access the performer at height to provide water or address any safety needs while she was elevated. The system was designed with a focus on the safety of the spectacle and the performer, incorporating precision rigging, redundancy in load paths, and careful integration with the show’s scenic design.