About me
Ed Leahy is head trainer and Cruise Ship Division manager at Chicago Flyhouse, Incorporated. In this role since 2015, Ed develops and implements rigging and safety training curriculum for entertainment technicians at theaters, universities, arenas, and other entertainment venues around the globe. During the pandemic, Chicago Flyhouse online training helped workers stay sharp, learn new skills, and work toward certification. Beyond training, Ed develops fall protection systems and documentation, writes technical manuals, conducts rigging inspections, and produces educational videos.
Before Chicago Flyhouse, Ed was technical director for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, supervising more than 150 shows, including national and international tours and transfer productions. He is an adjunct faculty member at The Theatre School of DePaul University, focusing on technical theater production. As an active member of USITT, Ed helps to promote and teach the Jay O. Glerum Rigging Master Classes in addition to presenting educational content at the annual conference. Ed serves on the Rigging Working Group (part of ESTA’s Technical Standards Program) helping to write and edit standards for the entertainment industry. He is an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre) and Recognized Trainer.
