Kappel Rigging Trainer

An open-source counterweight rigging system for the classroom

Home

Explore the KRT through the video below. For a deeper look, check out the Features of the KRT!

The video above is also available on

Fast Facts

Features

Single-purchase, double-purchase, and hemp rigging

Functions like a real system, including runaways

Small enough to transport and store

U.S. and international rope locks

Rod-style and front-loading arbors

Essential accessories included (lights, curtains, etc)

Build Your Own

All files are free and open-source

Choose your frame design (flat-pack or square tube)

Choose how many line sets (three or five)

Frame optimized for CNC-cutting

Simple 3D-printing of rigging equipment parts

Imperial or metric hardware

Downloads

Comprehensive manual and parts list

Costing spreadsheet for budgeting

Drawings in PDF and DXF

3D-Print files in STL, STEP, and 3MF

CNC Files in DXF/DWG and STEP

History

Created by Matt Grenier at University of Illinois

Designed using Autodesk Fusion

Two years and 1,500+ hours of development

Named in memory of Matt’s mentor, Martin, who suffered a fatal counterweight rigging accident

Announcements

Changes to this website will be announced here. See the News section for project news.

2026-07-30: Change notes have been added to the top of the file download page.

2026-07-24: The KRT website is live!

Latest News

Productions Unlimited Presents KRT at USITT26!2026-03-23
Thanks to Productions Unlimited, Inc., the Kappel Rigging Trainer was able to return for USITT26 in Long Beach. Located in Roebuck, South Carolina, Productions Unlimited is an entertainment vendor offering a very wide range of services including system integration, rentals,… Read more: Productions Unlimited Presents KRT at USITT26!
New Prototypes Underway2026-03-02
In preparation for USITT26, the new prototypes of the KRT are in-progress. These prototypes are sponsored in-part by Productions Unlimited, Inc. All of the laser-cut steel and aluminum parts were donated. Thank you Productions Unlimited! Also, thank you to the… Read more: New Prototypes Underway
Protocol Magazine Introduces the KRT2025-11-18
After the Kappel Rigging Trainer was unveiled at USITT25, it was time to share the greater personal story behind its creation. ESTA provided the opportunity for a feature article in Protocol magazine. Matt began writing the article in July 2025… Read more: Protocol Magazine Introduces the KRT
Story of KRT Wins Award at Speech Competition2025-04-09
Research Live! is a speech competition hosted by the Graduate College at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Graduate students have three minutes to explain their research and its impact to non-experts. The development of the Kappel Rigging Trainer was presented in a speech titled “Teaching… Read more: Story of KRT Wins Award at Speech Competition
U of I Presents KRT at USITT25!2025-03-09
The KRT made its USITT debut in Columbus, Ohio at the University of Illinois booth. The KRT was also featured in a “poster session” slideshow as shown below. Special thanks to Rob Perry, Eben Alguire, Bronwyn Garrett, and Morgan Lin… Read more: U of I Presents KRT at USITT25!
The First KRT2025-01-17
The first KRT was designed and built in the fall of 2024 by Matt Grenier, as a Graduate Assistantship project while pursuing his MFA in Scenic Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The first version of the KRT was… Read more: The First KRT

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