In live events, precision matters—and the entertainment hoist is a key part of delivering smooth cues, clean rigs and confident execution. Entertainment is a “must work now” environment. Showtime reliability means the hoist performs when it matters most, not just when it’s convenient. When your crew is depending on entertainment motors to lift all of the trussing that supports the show, hoists that work right out of the flight case make sure the show goes on without skipping a beat.
The new Stagemaker SL’s precision design supports quiet chain hoist operation—ideal when the audience is close, microphones are live or the room is acoustically sensitive. Suitable for loads up to 2 tons (2,000 kg), this entertainment motor is compact enough to get into many spaces that other equipment can’t. And when space is especially tight, a small-capacity hoist such as the Stagemaker SR1 is a practical problem-solver that often fits inside the trussing structure.
Our entertainment hoists are designed around how productions actually work:
- Fast-paced prep and load-ins
- Integration with common entertainment power and control systems and connectors
- Repeated handling and movement in flight cases
- Strict safety expectations
D8+ double braking as standard, rugged IP66 hoist protection available and retractable, rubber-clad handgrips for easy transportation and handling are features crews notice immediately and appreciate long-term.
Safety, Reliability & Real-World Performance
For entertainment hoists, reliability means flawless performance at the exact moment it’s needed. Missed or delayed lifts can disrupt entire shows. Safety, reliability and return on investment (ROI) are key hallmarks that not only make Stagemaker the preferred equipment of entertainment industry riggers but also reduce the cost of ownership.
Rental Fleets
A rental hoist is only as good as its turnaround speed and consistency across different users. Stagemaker is built to take the wear and tear of frequent deployment—where hoists are checked out, returned, serviced and sent back out again.
Features like integrated handling points and a quick-release chain bag help reduce the “small delays” that add up across a fleet. The result is faster prep, fewer headaches during peak season and gear that stays dependable as the fleet grows. The Stagemaker SL’s innovative chain guide and chain bag attachment design make converting from a body up to body down orientation as simple as turning the hoist over, meaning fewer hours reworking equipment in the shop.
Touring
A touring hoist has to survive constant movement, frequent load-ins and load-outs and the reality that conditions aren’t always perfect. Stagemaker’s design- and show-focused features are designed to maintain consistent performance when schedules are tight and downtime is expensive.
Touring crews also benefit from flexibility in configuration—especially when trim heights, rigging points or venue layouts change night to night. Stagemaker SL’s easy-to-adjust magnetic limit switches make layout adjustments quick and intuitive.
Production Companies
Production companies need hoists that work across many types of events: corporate, theatrical, broadcast, festivals and one-offs. In these environments, quiet cues, handling and fast integration matters. Stagemaker SL’s quiet operation and low reflectivity black chain make it a subtle and versatile entertainment motor choice for a wide variety of applications.
Permanent Installs
Permanent installations in theaters, houses of worship and amphitheaters require longevity and predictable operation. Stagemaker SL includes standard IP66 protection against dust and moisture as well as a standard D8+ safety rating for industry-leading performance and longevity.
Standard Features
This is where Stagemaker earns its reputation—features that directly translate to smoother days and safer nights.
D8+ Dual Brake Approach
In an entertainment chain hoist, braking redundancy matters. Stagemaker’s safety-forward dual-brake configuration during hoisting motion provides backup braking, helping teams feel confident during critical overhead lifts.
Reversible Chain Container
The reversible chain container makes it easier to switch between body up/body down configurations. For rental and touring teams, that means one hoist can adapt quickly to different rigging needs without slowing down the crew.
Quiet Operation
A truly quiet chain hoist reduces distraction during cues—especially in theater, corporate events and broadcast environments where mechanical noise is noticeable. Quiet operation isn’t just comfort; it’s professionalism.
Black Phosphate Chain
A black phosphate chain helps reduce glare under stage lighting, keeping the rig cleaner visually and less reflective on camera.
Quick-Release Chain Bag
A quick-release chain bag and retractable handgrips make day-to-day movement and setup more efficient. For crews, that’s less wrestling and more working—especially when timing is tight.
IP66 Hoist Protection
The new in-house brake design with nitrate plating and an IP66 rating offers protection against dust, moisture and unpredictable weather and conditions.
Optional Features
Single Brake (D8 safety rating)
Single brake options may be acceptable in some applications, providing greater flexibility and a smaller body size for users. This lowers the safety certification to D8.
Magnetic or Gear Limit Switches
Choice of upper and lower limit switch configurations. A magnetic limit switch is standard on all SL5 and SL10 models, and a rotary geared limit switch is available as an option.
Integration & Compatibility
Stagemaker motors are designed to fit into entertainment ecosystems with plug-and-play connectivity. Pigtail customization can be specified to match common production standards, such as dual twist-lock, SOCA 7-pin, P14 military-grade plug and bare wire. This means that if you are upgrading your hoist, you don’t have to upgrade your control system or spend time swapping out pigtail connectors.
In addition, this entertainment motor can be configured to be automation-ready and encoder-ready, supporting third-party automation systems. The goal is simple: integrate cleanly now and keep future options open.
Quick Selection Checklist
| Requirement | Feature | Benefit | Y/N |
| Safety Standard | D8+ and dual braking | Redundant braking and increase factor of safety | |
| Environment | IP66 protection | Protection against wind, dust & humidity | |
| Orientation | Body Up/Body Down Flexibility | Different rig points, trims & workflows without changing hoists | |
| Chain Management | Reversible chain container | Speeds configuration changes & helps crews keep load-in/pack-out efficient | |
| Chain Type | Black phosphate chain | Reduces glare and visual distraction under stage lighting and on camera | |
| Handling Speed | Quick-release chain bag / retractable handles | Faster handling and fewer slowdowns during touring and rental turnover | |
| Connectors Available | Dual twist-lock, SOCA 7-pin, P14 military grade plug and bare wire | Matching existing distro/cabling avoids adapters and speeds up integration | |
| Noise | Quiet operation | No distractions during performances. | |
| Futureproofing | Automation-ready and encoder-ready | Easy to integrate with outside controllers and other automation products. |
Contact Us Today
Have a question or want a quote? Contact Stagemaker by calling 937-328-5100 or by using our online form.